Home Institution
University of Denver
Publication Date
Fall 2019
Abstract
This project investigated the activity, distribution, and density of brown rats (R. norvegicus) on Misali Island, Pemba. These factors were studied through field observations conducted over a 21-day observation period. Brown rats were highest in density around areas of human activity, attracted to the detritus, an ample food source. Although highest in density in these areas, a greater total population of brown rats was distributed in the coastal forest due to its proportion of area on the overall island. In the forest, the rats were most active along the coastal sections for unknown and unexplored reasons – possibly due to regular ocean detritus. Based on ad hoc observations, the rats pose some threats to native flora and fauna including disease and out-competition. Brown rats are considered pests on Misali Island, as they destroy human infrastructure and property. The project establishes baseline information to address this problem and reduce the impact of rats on conservation in this protected area.
Disciplines
African Studies | Animal Studies | Bioinformatics | Environmental Sciences | Environmental Studies | Natural Resources and Conservation | Zoology
Recommended Citation
Hasselbring, Raegan, "Activity, Distribution, and Density of Brown Rats (Rattus norvegicus) on Misali Island, Pemba Island, Tanzania" (2019). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 3147.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/3147
Included in
African Studies Commons, Animal Studies Commons, Bioinformatics Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Zoology Commons
Program Name
Tanzania-Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management