Burrow systems of mole-rats as refuges for frogs in the Miombo woodlands of south-east Africa

0463382 - BC 2017 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Šklíba, J. - Jirků, Miloslav - Šumbera, R.
Burrow systems of mole-rats as refuges for frogs in the Miombo woodlands of south-east Africa.
Journal of Tropical Ecology. Roč. 32, MAR (2016), s. 158-161. ISSN 0266-4674. E-ISSN 1469-7831
R&D Projects: GA ČR GB14-36098G
Institutional support: RVO:60077344
Keywords : aestivation * Anura * Bathyergidae * commensalism * ecosystem engineer * Malawi * subterranean rodent * Zambia
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 1.041, year: 2016

Frogs are known to occasionally utilize the burrow systems of subterranean rodents, but this phenomenon has previously attracted little attention. We recorded frogs in burrows and in/under the molehills of three African mole-rat species (Bathyergidae, Rodentia) during burrow system mapping in Malawi and Zambia during the dry season. Eight frog species were detected. The most abundant of them, Kassina senegalensis, was found in large numbers in active Ansell's mole-rat nest areas, obviously tolerated by the hosts. We speculate that in areas with prolonged dry seasons mole-rats may increase anuran abundances and diversity.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0262592