Global Parasite and Rattus Rodent Invasions

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Global Parasite and Rattus Rodent Invasions Integrative Zoology 2015; 10: 409–423 doi: 10.1111/1749-4877.12143 1 REVIEW 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 Global parasite and Rattus rodent invasions: The consequences 7 8 8 9 for rodent-borne diseases 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 Serge MORAND,1,2 Frédéric BORDES,3 Hsuan-Wien CHEN,4 Julien CLAUDE,3 Jean-François 13 14 5,6 5 7 7 3,8 14 15 COSSON, Maxime GALAN, Gábor Á CZIRJÁK, Alex D GREENWOOD, Alice LATINNE, 15 16 Johan MICHAUX1,8 and Alexis RIBAS9 16 17 17 1 18 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifque (CNRS)-Centre de coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le 18 19 Développement (CIRAD) Animal et Gestion Intégrée des Risques, Centre d’Infectiologie Christophe Mérieux du Laos, Vientiane, 19 20 Lao PDR, 2Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, 3Institut des 20 21 Sciences de l’Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifque (CNRS)-Université de Montpellier-Institut de Recherche 21 22 pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France, 4Department of Biological Resources, National Chiayi University, Chiayi 22 23 City, Taiwan, China, 5Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Centre de Biologie et de Gestion des Populations, 23 24 Baillarguet, France, 6Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), UMR Biologie et Immunologie Parasitaire Agence 24 25 25 Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’Alimentation, de l’Environnement et du Travail ses, Maisons-Alfort, France, 7Leibniz Institute 26 26 for Zoo and Wildlife Research. Department of Wildlife Diseases, 10315 Berlin, Germany, 8Conservation Genetics Unit. University 27 27 9 28 of Liège 4000 Liège, Belgium and Biodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Science, Udon Thani Rajabhat University, Udon Thani, 28 29 Thailand 29 30 30 31 Abstract 31 32 32 33 We summarize the current knowledge on parasitism-related invasion processes of the globally invasive Rattus 33 34 lineages, originating from Asia, and how these invasions have impacted the local epidemiology of rodent-borne 34 35 diseases. Parasites play an important role in the invasion processes and successes of their hosts through multi- 35 36 ple biological mechanisms such as “parasite release,” “immunocompetence advantage,” “biotic resistance” and 36 37 “novel weapon.” Parasites may also greatly increase the impact of invasions by spillover of parasites and other 37 38 pathogens, introduced with invasive hosts, into new hosts, potentially leading to novel emerging diseases. An- 38 39 other potential impact is the ability of the invader to amplify local parasites by spillback. In both cases, local 39 40 fauna and humans may be exposed to new health risks, which may decrease biodiversity and potentially cause 40 41 increases in human morbidity and mortality. Here we review the current knowledge on these processes and pro- 41 42 pose some research priorities. 42 43 43 Key words: biological invasion, immunocompetence, parasite release, spillback, spillover 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 47 48 Correspondence: Serge Morand, Centre d’Infectiologie INTRODUCTION 48 Christophe Mérieux du Laos, PO Box 3888, Samsenthai Road, 49 Emerging infectious diseases share several patterns 49 Vientiane, Lao PDR. 50 and processes with free-living invasive organisms. How- 50 51 Email: [email protected] 51 © 2015 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/ 409 Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd S. Morand et al. 1 ever, host–parasite (in a broad sense including macro colonized ecosystems in different ways (Courchamp et 1 2 microparasites and microparasites) interactions are more al. 2003; Banks & Hughes 2012) and can also have eco- 2 3 complex due to interactions operating at the level of the nomic impacts. Moreover, these species display suffi- 3 4 individual (e.g. life-history trait, defense and virulence), cient ecological differences that they would be expected 4 5 population (e.g. dynamics and disease regulation), com- to interact differently with local small mammal commu- 5 6 munity (e.g. co-interactive networks of parasitism, com- nities (Courchamp et al. 2003; SingLeton et al. 2007). 6 7 petition and predation) and ecosystem (e.g. parasites in All these Rattus species have radically and explosive- 7 8 food webs, and disease spread within habitat connectivi- ly expanded their geographic range as a consequence of 8 9 ty). human activities. Interestingly, all of these rodents orig- 9 10 Parasites play an important role in the invasion pro- inated in Asia, and they can be found in sympatry in 10 11 cesses and successes of their hosts through multiple bio- many localities, even far from their original distribution 11 12 logical mechanisms, such as “parasite release” (Torchin (Bastos et al. 2011; Blanks & Hugues 2012; Lack et al. 12 13 13 et al. 2003), “immunocompetence advantage” (Møller 2012) due to their synanthropic behavior (Khlyap & 14 14 & Cassey 2004), “biotic resistance” (Britton 2012), and Warshavsky 2010; McFarlane et al. 2012). As these rat 15 15 “novel weapon” (Strauss et al. 2012), among others species are closely associated with humans, the timing 16 16 (Prenter et al. 2004; BeLL et al. 2009; Dunn 2009; KeL- of their invasion is related to current and historical glob- 17 17 ly et al. 2009; Morand et al. 2010). Parasites may also al trade. 