Non-volant Small Mammals Research Articles

Geographic variability of carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of nonvolant terrestrial small mammals (Rodentia) across 3 Brazilian biomes

Abstract In this study, we investigated landscape variability of the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of nonvolant small mammals in the 3 main Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado) while also considering the differential spatial distribution of C4 plants in these biomes. We compiled a subset of data on stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios from nonvolant small mammals of the order Rodentia and compared the aggregated isotopic variability at the biome level using classical δ13C–δ15N biplot. The concept of isotopic niche width was used to test whether different foraging attributes drive their isotopic composition, while a Bayesian isotopic mixing model was used to estimate the proportion of 3 main food categories available to these small mammals. We also developed isoscapes in the Brazilian biomes, interpolating animals δ13C and δ15N based on the geographic coordinates of each sample and “sourcescapes” considering geographic variation of the dietary sources. The findings of this study advance our understanding of the foraging ecology of small mammals in biodiversity-rich regions of the Neotropics. Classical methodologies such as stomach content confirmed dietary choices revealed by the stable isotopic composition and also highlighted the importance of C3 and C4 plants in the diet of this group of animals, especially in biomes such as the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, where there is a predominance of highly altered landscapes. These results confirm that replacing the original vegetation with C4 crops has altered the feeding patterns of small mammals, which could lead to critical ecological changes in the trophic structure of these areas. Vertical stratification of the dietary niche and the interaction between biome and foraging lifestyle were also observed. However, in each biome, there was significant intraspecific and interspecific variation caused by preferences for ingestion of plant and animal material, leading to different degrees of omnivory. Finally, the high local variability between individuals and species requires a larger sampling design that may also contribute to improved spatial resolution of the isoscapes.

Effects of an amazonian dam on taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of non-volant small mammals

Effects of an amazonian dam on taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of non-volant small mammals

New Additions to the Mammal List Documented in the Portuguese Red Data Book.

This study outlines the procedures used for collecting, processing, and categorizing data on 16 new mammal species for mainland Portugal, belonging to four taxonomic groups: Eulipotyphla (1), Chiroptera (4), Rodentia (2), and Cetacea (9). Data collection and processing encompassed field and lab work and bibliographic compilation. Data categorization involves, whenever possible, the assessment of the approximate number of mature individuals in populations, the extent of occurrence, and the area of occupancy. The approach employed led to the classification of eight out of the 16 species into an IUCN category: two non-volant small mammals and one bat species were designated as Vulnerable, requiring ongoing monitoring; one rodent and three cetaceans were assigned to Data Deficient due to insufficient available information; and a single bat species was classified as Least Concern due to the high abundance of local populations. For small mammals and bats, alterations to natural systems and climate change emerged as the most relevant threatening factors, while for cetaceans, human activities such as fishing, commercial shipping, and tourism were identified as the primary survival risks. It is recommended to maintain action programs that assist in defining strategic orientations for the implementation of conservation measures on a case-by-case basis.

Identifying areas of conservation importance based on spatial patterns of evolutionary diversity for non-volant small mammals in the Andean Puna

Ecosystems around the world face a variety of threats from anthropogenic activities and drylands are among the most affected due to their unique environmental characteristics. To maintain phylogenetic history and ecological functionality in these areas, it is imperative to preserve community structure and composition by identifying and protecting key conservation areas. Various methods have been used to define these areas in need of protection; in this study, we used patterns of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity in the arid lands of the Altiplano-Puna Bioregion of South America, using non-volant small mammal communities as a model system. Based on detailed records of species presence in the study area we estimated indices of species richness and phylogenetic redundancy. The geographic distribution of these indices was then compared to the distribution of protected areas in the region. These analyses identified areas around Lake Titicaca as being of exceptional conservation importance and in need of protection efforts. We propose a network of interconnected areas that together would provide high conservation value while allowing genetic exchange and facilitating ecological processes across landscapes.

