Fight for living space: How rodents defy humans!

Fight for living space: How rodents defy humans!

On March 8, 2025, the zoologist and professor of animal ecology, Dr. Anja Günther, at the University of Hildesheim, presents her current research results, which deal with the effects of human influences on native rodent species. The species examined include numerous representatives of the order Rodentia, such as the house mouse, bank vole, wood mouse, yellow-necked mouse and rat. Dr. Günther's goal is to understand the adaptation mechanisms of these animals to changing living conditions.

The research is helping to identify influencing factors that have changed the behavior and therefore the lifestyle of these rodents. In particular, it shows that the animals have to adapt to human-influenced environments. These findings are crucial because rodents make up around 40% of all mammal species and represent the most diverse order of mammals, with around 2500 to 2600 known species, such as Wikipedia reported.

Behavioral adaptations and reproduction

Rodent species are known for their high reproductive rates, with many species as r-strategists producing many offspring, while others as K-strategists have fewer offspring with longer gestation periods. These strategic differences in reproduction may be adaptations to specific environmental conditions that are threatened by human activities such as habitat destruction.

The adaptability of rodents is also reflected in their varying lifespans. While many species only live for one to two years, others live up to 28 years, reflecting their survival strategies under changing conditions.

Impact of human activities on ecosystems

The impact of human activities on animal habitats has been extensively examined by a meta-study from Deakin University. This study evaluated 208 global studies that looked at the impact of human disturbance on ecosystems. The results show that over two thirds of the 719 cases examined showed a change in the movement behavior of the animals by more than 20 percent, which also affects rodents. For example, pumas and other predators in the USA show restricted movement patterns, which gives advantages to small rodents and can therefore influence the entire ecosystem World reported.

The research of Dr. Anja Günther not only illustrates the challenges that rodents face, but also the far-reaching consequences that human interventions can have on biodiversity. A change in the movement behavior of animals can have serious effects on their reproduction and fitness and thus endanger the entire biodiversity.