18 greatly increase the impact of invasions through spill- 18 Rodents are recognized as hosts of at least 60 zoo- 19 over of parasites/pathogens into new hosts, potential- 19 notic diseases that represent a serious threat to human 20 ly leading to novel emerging diseases and/or the emer- 20 21 gence of already known diseases in new geographic health (Meerburg et al. 2009; Luis et al. 2013; Chai- 21 22 areas (Hulme 2014). A second local potential impact is siri et al. 2015). Historically, Asian rodents of the ge- 22 23 the ability of the invader to amplify local parasites by nus Rattus have been implicated in the emergence and 23 24 spillback. Spillover and local acquisition of parasites spread of infectious diseases of importance to human 24 25 and pathogens have important consequences for ecolog- health such as plague, murine typhus, scrub typhus, lep- 25 26 ical systems, wildlife and domestic species (Wood et al. tospirosis and hantavirus hemorrhagic fever, among oth- 26 27 2012). In both cases, local fauna and humans may be ers (Kosoy et al. 2015). They can cause considerable 27 28 exposed to new or elevated health risks (Hatcher et al. economic loss (Stenseth et al. 2003; SingLeton et al. 28 29 2012). 2010; John 2014) and have great impact on biodiversity 29 30 30 Few host–parasite systems permit an overall view of (Atkinson 1985; Lowe et al. 2001; Wyatt et al. 2008). 31 31 the consequences of biological invasions at multiple lev- Our aims are to review the ecological and biologi- 32 32 els of biological organization, at different global scales cal knowledge on Rattus invaders and the consequences 33 33 and linking risks of emerging diseases. Invasive rodents of their invasion success on rodent-borne diseases and, 34 34 are one of the few models that allow such a comprehen- based on this review, to emphasize gaps in knowledge 35 35 sive scalable analysis to be performed. Among the nu- and recommend some future research priorities. 36 36 merous species within Rattus (66 species according to 37 37 Musser & Carlton 2005), the Norway or brown rat Rat- 38 PARASITES IN THE INVASION 38 tus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769), the black or roof rat 39 39 Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758), and the Asian black rat PROCESSES: CAUSES AND LIKELY 40 40 Rattus tanezumi Temminck, 1844 have colonized urban 41 CONSEQUENCES 41 ecosystems globally (Aplin et al. 2011). A fourth inva- 42 42 sive species, the Pacifc rat Rattus exulans (Peale, 1848) Biotic invasions are often compared to epidemics as 43 43 is limited to tropical Asia-Pacific areas. Finally, oth- several important factors in disease epidemiology are 44 44 er species in the group [Rattus argentiventer (Robinson common to invasion biology (Mack et al. 2000): the 45 45 and Kloss, 1916], Rattus nitidus (Hodgson, 1845) and chance of establishment, the minimum population size 46 46 Rattus tiomanicus (Miller, 1900) have shown an expan- necessary for establishment in the invaded habitat, the 47 47 sion associated with human activities but to a less geo- population growth and the fate of interacting species in 48 48 graphical extent (Aplin et al. 2003). It is well known the new range (Drake 2003). These factors are the core 49 49 that, once introduced, all these species can strongly in- of the invasion process, which has been defned as a se- 50 50 teract with indigenous fauna and fora, and can alter the quence of 3 steps: introduction, initial establishment and 51 51 410 © 2015 International Society of Zoological Sciences, Institute of Zoology/ Chinese Academy of Sciences and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd Global parasite and Rattus invasions 1 spread (Williamson 1996; Kolar & Lodge 2001; Facon parasites in the introduced range; any co-introduced par- 1 2 et al. 2006; Fig. 1). asites may be useful for the control of native hosts by 2 3 The first step, introduction, is associated to the dis- spillover, which may have few opportunities for invest- 3 4 persal ability of the species, although introduction is ment in defense, especially if living on islands (Hoch- 4 5 mainly dependent on human activities. The second step, berg & Møller 2001). Fourth, in the absence of parasites 5 6 initial establishment, depends mainly on the fate of in- in the invaded localities, invasive species can reallocate 6 7 teraction with the local environmental characteristics. energetic resources from unnecessary costly defenses 7 8 The last step, spread or population growth, clearly de- into ftness (e.g.
