The Breeding Season of the Multimammate Mouse Praomys ( Mastomys ) Natalensis (A. Smith) in the Transvaal Highveld

Abstract

The multimammate mouse is one of the commonest and most widespread rodents in Africa. Not only is it an agricultural pest during periods of population explosions but, partly because of its semi-domestic habits, it also plays an important role in the spread of plague in Africa. In the Sierra Leone multimammate mouse a possible correlation existed between rainfall and breeding season. A relationship between breeding season and rainfall was also found in Katanga, and in the Rukwa area of Tanganyika. These studies all indicate a short break in breeding during the dry season.