the rodents
DESCRIPTION
The Rodents. Order Rodentia. Teeth. Incisors Diastema Molars Malocclusion. Nocturnal. Whiskers. Porcupette 1/year. Prolific breeders Pests Food source. History. Vermin control $ Diseases Bubonic plague Typhus Hanta fever. Scientific research Food Fur trade items - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The RodentsORDER RODENTIA
Teeth • Incisors• Diastema• Molars• Malocclusion
Nocturnal
Whiskers
Prolific breedersPestsFood source
Porcupette 1/year
History Vermin control $ Diseases
Bubonic plague Typhus Hanta fever
Scientific research Food Fur trade items
Allegheny Wood Rat – endangered species of rodent in PA
and MuskratsPARTNER SPECIES S
Mink (Mustela vison)
• Mustelidae family• Semi-aquatic
Hearing
Sight
Smell
Predator - opportunistic feeder• Muskrats• Mice• Rabbits• Shrews• Fish• Frogs• Crayfish• Insects• Snakes• Waterfowl• Birds• Eggs• Domestic poultry
Dens• Woodchuck tunnels• Hollow logs• Vacant muskrat lodges• Stone piles• Large tree roots• Near water• More than one entrance
Young
Delayed implantation2-7 young3 ½” long blind, hairless2 weeks, furred5 weeks eyes open6-7 weeks forage & learn to hunt w/ mom
Muskrats (Ondatra zibethica)
• Musk• Rodent• #1 Furbearer in
USA• Nicknames
• Marsh hare • Musk beaver
Body Characteristics
• Rudder, propulsion, prop• Webbed hind feet• Forefeet agile, small, claws• Underfur and guard hairs for
insulation• Weigh about 3 pounds• Excellent swimmers• Hold breath 15 minutes• Special lips
Diet - herbivores• aquatic plants• legumes,’• grasses,• grains,• garden crops• animal protein
crayfishmusselsfishfrogscarrionmuskrat carcasses
Lodges
8-10 feet across2-3 feet high
Marshland channelsHabitat changeKeystone species
Underwater entranceRooms above water levelSeveral rooms/tunnelsAir vent central room
Young
Large litters Stable population Up to 4 litters/year Musk trails
• 5-8• Blind• Furless• Weaned & fully furred 1 month
Predators
#1 Predator – Mink Foxes Great-horned owl Hawks Snapping turtles