Composition and seasonality of rodent diet in Chimit Kola, Blue Nile Gorge, Ethiopia

A study on the composition and seasonality of rodent diet was carried out during 2020-2022 years in Chimit Kola to determine the type, relative proportion and seasonality of food items consumed. A total of 166 stomach contents that belong to six rodent species (Mastomys awashensis, Acomys louisae, Arvicanthis raffertyi, Lophuromys simensis, Gerbilliscus sp. and Lemniscomys macculus) were investigated. Parametric and non-parametric analyses of variance were used to test the difference. Leaves and stems, seeds, invertebrates, fruits and unidentified food matters were the food items identified in the stomach contents of rodents. There was a significant variation in food items consumed among rodent species. Arvicanthis raffertyi and L. macculus consumed more leaves and stems whereas L. simensis, A. louisae and Gerbilliscus sp. mostly fed on invertebrates. Mastomys awashensis consumed relatively more seeds (30%) than any other rodent species (ranging from 14 to 28%). Acomys louisae, L. simensis and Gerbilliscus sp. consumed more leaves and stems during the dry season and invertebrates during the wet season. Similarly, A. raffertyi consumed more leaves and stems during the wet season and seeds during the dry season. However, the diet of M. awashensis and L. macculus and some food items (fruits and unidentified food matters) of most rodent species were similar between seasons. Mastomys awashensis significantly consumed a higher proportion of seeds in the fallowland (44%) than in other habitats (ranging from 19 to 31%). Similarly, A. louisae and L. macculus consumed a significantly higher proportion of invertebrates in bushland (53%) and riverine forests (48%) than in other habitats (ranging from 16 to 47%), respectively. The present finding concluded that these rodent species are diet generalists, feeding on a variety of available resources depending on seasons and habitats. The study documents the diet composition of these rodent species for the first time. Thus, the management and conservation of these rodents should be in consideration of their feeding habits and factors that influence their diets.

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism: an introduction for occupational physicians

BACKGROUND

Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism poses considerable threat throughout the world.

AIM

To provide occupational physicians with an understanding of this threat and its main forms and what action can be taken to counter this threat.

METHODS

Presenters at a conference on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism were asked to contribute their evidence-based opinions in order to produce a review article.

RESULTS

This paper presents a summary of the different forms of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism and the effective counter-measures and also provides a review of current scientific literature.

CONCLUSION

The threat of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism is present throughout the world and is one that occupational physicians should be aware of, as well as the action that can be taken to counter it.