Breeding patterns of Arvicanthis neumanni in central Tanzania

African Journal of Ecology 2007; 46:320-324The breeding pattern of the grass rat, Arvicanthis neumanni, was investigated in central Tanzania in 2002 ⁄ 2003. Nine hundred and forty-seven animals were captured in three age groups: juveniles, sub adults and adults. These age groups were present in the population for an extended duration, but there was an increase in the number of sexually active individuals and juveniles 2–3 months after the onset of the rains (December 2002–May 2003). A peak in reproductive activity occurred between January and April. Litter size ranged between 5.58 ± 0.42 and 6.1 ± 0.26 in two study sites. There were no significant differences in the number of embryos implanted in the right and left horns of the uterus of pregnant females (t 22 = 0, P > 0.05 and t 36 = 1.68, P > 0.05, respec- tively). Sex ratio of A. neumanni was not skewed to either males or females. Breeding was seasonal and seemed to be associated with seasonal variations in primary productiv- ity, which relates to rainfall patterns

Diversity and distribution of rodent and shrew species associated with variations in altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mammalia 2008; 77: 178-185A total of 750 rodents and shrews were trapped in sev- eral sites on Mount (Mt.) Kilimanjaro and in two lowland sites between October 2002 and August 2003. Species diversity variations with altitude and their distribution were established. Diversity of species varied with vege- tation type, being highest in the forest and lowest in the lowland areas. The distribution patterns and species diversity of the rodents and shrews were also influenced by habitat complexity and heterogeneity. Species rich- ness was higher in the forest compared to the other areas. The study generally shows that the Mt. Kilimanjaro has high rodent and shrew species diversity and richness.SUA - VLI

Diversity and distribution of rodent and shrew species associated with variations in altitude on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mammalia 2008; 77: 178-185A total of 750 rodents and shrews were trapped in sev- eral sites on Mount (Mt.) Kilimanjaro and in two lowland sites between October 2002 and August 2003. Species diversity variations with altitude and their distribution were established. Diversity of species varied with vege- tation type, being highest in the forest and lowest in the lowland areas. The distribution patterns and species diversity of the rodents and shrews were also influenced by habitat complexity and heterogeneity. Species rich- ness was higher in the forest compared to the other areas. The study generally shows that the Mt. Kilimanjaro has high rodent and shrew species diversity and richness.SUA - VLI

Potential mammalian reservoirs in a bubonic plague outbreak focus in Mbulu District, northern Tanzania, in 2007

This study investigated mammalian involvement in an outbreak of bubonic plague in Mbulu District, northern Tanzania, in March 2007. Plague is a rodent-borne zoo- notic disease that spreads to humans through fleas infected with Yersinia pestis. Live trapping of rodents and shrews was conducted in fallow and crop fields, peri- domestic areas, houses and the neighboring forest reserve. Serum was separated from blood of captured animals. A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was used for diag- nosis of plague infection. An ELISA technique was used to detect antibodies against Yersinia pestis fraction 1 antigen. Wild and commensal rodents tested positive by RDT, indicating current infection in clinically healthy ani- mals. The ELISA showed that wild rodents (Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Praomys delectorum, Graphiurus muri- nus, Lemniscomys striatus) and commensal rats (Rattus rattus, Mastomys natalensis, Mus minutoides) were Y. pestis-positive. Two potential vectors, Xenopsylla brasi- liensis and Dinopsyllus lypusus, were found on wild and commensal rodents with a flea index of 1.8. We conclude that diverse potential mammalian reservoirs and efficient vectors of Y. pestis are present in abundance in Dongo- besh and could lead to persistence and future plague outbreaks

Comparative assessment on rodent impacts and cultural perceptions of ecologically based rodent management in 3 Afro-Malagasy farming regions

Rodents generate negative consequences for smallholder farmers in Africa that directly impact household and livestock damage, food security, and public health. Ecologically Based Rodent Management (EBRM) seeks sustainable solutions for the mitigation of rodent damage through assessments of rodent population dynamics, agro-ecosystems, and socio-cultural contexts. We adopt a comparative approach across 3 rural Afro-Malagasy smallholder farming regions in South Africa, Tanzania, and Madagascar to assess the household impacts of rodent pests and current perceptions and preferences associated with several rodent control measures. We conducted focus group questionnaires and interviews in different study site locations. Rodents assert multiple impacts on Afro-Malagasy farmers demonstrating recurrent and emerging agricultural and household costs, and public health impacts. We identify a significant knowledge gap in educating communities about the application of different EBRM approaches in favor of acute poisons that are perceived to be more effective. Cultural issues and taboos also have a significant impact on the social acceptance of rodent hunting as well as biological control using indigenous predators. We advocate for an enhanced investigation of the socio-cultural beliefs associated with different rodent practices to understand the factors underlying social acceptance. A collaborative approach that integrates the perspectives of target communities to inform the design of EBRM initiatives according to the specific agro-ecosystem and socio-cultural context is necessary to ensure programmatic success