Population structure and reproductive cycle of Praomys jacksoni (Dewinton, 1897) and first data on the reproduction of P-misonnei Van der Straeten & Dieterlen, 1987 and P-mutoni Van der Straeten & Dudu 1990 (Muridae) from Masako forest (Kisangani, Zaire)

Abstract

The three Praomys species occuring in Masako forest have a different distribution over the four habitats investigated P. jacksoni is the most common and widespread species whereas P. misonnei and P. mutoni are less common and restricted to particular habitat types. The population structure of P. jacksoni is very similar from year to year with a predominance of adult animals in each month. Reproduction is continuous throughout the year and variations in intensity are more pronounced between years than between seasons. Data on the reproduction of two newly described species, P. misonnei and P. mutoni, are presented.