Movement distances of two species of sympatric rodents in linear habitats of Central Argentine agro-ecosystems

Movement patterns of Akodon azarae and Calomys venustus in linear habitats were studied in relation to sex, season and abundance. Movement distances were measured by seasonal capture-mark-recapture samples from November 2005 to August 2007 in field borders in agro-ecosystems of Central Argentina. Movement distances in A. azarae varied by season and sex. During the breeding period, movement distances of males were longer than those of females, meanwhile in non-breeding period movement distances became similar between sexes. The main effect of sex on movement distances is consistent with the promiscuous / polygynous mating system suggested for A. azarae. Abundance and sex were the most important factor affecting movement distances in C. venustus, males moved larger distances than females and the higher the abundance, the shorter the movement distances of individuals. The results of this study may have implications in the management of non-crop linear habitats in agriculture landscapes since the maintenance of field borders would be important to support rodent populations that are important food sources for birds and mammals.