Recommended publications
  • Rodent Identification and Signs of Stowaways Key Features of UK Target Rodents
    FROM RSPB BIOSECURITY MANUAL CHAPTER 2: RODENT SURVEILLANCE & IDENTIFICATION Rodent identification and signs of stowaways Key features of UK target rodents Black rat Brown rat House mouse FROM RSPB BIOSECURITY MANUAL CHAPTER 2: RODENT SURVEILLANCE & IDENTIFICATION Identifying rodent droppings Rodent droppings can be very variable (depending on diet), including in colour, but as a guide: Brown rat Black rat House mouse -13-19mm long, -7-14mm long -4-8mm long -3-4mm thick -3-4mm thick -2mm thick -Rounded ends, one end may go to -Tapered ends -Small and thin a point (as pictured) -Often slightly curved -A bit like grains of rice -Likely to contain fur -Likely to contain fur -Strong smell of ammonia. -Often located in latrines along tracks, at feeding sites and on prominent rocks Figure 2.9 Droppings of UK invasive rodents. Images: taken from Morton & Cole 2013 Rabbit or goat droppings be mistaken for rat droppings, though they are usually more spherical (particularly rabbit) and uniform. Goat droppings may be more cylindrical but with flatter or round, rather than tapered ends. Breaking up droppings should help (wear gloves): rabbit and goat droppings just contain vegetation, whereas rat droppings are likely to contain fur and a range of food stuffs. Shrew droppings – typically 2-4mm long and 1-2mm thick, these should be smaller than rat or mouse droppings. However, evidence from St Agnes and Gugh (Isles of Scilly) shows shrew droppings can be much larger than this. They are of a sandy consistency and are largely comprised of insect remains, whereas rodent droppings generally contain a wider array of food sources.
    [Show full text]
  • BANDICOTA INDICA, the BANDICOOT RAT 3.1 The
    CHAPTER THREE BANDICOTA INDICA, THE BANDICOOT RAT 3.1 The Living Animal 3.1.1 Zoology Rats and mice (family Muridae) are the most common and well-known rodents, not only of the fi elds, cultivated areas, gardens, and storage places but especially so of the houses. Though there are many genera and species, their general appearance is pretty the same. Rats are on average twice as large as mice (see Chapter 31). The bandicoot is the largest rat on the Indian subcontinent, with a body and head length of 30–40 cm and an equally long tail; this is twice as large as the black rat or common house rat (see section 3.1.2 below). This large size immediately distinguishes the bandicoot from other rats. Bandicoots have a robust form, a rounded head, large rounded or oval ears, and a short, broad muzzle. Their long and naked scaly tail is typical of practically all rats and mice. Bandicoots erect their piles of long hairs and grunt when excited. Bandicoots are found practically on the whole of the subcontinent from the Himalayas to Cape Comorin, including Sri Lanka, but they are not found in the deserts and the semi-arid zones of north-west India. Here, they are replaced by a related species, the short-tailed bandicoot (see section 3.1.2 below). The bandicoot is essentially parasitic on man, living in or about human dwellings. They cause a lot of damage to grounds and fl oorings because of their burrowing habits; they also dig tunnels through bricks and masonry.
