Population density and use of space by the rodent, Kerodon rupestris, were investigated in a semiarid area in Brazil. Distance sampling was used along line transects to estimate population density. Observations of K. rupestris were recorded on rocks, open ground, and in vegetation. The air temperature and the height of the vegetation were recorded for each observation. The frequencies of these observations were analyzed using generalized linear models. A total of 612 observations were made for K. rupestris (in 23,172 m traveled), resulting in an estimated population density of 12.45 individuals/ha. Individuals were mostly observed on rock (71%), reflecting a dependence on rocky outcrops in the environment. The rodent was observed to be active when temperatures ranged between 23 and 45 °C, but was most active at temperatures ranging from 31 to 34 °C. Kerodon rupestris varied in its use of vegetation of different heights, preferring vegetation of up to 2 m in height. Our results indicated high density of K. rupestris in the study area, due to the preference for refuges formed by the prevalent rocky outcrops. The rodent displays characteristics typical of the island syndrome, namely being active on rocks and in vegetation, with activity influenced by temperature.

在巴西的半干旱地区，研究了啮齿动物Kerodon rupestris的种群密度和空间利用情况。沿线样线使用距离采样来估计人口密度。在岩石，空旷地面和植被中都记录了卢氏乳杆菌的观察结果。记录每次观察的气温和植被高度。使用广义线性模型分析了这些观察的频率。共进行了612次对小叶锦葵（K. rupestris）的观察（在23172 m的旅行中），估计人口密度为12.45个人/公顷。在岩石上观察到的个体最多（71％），反映出对环境中岩石露头的依赖性。当温度在23到45°C之间时，该啮齿动物具有活性，但在31到34°C的温度下最活跃。Kerodon rupestris在使用不同高度的植被时会有所不同，更喜欢高度不超过2 m的植被。我们的研究结果表明，由于偏爱由普遍的岩石露头形成的避难所，因此研究区域内的小菜蛾的密度很高。啮齿动物表现出典型的岛屿综合症特征，即活跃在岩石和植被上，其活动受温度影响。