Distribution of small rodents [Gliridae, Dipodidae, Gerbillinae, Murinae and Dendromurinae] in Senegal
1997
Duplantier, J.M. | Ba, K. (ORSTOM, Montpellier (France). Programme Eau et Sante) | Granjon, L.
More than thirty species of small rodents (Gliridae, Dipodidae, Gerbillinae, Murinae and Dendromurinae) have been recorded in Senegal. Only one species (Mastomys erythroleucus) is present in all parts of the country. The distributions of other species are generally well correlated with the different phytogeographic and climatic zones of the country. They can be classified into six main categories: Sahelo-saharian (Jaculus jaculus, Gerbillus henleyi and Gerbillus sp.); Sahelian (Desmodilliscus braueri); Sahelo-soudanian (Taterillus gracilis, T. pygargus, Arvicanthis niloticus); Soudanian (Graphiurus murinus, Tatera gambiana, T. guineae, Myomys daltoni, Lemniscomys barbarus, Rattus rattus); Soudano-guinean (Praomys tullbergi, Thamnomys buntingi, Uranomys ruddi, Arvicanthis sp., Mastomys huberti); Guinean (Dasymysincomtus, Mastomys natalensis). Some particular cases are also considered, for most of which more data are needed to precise the distribution (Steatomys cuppedius, S. caurinus, Mus (Nannomys) spp.) or even confirm the presence in Senegal (Lemniscomys linulus, Graphiurus hueti). Recent progress in systematics, resulting from karyological and electrophoretical methods, has allowed us to clarify some distributions of sibling species. The distribution of commensal species is presented and discussed. Also, the consequences (enlargement of distribution areas and arrival of new species) on the rodent community of the alteration of biotopes associated to drought and/or human activities during these last years are commented.
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