Factors affecting selection of native seeds in two species of Australian desert rodents

Authors: Murray B.R.; Dickman C.R.

Source: Journal of Arid Environments, Volume 35, Number 3, 1997 , pp. 517-526(10)

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Abstract:

The preferences for different species of native seeds by two species of Australian desert rodents, the sandy inland mouse, Pseudomys hermannsburgensis , and the spinifex hopping-mouse Notomys alexis , were investigated. In two sets of cafeteria trials providing low and high numbers of different seed species, both rodent species showed discrimination, preferentially consuming certain seed species, while avoiding others. In one of the two trials, P. hermannsburgensis selected seeds with the highest free water content, while N. alexis showed no clear mechanism of seed choice in either trial. It is suggested that although both species of rodents are omnivorous, P. hermannsburgensis relies more on seeds than does N. alexis , and is thus the more efficient seed harvester.

Keywords: rodent; Simpson Desert; cafeteria trial; seed consumption; Pseudomys; Notomys

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, N.S.W., 2006, Australia

Publication date: 1997-01-01