Activity patterns and burrowing ecology of the giant pouched rat (<i>Cricetomys emini</i>) in Tshuapa Province, D. R. Congo

Abstract

Rodents of the genus <i>Cricetomys</i> have been reported to be nocturnal with a bimodal activity pattern and to frequently change burrows. However, no studies to date have examined these ecological aspects with the use of radio-telemetry. Five <i>C. emini</i> were captured and radio-collared to study their activity patterns and burrowing ecology from 9 March to 15 April 2016. Nocturnal activity ranged between the hours of 18:00 and 05:00 with a probable reduction of activities between 20:00-23:00 and around 04:00 with diurnal activity between 06:00 and 17:00 h with a reduction of activity between 11:00 and 14:00. While the present study does confirm nocturnal activity and a bimodal pattern, this study also suggests greater diurnal activity as compared to previous studies. Additionally, data presented here also suggest that <i>C</i>. <i>emini</i> may not change burrows as frequently as previously reported.