The Ecology Of Praomys Albipes (ruppell 1842) In The Menagesha State Forest Ethiopia

The composition, abundance and distribution of the rodentrnfauna in the Menagesha State Forest, Ethiopia was investigatedrnwith particular emphasis on the ecology of the endemic Praomysrnalbipes. Both snap and live-trapping surveys were conducted tornassess the species composition, activity patterns, reproduction,rnembryo sizes, weight and feeding habits of P.albipes.rnThe snap-trapping surveys from November 1991 to July 1993rnat different vegetation zones revealed the following rodents:rnPraomys albipes, Pelomys harringtoni, Lophuromys flavopunctatus,rnIrnirnMus mahomet, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Rattus rattus, Otomys typus,rnStenocephalemys griseicauda and Dendromus mystacalis. A total ofrn293 rodents were captured during the snap-trapping surveys.rnP.albipes comprised 54.3 % of the total catch followed by Pelomysrnharringtoni ( 15.4 %), L.flavopunctatus ( 11.2%) and M.mahometrn( 10.9%). The remaining five species comprised only 8.2%.rnP.albipes and L.flavopunctatus were distributed within anrnaltitudinal range from 2200-3300m asl, occurring in bush, forestrnand Erica scrub. Pelomys harringtoni and M.mahomet were commonrnin Erica scrub and bushy vegetation respectively. P.albipes isrnexclusively nocturnal. From snap-trapping , live-trapping andrncaptive breeding programmes, reproductively active males withrnscrotal testes were observed throughout the year and the testes,rnonce scrotal , remained so throughout life. Females breed

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