    [Show full text]
  • On Christmas Island. the Presence of Trypanosoma in Cats and Rats (From All Three Locations) and Leishmania
    Invasive animals and the Island Syndrome: parasites of feral cats and black rats from Western Australia and its offshore islands Narelle Dybing BSc Conservation Biology, BSc Biomedical Science (Hons) A thesis submitted to Murdoch University to fulfil the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the discipline of Biomedical Science 2017 Author’s Declaration I declare that this thesis is my own account of my research and contains as its main content work that has not previously been submitted for a degree at any tertiary education institution. Narelle Dybing i Statement of Contribution The five experimental chapters in this thesis have been submitted and/or published as peer reviewed publications with multiple co-authors. Narelle Dybing was the first and corresponding author of these publications, and substantially involved in conceiving ideas and project design, sample collection and laboratory work, data analysis, and preparation and submission of manuscripts. All publication co-authors have consented to their work being included in this thesis and have accepted this statement of contribution. ii Abstract Introduced animals impact ecosystems due to predation, competition and disease transmission. The effect of introduced infectious disease on wildlife populations is particularly pronounced on islands where parasite populations are characterised by increased intensity, infra-community richness and prevalence (the “Island Syndrome”). This thesis studied parasite and bacterial pathogens of conservation and zoonotic importance in feral cats from two islands (Christmas Island, Dirk Hartog Island) and one mainland location (southwest Western Australia), and in black rats from Christmas Island. The general hypothesis tested was that Island Syndrome increases the risk of transmission of parasitic and bacterial diseases introduced/harboured by cats and rats to wildlife and human communities.
    [Show full text]
  • Atoll Research Bulletin No. 182 the Murine Rodents
    ATOLL RESEARCH BULLETIN NO. 182 THE MURINE RODENTS RATTUS RATTUS, EXULANS, AND NORVEGICUS AS AVIAN PREDATORS by F. I. Norman Issued by THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION Washington, D.C., U.S.A. January 15,1975 Contents Page Introduction 1 References to Predation by Rats 3 Apterygiformes 3 Procellariiformes 3 Pelicaniformes 4 Ciconiiformes 4 Ans eriformes Gallif ormes Charadriiformes Columbiformes Psittaciformes Passeriformes lliscussion References THE MURINE RODENTS RATTUS RATTUS, EXULANS, AND NORVEGICUS AS AVIAN PREDATORS by F. I. Norman-1 / INTRODUCTION Few mammals have adventitiously accompanied man around the world more than members of the Murinae and of these, the most ubiquitous must surely be the --Rattus group. Three species, R. rattus Linn., R. norvegicus Berkenhout, and R. exulans T~eale),have been h~storically associated with-man, and their present distribution reflects such associations. Thus although -R. exulans is generally distributed through the Pacific region, -R. rattus and norvegicus are almost worldwide in distribution, having originated presumably in Asia Minor, as did exulans (walker 1964.). All have invaded, with man's assistance, habitats which previously did not include them, and they have developed varying degrees of commensalism with man. Neither --rattus nor norvegicus has entered antarctic ecosystems, but Law and Burstall (1956) recorded their presence on subantarctic Macquarie Island. Kenyon (1961) and Schiller (1956), however, have shown that norvegicus has become established in the arctic where localised populations are dependent on refuse as a food source during the winter. More frequently, reports bave been made of the over-running of islands by these alien rats. Tristan da Cunha is one such example (Elliott 1957; Holdgate 1960), and Dampier found rattus to be common on Ascension Island in 1701 though presently -norvegicus is more widespread there (nuffey 1964).
