The comparative ecology of two small mammal communities in the Kruger National Park

Abstract

Smal 1 mammal and vegetation communities in the Marula/Knobthorn savanna (MKN) and Acacia welwitschii woodland (ACW) landscapes of the Kruger National Park were monitored through 13 months of drought and 10 months of post-drought conditions. Small mammal community dynamics, and population dynamics of Saccostomus campestris, Praomys coucha, and Praomys natalensis were examined. Body condition and the influence of vegetation communities and microhabitat availability on community and population regulation were assessed. During the drought, diversity was high while density was low (<4 a/h) in both habitats. Extrinsic regulation through food and predators is suggested. High density and individual growth occurred in both habitats in the early post-drought. By late post drought, ACW diversity was high but low in MKN. Density and individual growth increased in MKN but not in ACW. Intrinsic regulation by limited breeding season, and extrinsic regulation by food, in each landscape respectively, are suggested. A model of the effects of drought on the food supply in each habitat is proposed.