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The Population Biology of Hawaiian Rodents: Demographic Parameters
Author(s) -
Tamarin Robert H.,
Malecha Spencer R.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1937622
Subject(s) - biology , subtropics , rodent , ecology , population density , range (aeronautics) , population , productivity , zoology , demography , materials science , macroeconomics , sociology , economics , composite material
This study reports the results of a 13—month live—trap study of two rat species, Rattus rattus, the roof rat, and R. exulans, the Polynesian rat, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Rats in Hawaii undergo yearly density and reproductive cycles. Reproductive activity reaches a peak in late summer when numbers are low. This is followed by high recruitment, increase in numbers, and then cessation of reproductive activity in middle to late winter. Peak density occurs later in the winter in R. exaluns than in R. rattus. Survival has an inverse relationship with density and movement data confirm a limited home range in both species. The data from our populations confirm a Hawaiian rodent cycle that is unique in the tropical and subtropical Pacific. The Hawaiian populations have relatively low productivity and survival. Comparative data seem to indicate that the relative densities of these populations are lower than others in the Pacific. Delayed maturation in females partially accounts for lower productivity in these species.