Heat tolerance and evaporative cooling capacity in an arid-zone elephant shrew

Endotherms vary widely in their capacity to defend sublethal body temperature (Tb) during acute heat exposure. Interspecific variation in the upper thermal limits of small mammals remains poorly studied, particularly in taxa other than bats. We hypothesised that rupicolous elephant shrews (Macroscelidae), on account of their occupancy of above-ground rock crevices in hot habitats and rapid cursorial locomotion, have evolved pronounced heat tolerance capacities. To test this hypothesis, we quantified relationships between Tb, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and evaporative water loss (EWL) in western rock elephant shrews (Elephantulus rupestris) exposed to air temperature (Tair) approaching or exceeding Tb under conditions of low humidity representative of the study population’s arid, winter-rainfall habitat in western South Africa. Our data revealed a pronounced capacity to tolerate Tair > Tb, with E. rupestris tolerating Tair up to 48.0 ± 0.1 °C while defending Tb > 7 °C below Tair (maximum Tb = 41.64 ± 0.16 °C). Three behavioural pathways were employed to dissipate heat: open mouth panting, flattening their body posture, and nose-licking. At the highest experimental Tair values achieved, EWL increased 15.05-fold relative to normothermic levels and heat was dissipated evaporatively at rates equivalent to 174%—240% of metabolic heat production. The heat tolerance limit of Tair = 48 °C in E. rupestris is one of the highest yet recorded in a non-volant small mammal, and our data support the notion that elephant shrews possess a pronounced capacity to avoid lethal hyperthermia during acute heat exposure.

Preliminary checklist on species composition of small mammals and birds in Marine Research Excellence Centre (MAREC), Pulau Tuba.

Located in Langkawi archipelago, Andaman Sea, Pulau Tuba is one of the islands that is densely protected as a forest reserve. We investigated and documented the species composition of small mammals and birds at two different sites in the forest of UiTM Marine Research Excellence Centre (MAREC). Wire cage traps were used to capture non-volant small mammals while mist nets were used to capture bats and understorey birds. A total of 35 individuals were captured consisting of four species of small mammals and four species of birds. Among the most abundant species captured were Rattus tiomanicus, Leopoldamys sabanus and Cynopterus brachyotis. The calculated Shannon diversity index was 1.58 indicating a low diversity of small mammals and birds within the area. Our current study stipulated that few individuals were caught due to the rainy season affecting Pulau Tuba during the study period. Further surveys and studies should be conducted for a longer period in different seasons so that more species of fauna can be documented.

Climate change impact on small mammals from two Neotropical hotspots

Abstract Current climate change represents the unprecedented change in weather patterns across global and regional scales over a short period due to human activity. It is expected to drive changes in species distributions across the globe. Our goal here was to analyse (i) how climate change can impact the future distribution of species in two Neotropical hotspots, and (ii) how future distribution can impact the threatened status of species. We used ecological niche modelling to estimate suitable areas in the present and four future climate change scenarios (SSPs) for 40 species of nonvolant small mammals endemic to the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of South America. We also inferred species’ future threat levels according to the IUCN’s A3 criteria using future relative area estimates. We found that species will gradually lose more area in all future scenarios, from the most optimistic Shared Socio-economic Pathway (SSP1-2.6) to the most pessimistic (SSP5-8.5) scenario. Species endemic to the Cerrado will see a greater area reduction than species endemic to the Atlantic Forest. Consequently, the Cerrado will have more threatened species than the Atlantic Forest. Species that occupy both biomes will lose proportionally less area than those endemic to the Cerrado but more area than those endemic to the Atlantic Forest. In conclusion, small mammal species will, in general, be negatively impacted by climate change. However, the degree of impact depends on the trajectory of greenhouse gas concentrations and where the species live.

A hint on the unknown diversity of eastern Andes: high endemicity and new species of mammals revealed through DNA barcoding

The eastern Andean slopes harbours a diverse fauna with multiple endemic and endangered species. The region is identified as a biodiversity hotspot with high conservation priority. However, it remains one of the least studied in South America regarding the diversity of mammals. Here we present new data on the diversity of non-volant small mammals (marsupials and rodents) from Parque Nacional del Río Abiseo (PNRA), a poorly known, remote site located in the eastern Andean slopes in central-northern Peru. We sequenced the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b to provide identification of the collected specimens, and to discuss zoogeographic patterns of the species from PNRA and closely related taxa. In 15 days of sampling at PRNA we registered 16 species (12 rodents, 4 marsupials) on montane forests between 2500 and 2800 m above sea level (asl). Combined with results from previous surveys, the diversity of non-volant small mammals at PNRA (23 species) is the highest ever recorded for high Andes. Remarkably, only four of the 16 species recorded in our expedition could be assigned to described species based on molecular identification. The remaining 12 species need urgent taxonomic attention, several of which are potentially new to science. Moreover, 11 of the 16 species (69%) registered are currently unknown from other sites, suggesting a large beta diversity. A combination of exceptional levels of endemism in Andean montane forests and an obvious sampling bias resultant of the lack of comprehensive surveys explain the high number of ‘unique’ species at PNRA. Our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the non-volant small mammals from PNRA seem to have diverse phylogeographic affinities, with a closer proximity with central Andes. The scarcity of sequenced samples for comparative analyses from multiple Andean sites is, however, a major barrier to the development of accurate historical reconstructions for these endemic faunas.

