Zoology & Entomology Project
for Group C (Grade 11)

Evaluating the taxonomy of, as well as the effects of global climate change on 2 medically and agriculturally important species of mice, Mastomys natalenisi and Mastomys coucha.

The multi-mammate mouse has traditionally been considered a single species until it was discovered that it comprises two species (Mastomys natalensis and M. coucha) which differ in their chromosome numbers and other biological properties. These two species are of particular importance because they have been implicated in causing bubonic plague and in causing extensive damage to agricultural products, as well as being susceptible to cancer in a similar way to humans. However, the two species are morphologically indistinguishable and it is therefore difficult to map their distribution and how it relates to reported cases of plague and damage to agricultural products. This part of the project will involve using a range of mathematical procedure to assess whether the two species can be distinguished using morphology as opposed to expensive techniques in order to map out their distributions. Such derived information will assist in determining which species may be responsible for causing problems. In addition, such information has the potential to assist the health and agricultural authorities in their attempt to control epidemiological and agricultural problems.

The effects of global warming on our climate are well known. It is estimated that within the next 50 years the temperature will increase by 2 or 3°C and rainfall patterns will change. South Africa is expected to become warmer and drier with the western regions becoming desert-like. This is of importance to humans not only because of changing temperatures and rainfall patterns, but also because of the effects this will have on animals. Animals will have to move eastwards to get to areas with cooler temperatures and enough water. However, the regions in the east coincide with most of our urban centres where people live and work. Seeing as though many animals are important carriers of disease, it is crucial that we know where they will move to in order to protect the people and their livestock from these diseases. Mice are one of the main disease carriers in South Africa. This project will thus also look at how the distribution of these 2 species of mice will change as our climate changes, and it will also try to determine what impact this will have on us.

Participants

• Dr Chris Chimimba
• Belinda Reyers