Distribution of burrows of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse) in relation to soil characteristics

Summary A study was made of soil characteristics in giant rat habitat in order to examine the possibility that the location of their burrows is related to soil texture and minerals. Physical and mineral analysis of soils from giant rat burrows have been carried out. Significant chemical differences were observed between soils from occupied or vacated burrows and from locations without burrows. Striking differences in correlation coefficients of different minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and manganese) were observed in vacated and occupied burrows. The implication of these findings are discussed in relation to present knowledge of the animal's nutritional requirements.