By Remmy Kopeka
Every scientific journey begins with curiosity, and my story is not different from other researchers. As an ecology enthusiast, I embarked on a research journey that led me to unravel the fascinating world of small mammals specifically rodents – which helped me to understand their significance in the ecosystem. Today, I share my experience, highlighting some of the important roles rodents play in maintaining the balance of our natural world and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Approximately 42% of all mammalian species in the world are rodents, amounting to about 2,552 species (Burgin et al., 2018). Rodents have adapted to all lifestyles: terrestrial (live on land), aquatic (live in water), arboreal(live in trees), and fossorial (live underground). Most species are small, secretive, nocturnal, adaptable, and have keen senses of touch, taste, and smell. For most species of rodents, the incisors continually grow throughout their life span, requiring constant gnawing to keep the incisors sharp and at an appropriate length.
Rodents have ecological, scientific, social, and economic values: They are important in seed and spore dispersal, pollination, seed predation, energy and nutrient cycling, the modification of plant succession and species composition, and as a food source for many predators. (Witmer et al. 1995; Dickman 1999). Additionally, some species provide food and fur for human use. Hence, the indiscriminate removal of native rodents from ecosystems, including agroecosystems, which is not the best management option in many cases (Villa-Cornejo et al. 1998; Aplin and Singleton 2003; Brakes and Smith 2005).
Curiosity
As a graduate in Wildlife Management from Copperbelt University, curious about many things, I was in search of practical experience that could contribute to the advancement of my career. It was during this time that I became a research assistant in a project focused on “understanding the implications of habitat fragmentation on small mammal diversity, rodent pest regulation, and ecologically based management strategies.” This was PhD research by Dr. Christopher Imakando, a lecturer and researcher at the Copperbelt University. Unknown to me, these unassuming creatures, did not only capture my interest but also reshape my understanding of their significance.
Heroes in seed dispersal and forest regeneration
The role of rodents as seed dispersers is one of the most fascinating aspects of their ecological contribution. Rodents contribute to the regrowth of forests by transporting seeds over long distances through their feeding habits. In addition to ensuring the survival of various plant species, this process also supports the wide range of organisms that depend on these plants for food and shelter. Mice and other rodents, like squirrels, unintentionally become the gardeners of nature, creating a rich tapestry of life in the forest.
Soil Stewards and Fertility Enhancers
Moles and other rodents that burrow underground have a secret skill that goes far beyond making tunnels. Their burrows aerate the soil, enhancing water infiltration, root growth, and nutrient accessibility. These conscientious scavengers improve soil fertility and support the general well-being of agricultural lands. This is evidence these tiny creatures are unsung heroes working tirelessly beneath our feet as I observed their tenacious efforts and realized the beneficial effects, they had on soil structure.
Rodents in the Web of Life
Rodents occupy a crucial place in the web of life. They serve as a vital prey source for many predators: small cats, snakes, and birds of prey. Their presence, or absence, can profoundly affect the dynamics of the entire food web, leading to surge effects on the populations and behaviours of other species. Appreciating that all organisms are interconnected in nature it became evident that rodents hold an important position in maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystems.
Pests Turned Allies
Due to their sporadic damage to crops, rodents have historically been considered pests in the agricultural sector. However, less than 10% of rodents are pest species in agricultural crops (Singleton et al., 2007). In addition, a more nuanced viewpoint emerges from a deeper understanding of rodents. Insects, larvae, and other small invertebrates are the primary diet of some rodent species, including shrews and field mice, thereby serving as pest controllers in the agricultural sector. Rodents can encourage environmentally friendly and sustainable farming methods by reducing the need for chemical pesticides by controlling the population of insect pests. Therefore, the secret is finding a balance between the advantages of their pest control services and any potential harm brought on by crop damage.However, there is also a negative aspect regarding their relationship with humans. Rodents are known to be reservoirs and carriers of various pathogens that can lead to zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Conclusion
This transformative journey changed my perspective view as a nuisance to realizing their immense contribution. Rodents play an important role in maintaining the health and sustainability of the ecosystem. Their role may include ecosystem engineering to facilitate forest regeneration, disease regulation, soil enrichment, and the intricate dynamics of the food web. By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for these often-underestimated creatures, we can forge a harmonic relationship with them and cultivate a more resilient future for our planet.
Burgin, C.J., Colella, J.P., Kahn, P.L., Upham, N.S. (2018) How many species of mammals are there? Journal of Mammalogy. 99(1), 1–14.
Singleton, G.R., Brown, P.R., Jacob, J., Aplin, K.P., Sudarmaji (2007) Unwanted and unintended effects of culling: A case for ecologically-based rodent management. Integrative Zoology. 2(4), 247–259.
