Production et consommation de graines en milieu sahélo-soudanien au Sénégal. — Les rongeurs

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Abstract
The diet of Mastomys erythroleucus and of Taterillus gracilis in Bandia (Senegal), from July 1978-Oct. 1979 is described. Their diet is primarily granivorous, with a clear preferance for energy-rich seeds, and arthropods such as termites which are consumed throughout the year. Although Cassia tora is the most common herbaceous plant in Bandia understory, its seeds are nerver foraged by any rodents. In 1980, a dramatic increase in densities was observed after several months characterized by a diet particularly rich in grass-seeds, composite-seeds, termites and caterpillars. The trophic impact of these 2 granivorous species varied greatly from year-year, depending on their population density: from 1-15% of the herbaceous seed production was consumed by rodents during the 3 yr study.