Population ecology of Tatera leucogaster (Rodentia) in southern Zambia

A population of bush gerbils, Tatera leucogaster Peters, near Livingstone in southern Zambia was studied from January 1974 to December 1976. The population went through a peak, decline and was in a low phase at the end of the study. Prior to and during the peak phase in 1974 the breeding season lasted for nine months but during the year of decline breeding occurred for only four months. There was also a decline in the reproductive effort of subadults and adults during the year of decreasing numbers. The sex ratio was significantly biased for females prior to realization of peak numbers. Post‐weaning mortality had the strongest impact on changes in numbers. Post‐weaning and later survival was very good (over 60 %) during the population peak but was poor (under 40%) during the decline phase.