We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Suivi local d'une communauté de rongeurs dans la région de Lansarine au nord de la Tunisie : activité et distribution spatiale et temporelle des espèces.
- Authors
BEN IBRAHIM, Aymen; BEN SALEM, Imed; LABIDI, Imen; CHETOUI, M'barek; NOUIRA, Saïd
- Abstract
Rodents constitute a complex and heterogeneous group; they have a high proliferation and adaptation capacity. In Tunisia, we have identified 24 species, of which 18 belong to the family of Muridae which is the most diverse and most represented. We captured six species in Lansarine region located in the north of the country. The different sites selected in this region are intended to identify the maximum number of species colonizing this area, characterized by heterogeneous physical and climatic conditions that determine the distribution and structure of rodent populations. This study is based on field observations and diversity indices that have shown that the heterogeneity of an ecosystem is often accompanied by high species richness, as is the case in the Lansarine region, the presence of agricultural areas and the density of vegetation cover create food reserves throughout the year and favourable habitats for different species. The number of specimens captured varies from one season to another. According to a decreasing gradient of altitudes, each species has chosen a suitable area for itself. Small species are distributed to reduce inter-specific competition with larger species. Lemniscomys barbarous is diurnal, so it does not interfere with other species; the rhythm of its activity is limited to dawn and dusk. For nocturnal animals that prefer darkness, the natural light of the moon can be a factor allowing or limiting the movement of individuals. We have noticed that the temporal distribution of these species is influenced by the phases of the moon. Open habitat species have chosen the dark phases of the moon that offer better protection against predators, unlike species in closed areas, such as the Norway rat, which prefers strong moon light, which gives it better vision during the night. As a consequence, spatio-temporal segregation between species decreases interspecific competition.
- Publication
Ecologia Mediterranea, 2019, Vol 45, Issue 1, p67
- ISSN
0153-8756
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.3406/ecmed.2019.2076