Régime alimentaire des rongeurs myomorphes de forêt équatoriale (région de M’Baiki, République Centrafricaine)

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Abstract
The diet of 14 spp. of small rodents of the dense forest edge was studied for 2 yr by analysis of stomach contents, by direct observation of rodents during day and night periods of activity with the help of radio-tracking, by offering captive rodents as large a choice as possible of fallen fruits, and by observations of gnawing of fallen fruits during different seasons. This last approach entailed a study of the fruiting periods of species of the dense humid Central African forest which were compared to those of other equatorial forests. Myomorph rodents in this region seem to have little chance of contributing to the dispersion of plant species. Most of these dense forest rodents seem more or less insectivorous with the exception of Thamnomys rutilans, Cenomys hypoxanthus (by far the most herbivorous) and Stochomys longicaudatus (almost completely frugivorous). Malacomys longipes, which lives only beside water, is partly frugivorous and partly insectivorous. Hylomyscus [H. stella, H. aeta and H. parvus] and Praomys tullbergi minor are fairly frugivorous while P. lukolelae is entirely insectivorous. Hybomys univittatus, which is very selective about the fruits it eats, consumes insects whenever possible. Lophuromys silkapusi adds several fruits to its diet of insects. Lemniscomys striatus is an omnivore like Mus setulosus but more insectivorous than the latter. Deomys ferrugineus is insectivorous although it also eats some leaves, while Prionomys batesi is strictly insectivorous, eating only ants. The small myomorph rodents of the equatorial forest, which have for the most part a fairly selective diet, do not compete to any extent with each other or with other vertebrates. This enables them to avoid extensive journeys to find food whatever the season of the year.

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