Abstract

KUFNER, M. B.; GAVIER, G.  and  TAMBURINI, D.. Rodent communities of high pampas in the Sierras Grandes of Cordoba, Argentina. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2004, vol.3, n.1-2, pp.118-121. ISSN 1726-2216.

The composition of rodent communities, and their relative abundance and relationship with habitat structure, were studied in the high pampas of the Sierras Grandes, Córdoba, Argentina. Four sampling places were set: two in Pampa de San Luis at 1 900 m above sea level, a place with soft slopes covered by short and tall grasses and summer herbs. The two other sites were sharp and rocky, with tall and low grassland, near Cuchilla Nevada between 1 700 and 1 800 m above sea level. Grids of 20 Sherman traps distanced 10 m each, were activated during three consecutive nights, seasonally during 1997 and 2000. Vegetation cover was assessed as habitat descriptor. With a capture effort of 876 night traps, three species were registered: Akodon spegazzinii Thomas, 1897, Phyllotys xanthopygus (Waterhouse, 1837) y Oligoryzomys flavescens (Waterhouse, 1837). The relative abundance in the community was higher in winter and autumn, and in the first area that gathers more "friendly" characteristics. A. spegazzini uses habitat in a generalist way, while P. xantophygus prefers the rocky place. Overgrazing affects both, habitat and community. Our data and other authors' about rodents of Sierras Grandes Mountains, suggest a characteristic community structure above 1 700 m altitude.

Keywords : Rodent communities; High Pampas; Habitat; Sierras Grandes; Cordoba.

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