Differences in population parameters of Rattus norvegicus in urban and rural habitats of central Argentina

Abstract

Life history characteristics are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors of the environment. The aim of this study was to compare the life history strategies of Rattus norvegicus populations in urban and rural habitats in central-east Argentina. Live trapping of rodents was conducted over 1 year in a shanty town and for 2 years on poultry farms. Abundance did not differ between habitats. Age structure was similar in both habitats but varied among seasons. Rats on poultry farms had better body condition, produced larger litters and had a higher reproductive potential than rats from the shanty town. These differences may be due to differences in habitat favourability or in selection pressures between the two habitats. Our results show that rats may adopt different life history strategies according to habitat conditions.