Abstract

CERVANTES-BARRIGA, Raymundo et al. Spatial and seasonal analysis of small rodent communities in the Cuitzeo basin. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2025, vol.96, e965430.  Epub Nov 18, 2025. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2025.96.5430.

Rodents in México represent 49% of the mammals, and although it’s assumed that they are less affected by disturbance in comparison to the larger-sized mammals, studies on the topic are scarce. We analyzed the small rodent communities in the terrestrial habitats of the Cuitzeo basin, which are experiencing different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance. Rodents were collected in the grassland-huizache, scrub-grassland, and pine-oak forest over a year, and the vegetation community structure was characterized at each sampling site. Seventeen species were identified from the following families: Cricetidae (15), Heteromyidae (1), and Muridae (1). Specific richness and diversity were highest in the grassland (H´ = 2.43) and lowest in the scrub (H´ = 1.02). However, the abundance was highest in the scrub (N = 47) and lowest in the grassland (N = 21). The highest specific richness was recorded during the winter (12) as well as abundance (N = 62). The results increase our understanding of the seasonal dynamic of the small rodent communities in scenarios of habitat disturbance. The Cuitzeo basin still harbors noteworthy richness and constitutes a region for small mammal community conservation.

Keywords : Rodent assemblage; Diversity; Habitat; Seasonality.

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