A population study of small rodents in a dry sub-humid grassland in Kenya

Estimates were made of rodent longevity, population biomass and production in a dry sub-humid grassland area in Kenya, The results were based on a live-trapping study made over a 27-month period. During this time fourteen species of rodents and four species of insectivores were recorded from the area of the trapping grid. The most numerous species werePraomys natalensis, Mus triton, Mus minutoidesandLemniscomys striatus. Breeding took place in both wet seasons, coinciding with peaks in rodent populations. Densities ranged from 6.6 ha-1to 52.4 ha-1, and estimates of net annual production varied from 5485 g ha-1year-1to 7221 g ha-1year-1. Rodent populations appear to turn over every six to nine months. The results are discussed in relation to studies in other tropical grassland areas of Africa.