Changes in a Sudano-Sahelian rodent community after slash-and-burn farming (Gonsé Forest, Burkina Faso)

This study describes the recolonization by a Sudano‐Sahelian rodent community of an area slashed and burned in the middle of the dry season (Gonsé Forest in Burkina Faso). A series of abundance cycles occurred. The first began with the wet season and the arrival of a succession of four species: Taterillus gracilis, Tatera guineae, Nannomys sp. and Mastomys erythroleucus. Taterillus gracilis appeared to be the least demanding species. It was sexually active whatever the season and took advantage of reduced competition among species on the burned tracts. Tatera guineae also extended its spatial distribution but failed to reproduce. Nannomys sp. rapidly increased after the first rains. Although generally held to be the most prolific and opportunistic of the species involved, M. erythroleucus only found conditions amenable to its colonization late on. The timing of the disruption and whether or not it coincides with the reproductive period and the mobility phase of each species are decisive factors. This information is useful for a clearer understanding of the dynamics of each species and for evaluating the risk and probable locations of outbreaks of certain species.