伊豆鳥島のクマネズミ(Rattus rattus)のすみ場と習性〔英文〕

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Habitats and habits, especially food and nests, of roof ratRattus rattuson Torishima are discussed in relation to its possible damage to endangeredDiomedea albatrus. The rats inhabit mainly the northwest grassy area of 0.7 km2. Evidence of their existence was also found in poorly vegetated nesting area ofD. albatrus. Predominant vegetations were herbs and grasses less than 50-60cm tall. Though essentially arboreal or semi-arboreal, the rats were active on the ground, and seemed to nest mainly in volcanic ash, modifying the burrows of crabs. Leaves, stalks, seeds and other plant materials (88.6% in vol.) formed their main food. However, this simple flora and its crop are affected by such single factor as the weather. When the leaves die out, the rats would attack albatross chicks.