    [Show full text]
  • Life History Account for Black
    California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group BLACK RAT Rattus rattus Family: MURIDAE Order: RODENTIA Class: MAMMALIA M140 Written by: P. Brylski Reviewed by: H. Shellhammer Edited by: R. Duke DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY The black rat was introduced to North America in the 1800's. Its distribution in California is poorly known, but it probably occurs in most urban areas. There are 2 subspecies present in California, R. r. rattus and R. r. alexandrinus. R. r. rattus, commonly called the black rat, lives in seaports and adjacent towns. It is frequently found along streamcourses away from buildings (Ingles 1947). R. r. alexandrinus, more commonly known as the roof rat, lives along the coast, in the interior valleys and in the lower parts of the Sierra Nevada. The distribution of both subspecies in rural areas is patchy. Occurs throughout the Central Valley and west to the San Francisco Bay area, coastal southern California, in Bakersfield (Kern Co.), and in the North Coast area from the vicinity of Eureka to the Oregon border. Confirmed locality information is lacking. Found in buildings, preferring attics, rafters, walls, and enclosed spaces (Godin 1977), and along streamcourses (Ingles 1965). Common in urban habitats. May occur in valley foothill riparian habitat at lower elevations. In northern California, occurs in dense himalayaberry thickets (Dutson 1973). SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: Omnivorous, eating fruits, grains, small terrestrial vertebrates, fish, invertebrates, and human garbage. Cover: Prefers buildings and nearby stream courses. Where the black rat occurs with the Norway rat, it usually is forced to occupy the upper parts of buildings (Godin 1977).
    [Show full text]
  • Molecular Phylogenetic Characterization of Common Murine Rodents from Manipur, Northeast India
    Genes Genet. Syst. (2015) 90, p. 21–30 Molecular phylogenetic characterization of common murine rodents from Manipur, Northeast India Dhananjoy S. Chingangbam1, Joykumar M. Laishram1 and Hitoshi Suzuki2* 1Plant Breeding and Genetics Department, Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba, Imphal, Manipur 795004, India 2Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, North 10, West 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan (Received 11 July 2014, accepted 8 February 2015) The Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia are hotspots of murine biodiver- sity, but no species from the Arakan Mountain system that demarcates the border between the two areas has been subjected to molecular phylogenetic analyses. We examined the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences in six murine species (the Rattus rattus species complex, R. norvegicus, R. nitidus, Berylmys manipulus, Niviventer sp. and Mus musculus) from Manipur, which is located at the western foot of the mountain range. The sequences of B. manipulus and Niviventer sp. examined here were distinct from available congeneric sequences in the databases, with sequence divergences of 10–15%. Substantial degrees of intrapopulation divergence were detected in R. nitidus and the R. rattus species complex from Manipur, implying ancient habitation of the species in this region, while the recent introduction by modern and prehistoric human activities was suggested for R. norvegicus and M. musculus, respectively. In the nuclear gene Mc1r, also analyzed here, the R. rattus species complex from Manipur was shown to possess allelic sequences related to those from the Indian subcontinent in addition to those from East Asia. These results not only fill gaps in the phylo- genetic knowledge of each taxon examined but also provide valuable insight to bet- ter understand the biogeographic importance of the Arakan Mountain system in generating the species and genetic diversity of murine rodents.
    [Show full text]
  • Complete Sections As Applicable
    This form should be used for all taxonomic proposals. Please complete all those modules that are applicable (and then delete the unwanted sections). For guidance, see the notes written in blue and the separate document “Help with completing a taxonomic proposal” Please try to keep related proposals within a single document; you can copy the modules to create more than one genus within a new family, for example. MODULE 1: TITLE, AUTHORS, etc (to be completed by ICTV Code assigned: 2016.014aM officers) Short title: One (1) new species in the genus Mammarenavirus (e.g. 6 new species in the genus Zetavirus) Modules attached 2 3 4 5 (modules 1 and 11 are required) 6 7 8 9 10 Author(s): Kim Blasdell, [email protected] Veasna Duong, [email protected] Marc Eloit, [email protected] Fabrice Chretien, [email protected] Sowath Ly, [email protected] Vibol Hul, [email protected] Vincent Deubel, [email protected] Serge Morand, [email protected] Philippe Buchy, [email protected] / [email protected] Corresponding author with e-mail address: Philippe Buchy, [email protected] / [email protected] List the ICTV study group(s) that have seen this proposal: A list of study groups and contacts is provided at http://www.ictvonline.org/subcommittees.asp . If in doubt, contact the appropriate subcommittee ICTV Arenaviridae Study Group chair (fungal, invertebrate, plant, prokaryote or vertebrate viruses) ICTV Study Group comments (if any) and response of the proposer: Date first submitted to ICTV: July 18, 2016 Date of this revision (if different to above): ICTV-EC comments and response of the proposer: Page 1 of 12 MODULE 2: NEW SPECIES creating and naming one or more new species.
