Spatiotemporal changes in small mammal community of Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia

Abstract

Small mammals show prominent spatial and temporal fluctuations. A study was conducted to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of small mammals in Wenchi highlands, central Ethiopia. Sherman and snap traps were used to capture small mammals from four forests (Qibate, Lakeshore, Erica and Albesa), Hagenia woodland and Erica scrub in two dry and wet seasons between August 2019 and January 2021. A total of 959 small mammals represented by 12 rodent species (Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Desmomys yaldeni, Mastomys natalensis, M. awashensis, Stenocephaylemys albipes, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, L. brevicaudus, L. chrysopus, Dendromus lovati, Lophiomys imhausi, Graphirius murinus and an unidentified murid rodent), and 3 shrew species (Crocidura bailey, C. fumosa and C. olivieri) were recorded. Small mammals showed spatiotemporal variations. More individuals were trapped during the dry (58.29%) than the wet (41.71%) season. Lakeshore Forest yielded the highest number of small mammals, whereas Erica Forest contributed the least during both seasons. More small mammal individuals were trapped in the second (52.24%) than the first (47.75%) trapping year. Small mammals also showed significant variations between the trapping periods (P<0.05). High number of small mammals was trapped during the morning (84.98%) than evening traps. Seasonal differences in sexes and age groups were non-significant (P>0.05). The density of small mammals varied between seasons and habitats. Small mammals had higher density during the dry (83.33 ha-1) than the wet (59.35 ha-1) season. In conclusion, Wenchi highlands supported a diverse small mammal community that displayed spatiotemporal changes. As a result, priority should be given to conserve the area.