Microhabitat selection in two Chilean cricetid rodents.

A discriminant analysis on vegetational variables was performed in order to determine differences in habitat utilization by two sympatric Chilean rodents. Akodon olivaceus brachiotis is associated with vegetational variables that provide greater cover from above. Oryzomys longicaudatus philippii, on the other hand, is related with structural variables such as foliage density, which provide dense areas with thick understory that offer protection from a horizontal viewing. A clear relationship was found between shrub and herbaceous cover and length of species hindfoot.