Microhabitat use by a tropical forest rodent, Proechimys semispinosus, in central Panama

We studied microhabitat use by Proechimys semispinous (Central American spi ny rat) by Livetrapping along transects in 5 forested sites in central Pana ma. Microhabitat was quantified by measuring 14 variables at each sampling station. Relative abundance of P. semispinosus was 1.86 individuals/100 sta tion-nights, which was typical of abundances of this species and other memb ers of the genus. Spiny rats were distributed throughout sampled microhabit at space defined by factor analysis of 14 variables. We used logistic regre ssion analysis to relate presence-absence at trap stations to microhabitat structure. Variables describing disturbed and younger forest were strong pr edictors of presence at trap stations. Associations of P. semispinosus with younger forest (smaller trees and lianas and lower canopies) and treefall gaps within older forest may have implications for regeneration of local fo rest patches through the activities of these rodents as seed predators and dispersers of seeds and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spares.