Efficiency of fluorescent powder tracking for studying use of space by small mammals in an African rainforest

Authors: Nicolas, Violaine; Colyn, Marc¹

Source: African Journal of Ecology, Volume 45, Number 4, December 2007 , pp. 577-580(4)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of a fluorescent powder tracking technique for studying the use of space by nocturnal small mammals in an African rainforest. We examined 53 trails of 40 individuals (34 small rodents and six shrews). This method of small mammal tracking is less efficient in rainforest than in drier habitats, because rainfall and relative humidity adversely affect the traceability of the powder trail. Moreover, following a trail is time consuming, because of the density of the rainforest undergrowth. Despite these difficulties, this technique provides interesting data on vertical use of habitat by small mammals, the localization of their shelters and their microhabitat use.

Keywords: fluorescent powder; Gabon; microhabitat; rainforest; rodent; shrew; small mammal tracking

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2028.2007.00771.x

Affiliations: 1: Université de Rennes 1, UMR CNRS 6552, Station Biologique, 35380 Paimpont, France

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