Morphological, ecological, and behavioral adaptations for arboreal browsing in Dactylomys dactylinus (Rodentia, Echimyidae)
Journal of Mammalogy
1981
Journal Article
62
1
183-189
Parque Nacional del Manu Reserva Nacional Tambopata Parque Nacional Bahuaja-Sonene bamboo animal behavior Cocha Cashu morphology ecology single-species study Dactylomys dactylinus Rodentia Echimyidae mammals animals rodents Ecuador bamboo rats Madre de Dios Bibliography
The few available data on the bamboo rat (Dactylomis dactylinus) have been limited to scarce collections, reports on its calls and the stomach contents of a single specimen. In this contribution, a set of characteristics which seems to be specific adaptations to its completely arboreal browsing habits is offered. The call behavior of this species was monitored at TRZ (December 1979). Previous data were obtained at Limoncocha, Ecuador (Sept.-Dec. 1977) and Cocha Cashu, Manu National Park, Peru (Jul.-Aug. 1978). The species' morphology shows some external features, being the most remarkable the primatelike feet but with some particularities. Musk glands are also present, which distinctive odor can be often smelled where bamboo rats were common. Other internal features such as enlarged larynx in males and digestive tract are described. Some differences on the habitats of the studied localities were found, although in all three cases individuals were registered in waterside and floodplain zones. The call behavior of D. dactylinus was also studied and sonograms were obtained in all three localities. D. dactylinus is one of the smallest neotropical arboreal folivores and to cover its energy requirements, has to process its digestive contents at rapid rates and for this reason eats only those plants that can be digested quickly (it has a highly selective diet). In conclusion, this features converge with those of arboreal browsing genera from at least four other mammalian orders, suggesting strong adaptative constraints on the mammals of this feeding guild.