Sexual and site differences in calcium consumption by the Malabar Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica |
| |
Authors: | Renée M Borges |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, University of Miami, 33124 Coral Gables, FL, USA;(2) Present address: 104/C Aradhana, G.D. Ambekar Road, Naigaum, 400014 Bombay, India |
| |
Abstract: | Summary The calcium ingestion of Malabar Giant Squirrels Ratufa indica (Sciuridae) was examined at two sites, Magod and Bhimashankar, in western India. In females at Magod a positive correlation was found between rates of calcium ingestion from food resources and the contribution of those resources to the daily diet. This relationship was true for all females at Magod irre-spective of their reproductive condition. This relationship was neither significant for males at the same site nor for both sexes at Bhimashankar. A differential requirement for calcium between the sexes and the occurrence of higher rates of calcium ingestion or the probable presence of more easily digestible calcium at Bhimashankar are postulated to explain the observed phenomenon. Mature leaves and bark appear to be reliable sources of calcium at these sites. |
| |
Keywords: | Calcium appetite Mineral contents tropical forests Tropical squirrel Ratufa |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|