Small mammal abundance and diversity along an altitudinal gradient in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Species richness, abundance, diversity, and distribution of rodents and shrews along altitudinal gradients in the Simien mountains national park, Ethiopia, were studied using Sherman traps. Rodents and shrews were trapped at four altitudinal ranges (2,800 m a.s.l., 3,200 m a.s.l., 3,600 m a.s.l. and 4,000 m a.sl.). A total of 202 individuals were captured, comprising 184 rodents and 18 shrews. In total, there were eight species of rodents and one shrew species. The relative abundances of Lophuromys simensis and Stenocephalemys albipes were the highest in the early dry season, dry season, and wet season. The relative abundances of Desmomys harringitoni (7.43%), Dendromys lovati (4.46%), and Mus imberbis (1.98%) were the lowest across the study area. The highest species diversity was recorded at an altitude of 2,800 m a.s.l. (H’ = 1.82). Species composition of rodents and shrews found at altitudes of 2,800 m a.s.l. and 3,200 m a.s.l. were highly similar (Sij = 0.97363). In contrast, the least similar species composition was between altitudes of 2,800 m a.s.l. and 4,000 m a.s.l. (Sij = 0.15632). The abundance, distribution, and diversity of rodents and shrews were significantly correlated with altitude (p = 0.000). Species abundance, distribution, and diversity in the Simien Mountains National Park were significantly correlated with altitude (0.377) and habitat types (0.306). Species composition of small mammals varied among altitudes, seasons, and habitat types, with six rodents and one shrew species being endemic. Notably, the park is subjected to various environmental disturbances, such as fires, grazing, and agriculture, which can negatively impact these small mammals, particularly the endemic species.