The ecology of Rattus fuscipes and Melomys cervinipes (Rodentia : Muridaae) in a south-east Queensland rain forest

Abstract

Quantitative data were collected on population size and structure, mortality, growth, movements, and activity during a 3-yr live-trapping study. Both species maintained relatively stable population levels with seasonal peaks related to the duration of the breeding season. R. fuscipes commenced breeding in November, M. cervinipes in September each year. In both species the breeding season was of variable duration from year to year. The average litter size for R. fuscipes was 4.4, and for M. cevvinipes 1.8. A few individuals of each sex in both species survived to a second breeding season. Both species were strictly nocturnal. R. fuscipes rarely left the forest floor, but M. cevvinipes showed considerable arboreal activity. Movements and ranges of male R, ~ K S C @ ~ S were larger than those of females; there was little difference between the sexes in M, cevvinipes. There appeared to be some nomadic movements in the adult R. fuscipes population. The M. cevvinipes population appeared to be relatively sedentary.