Factors influencing food collection behaviour of Brants' whistling rat (Parotomys brantsii): a central place forager

The hypothesis that Brants' whistling rat Parotomys brantsii is a central p lace forager, whose foraging decisions are modified by (a) predation risk, (b) time of day, and (c) food choice, was tested. Field observations showed that whistling rats followed central place foraging rules for a single-pre y loader and much or their food material was brought back to burrow entranc es to feed on, with larger food items being carried back greater distances than small ones. Small food items were consumed in situ more often than lar ge ones, suggesting that predation risk may also play a role in their forag ing behaviour. Larger food items were preferentially stored at burrow entra nces or carried underground, whilst smaller items tended to be consumed imm ediately. Individuals foraged more actively in the afternoon than in the mo rning and, although there was no tendency for individuals to eat more food at this time, far more food was stored or taken underground during the afte rnoon. Different foraging strategies were used for different plant species with some species preferentially eaten, and others stored or taken below gr ound more frequently. This study shows that the foraging behaviour of Brant s' whistling rats is complex., and whilst they may follow simple central pl ace foraging strategies, other factors such as the time of day and food pla nt species also influence their foraging behaviour.