    [Show full text]
  • Rodents Prevention and Control
    RODENTS PREVENTION AND CONTROL Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control 640 Capitola Road • Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 454-2590 www.agdept.com/mvc.html [email protected] Protecting Public Health Since 1994 RODENT SERVICES Residents, property managers, and businesses in Santa Cruz County can request a site visit to assist them with rodent issues to protect public health. Our services include an exterior inspection of your home in which a certified technician looks for rodent entry points and gives advice on preventing rodents from getting into your home. Employees do not bait or trap, but provide guidance and recommendations such as blocking openings and reducing food sources and hiding places. GENERAL INFORMATION Control strategies may vary depending on pest species. ROOF RAT Rattus rattus (also known as black rat, fruit rat or ship rat) Tail Longer than head and body combined Body Slender, belly can be white, light gray, or light tan Ear Large Eye Large Nose Pointed Habits Climb Feces Smaller, pointy ends (actual size) Roof Rat (Rattus rattus)** NORWAY RAT Rattus novegicus (also known as wharf rat,brown rat, sewer rat, common rat) Tail Shorter than head and body combined (If you fold tail back, it cannot reach its head) Body Heavy, thick Ear Small Eye Small Nose Blunt Habits Burrow, can enter through a hole the size of a quarter, likes water Feces Rounder, blunt ends (actual size) Norway Rat (Rattus novegicus)** 2 HOUSE MOUSE Mus musculus Feet Small Head Small Habits Common in homes and buildings, can enter through a hole as small
    [Show full text]
  • Norway Or Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus), Roof Or Black Rat (Rattus Rattus)
    Norway or Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), Roof or Black Rat (Rattus rattus) Figure 1 Brown rat Figure 2 Black Rat The two species of rats commonly found in Wisconsin are the Norway (brown) rat and the Roof (black) Rat. The Norway rat is stocky and tends to burrow along building foundations, beneath rubbish or wood piles and in moist areas around gardens and fields. The roof rat is generally smaller with a very long tail. Roof rats are good climbers and usually live in above ground nests in shrubs or trees. Damage Rats eat a wide variety of foods as well as cause damage to structures, packaging materials (such as seed packages) and containers by gnawing. They are particularly problematic because they can spread disease through their feces, urine and through biting. They may be infested with fleas and mites which also can spread disease. When Are They Active Rats do not hibernate and are active throughout the year. Because they are mostly active at night they often are not seen, however, they leave evidence such as gnaw marks, droppings, tracks, burrows and nests made of shredded materials. Susceptible Plants Rats are omnivores, eating a variety of food, but generally prefer cereal grains, nuts and fruit. The more common problem associated with rats is contamination of food stuff and animal feed from droppings and urination as well as damage caused by gnawing. Prevention/Control Methods Successful management of rats is dependent on maintaining good housekeeping in and around gardens and garden structures to reduce shelter and food sources. Off the ground storage of gardening equipment, supplies, boxes and containers as well as keeping the garden free of debris and trash will create an environment less suitable for rats.
    [Show full text]
  • Distribution of Native and Non-Native Rats (Rattus Spp.) Along an Elevational Gradient in a Tropical Rainforest of Southern Luzon, Philippines
    ECOTROPICA 14: 129–136, 2008 © Society for Tropical Ecology DISTRIBUTION OF NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE RATS (RATTUS SPP.) ALONG AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT IN A TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF SOUTHERN LUZON, PHILIPPINES Cristina C. Salibay & Hazel Anne V. Luyon De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines Abstract. Rats (Muridae) of the genus Rattus occur in the Philippines, both as native and as invasive species. While the invasive species are well known to use a large range of anthropogenic habitats, little is known about their potential to occur in forest areas. We studied the occurrence and relative abundance of different species of Rattus in forests along elevational gradients on three mountains within the Palay-palay / Mataas na Gulod National Park in Southern Luzon, Philippines. Four Rattus species were collected and their occurrence and relative abundance were found to differ significantly between species and along elevational gradients. Rattus norvegicus (40.3% of captures), R. tanezumi (21.5%), and R. argentiventer (5.6%) are invasive species and R. everetti (32.7%) a native forest-inhabiting species. While the three invasive species were most abundant at low elevations, R. everetti was most abundant at higher elevations. The number of invasive rats has been attributed to their survival and adaptation at lower elevations, where habitat conversion and degradation are most intense, while native species are more common at higher elevations where habitat is relatively un- disturbed. Key words: elevation, forest species, invasive species, Philippines, rainforest, Rattus species. INTRODUCTION and occur at high abundances in local mammal as- semblages (Heaney et al. 1998, Steppan et al. 2003).
