Habitat effects on morphometrics and body condition of Tullberg’s soft-furred mouse (Praomys tullbergi) in two tropical forests

Abstract

Conservation biology relies on understanding how animals are affected by human-induced changes in their environment. We explored the influence of habitat types, seasons, and sexes on the body size and condition of Praomys tullbergi, a small mammal species. Using the Scaled Mass Index (SMI), we compared individuals from the Atewa Range Forest Reserves and Bimpong Forest Reserve. We hypothesis that body condition would be superior in closed forests, during the wet season, and among males. We found no sexual dimorphism in body size, although females in Atewa Range Forest Reserves exhibited greater weight than males. Body condition did not significantly differ among P. tullbergi individuals, except for a slight variance between closed and open forests in Atewa Range Forest Reserves. In Bimpong Forest Reserve, P. tullbergi displayed better body condition during the wet season than the dry season. Notably, females generally exhibited better body condition than males in both study areas, indicating sexual variation. We propose that P. tullbergi's ability to adjust body condition in response to resource availability poses a competitive advantage over other small mammal species, potentially impacting their populations. Further research should explore P. tullbergi's adaptation strategies in different habitats, providing insights into successful adaptation and informing conservation efforts. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for effective wildlife conservation and management. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on how human-induced environmental changes influence animals, highlighting the importance of considering habitat types, seasons, and sexes in conservation biology. The findings underscore the need for proactive measures to protect vulnerable species and promote overall ecosystem health in the face of ongoing environmental challenges caused by human activities.