Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1997
Abstract
This study described the social organization of Neotoma micropus, the southern plains woodrat, using radiotelemetry. We studied woodrats from September 1994 through April 1995 at the Urban Wilderness Reserve in S Bexar County, Texas. Sixteen individuals (three adult males, 11 adult females, and two subadult males) were radiocollared and located in the evening or early morning during January and February. Seventy-four percent of female radiolocations and 57% of male radiolocations were from their respective nests. No more than one adult individual was observed at any nest at the same time. Males had significantly larger (x = 1899 m2) home ranges than females (x = 220 m2). Male home ranges overlapped female home ranges more (35.9%) than female ranges overlapped other female home ranges (11.9%). Survival rates were similar for males and females. The results confirm previous studies indicating that these woodrats are asocial. The spacing of male and female home ranges indicated that these woodrats probably have a promiscuous mating system.
Editor
Robert P. McIntosh
DOI
10.2307/2426848
Publisher
University of Notre Dame
City
Notre Dame, IN
Repository Citation
Conditt, S. A., & Ribble, D. O. (1997). Social organization of Neotoma micropus, the southern plains woodrat. American Midland Naturalist, 137(2), 290-297. https://doi.org/10.2307/2426848
Publication Information
American Midland Naturalist