    [Show full text]
  • Changing Invaders: Trends of Gigantism in Insular Introduced Rats
    Environmental Conservation (2018) 45 (3): 203–211 C Foundation for Environmental Conservation 2018 doi:10.1017/S0376892918000085 Changing invaders: trends of gigantism in insular THEMATIC SECTION Humans and Island introduced rats Environments ALEXANDRA A.E. VAN DER GEER∗ Naturalis Biodiversity Center, P.O. Box 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands Date submitted: 7 November 2017; Date accepted: 20 January 2018; First published online 14 March 2018 SUMMARY within short historical periods (Rowe-Rowe & Crafford 1992; Michaux et al. 2007;Renaudet al. 2013; Lister & Hall 2014). The degree and direction of morphological change in Additionally, invasive species may also alter the evolutionary invasive species with a long history of introduction pathway of native species by mechanisms such as niche are insufficiently known for a larger scale than the displacement, hybridization, introgression and predation (e.g. archipelago or island group. Here, I analyse data for 105 Mooney & Cleland 2001; Stuart 2014; van der Geer et al. island populations of Polynesian rats, Rattus exulans, 2013). The timescale and direction of evolution of invasive covering the entirety of Oceania and Wallacea to test rodents are, however, insufficiently known. Data on how whether body size differs in insular populations and, they evolve in interaction with native species are urgently if so, what biotic and abiotic features are correlated needed with the increasing pace of introductions today due to with it. All insular populations of this rat, except globalized transport: invasive rodent species are estimated to one, exhibit body sizes up to twice the size of their have already colonized more than 80% of the world’s island mainland conspecifics.
    [Show full text]
  • FEEDING BERA VIOUR of the LARGE BANDICOOT RAT BANDICOTA INDICA (Bechstein) [Rodentia: Muridae]
    Rec. zool. Slirv. India, 97 (Part-2) : 45-72, 1999 FEEDING BERA VIOUR OF THE LARGE BANDICOOT RAT BANDICOTA INDICA (Bechstein) [Rodentia: Muridae] R. CHAKRABORTY and S. CHAKRABORTY Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Calcutta-700 053 INTRODUCTION Rodents are versatile in feeding behaviour and in· the choice of food. Thus, separate studies on each individual species are necessary. However, except for the stray reports of lerdon (1874), Blanford (1891), Sridhara and Srihari (1978,1979), Chakraborty and Chakraborty (1.982) and Chakraborty (1992)practically no base line data exist on the feeding behaviour and food preference of Balldicota indica. A study was therefore conductep on this aspect, in nature as well .as in the laboratory. STUDY AREA The study was conducted mainly at Sagar Island, the largest delta in the western sector of the Sundarbans and surrounded by the rivers Hugli in the northern and Western sides and river Muriganga in the eastern side. The southern part of the island faces the open sea, the Bay of Bengal. Additional studies were made at Thakurpukur and Behala areas of Western Calcutta. METHODOLOGY Specimens were collected by single door wire traps, measuring 40 cm x 20 cm x 12cm. Traps were set in the evening.(17.00 hrs. to 19.00 hrs.) and collected in the different hours of night till morning. Observations on the feeding behaviour were made particularly during moonlit nights in nature. Some observations were also made in captivity. Stomachs of 42 adult specimens (both males and females) collected duri~g different months of the year and preserved in 70 per ce.nt Ethyl alcohol.
    [Show full text]