Home range and use of space in Zygodontomys lasiurus (Cricetidae, Rodentia) in the cerrado of central Brazil

Abstract

Space utilization and distribution of free ranging Zygodontomys lasiurus (=Bolomys lasiurus) was studied on a 1.3 hectare grid in a natural cerrado habitat in Brasilia, Brazil, using a live-trapping procedure. There were five separate survey periods. Densities found were 14, 13, 12, 11, and 9 (mean = 11.80 ± 1.92 so) individuals per hectare. Home range sizes varied from 200 to 2500 m2, most of the adult animals occupying an area of 800 m2 (N = 24, mean = 884.16 ± 607.24 so). Animals were uniformly distrib- uted within the area. Home ranges of adult males overlapped with those of adult females more than with other groups. Adult males had more exculsive space when compared to other individuals in the population.