The effect of supplementary food on the home range of the multimammate mouse Mastomys natalensis
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Published source details
Monadjem A. & Perrin M.R. (1998) The effect of supplementary food on the home range of the multimammate mouse Mastomys natalensis. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 28, 1-3.
Published source details Monadjem A. & Perrin M.R. (1998) The effect of supplementary food on the home range of the multimammate mouse Mastomys natalensis. South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 28, 1-3.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival Action Link |
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Provide supplementary food to increase reproduction/survival
A replicated, controlled study in 1995–1996 in a grassland in Middleveld, eSwatini (Monadjem & Perrin 1998) found that multimammate mice Mastomys natalensis provided with supplementary food had similar home range sizes and distance between captures to unfed mice. The average home ranges of 66 multimammate mice provided with supplementary food (600–923 m2) did not differ significantly from those of nine unfed mice (838–960 m2). Similarly, average distances between captures of mice provided with supplementary food (20–21 m) did not differ significantly from those of unfed mice (25–28 m). In May 1995, three 100 × 100-m plots were established in a natural grassland. Supplementary food (4 kg of rolled oats and 4 kg of rabbit pellets) was provided monthly, from July 1995 to May 1996, in two plots. No supplementary food was added to the third plot. From June 1995 to May 1996 mice were surveyed monthly using 100 Elliot and Sherman live traps/plot. Traps were set 10 m apart, on three consecutive nights/month. Mice were individually toe-clipped and weighed when captured. Only individuals captured at least five times were used to calculate home range sizes.
(Summarised by: Ricardo Rocha)
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