Small mammal assemblage in Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve, Terengganu: An environmentally sensitive area in East Coast Peninsular Malaysia

Effective spatial planning plays a pivotal role in defining the progress and growth of a certain region. One aspect of spatial planning by PLANMalaysia involves the incorporation of environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), which comprises eleven different landscape management. Integrating biological features is crucial when defining ESA Permanent Forest Reserve, as relying solely on physical attributes may not accurately reflect the true sensitivity of the environment. Therefore, there is a need to gather biological information to strengthen existing ESA. A study was conducted in Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve (GTFR) from April to July 2023. Multiple trapping approaches were deployed to assess volant and non-volant small mammal assemblage. In total, 155 individuals comprised of 31 species of small mammals were documented with the highest species abundant recorded by Maxomys rajah (n = 29) and Leopoldamys sabanus (n = 27). The diversity indices were varied throughout five sampling sessions, (Shannon = 1.841 to 2.543), (Simpson = 0.7951 to 0.9056). Comparison on species assemblage between GTFR and forest reserves in Hulu Terengganu showed a moderate similarity level. This finding offers the most recent insight of the small mammals in GTFR and highlights the significance of conserving and preserving (ESA) in permanent forest reserves.

Functional consequences of animal community changes in managed grasslands: An application of the CAFE approach.

In the midst of an ongoing biodiversity crisis, much research has focused on species losses and their impacts on ecosystem functioning. The functional consequences (ecosystem response) of shifts in communities are shaped not only by changes in species richness, but also by compositional shifts that result from species losses and gains. Species differ in their contribution to ecosystem functioning, so species identity underlies the consequences of species losses and gains on ecosystem functions. Such research is critical to better predict the impact of disturbances on communities and ecosystems. We used the "Community Assembly and the Functioning of Ecosystems" (CAFE) approach, a modification of the Price equation to understand the functional consequences and relative effects of richness and composition changes in small nonvolant mammal and dung beetle communities as a result of two common disturbances in North American prairie restorations, prescribed fire and the reintroduction of large grazing mammals. Previous research in this system has shown dung beetles are critically important decomposers, while small mammals modulate much energy in prairie food webs. We found that dung beetle communities were more responsive to bison reintroduction and prescribed fires than small nonvolant mammals. Dung beetle richness increased after bison reintroduction, with higher dung beetle community biomass resulting from changes in remaining species (context-dependent component) rather than species turnover (richness components); prescribed fire caused a minor increase in dung beetle biomass for the same reason. For small mammals, bison reintroduction reduced energy transfer through the loss of species, while prescribed fire had little impact on either small mammal richness or energy transfer. The CAFE approach demonstrates how bison reintroduction controls small nonvolant mammal communities by increasing prairie food web complexity, and increases dung beetle populations with possible benefits for soil health through dung mineralization and soil bioturbation. Prescribed fires, however, have little effect on small mammals and dung beetles, suggesting a resilience to fire. These findings illustrate the key role of re-establishing historical disturbance regimes when restoring endangered prairie ecosystems and their ecological function.

Expanding the frontiers of camera-trapping in Colombia: application of the “Mostela” system to gain knowledge on small non-volant mammals from an Andean cloud forest

Abstract Recently, the Mostela system emerged as an expansion of camera trapping to gain new insights into the assemblages of small-sized and cryptic mammals. Despite being an established technique to study the natural history and ecology of rodents, shrews and small carnivores in Europe, its potential in tropical areas remains unexplored. We present the results of a pilot hybrid survey with conventional trail cameras and Mostelas conducted in a private protected area situated in the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia. We installed eight Mostelas paired with an external trail camera 550 m apart from each other from May to October 2022 in the Mesenia-Paramillo Nature Reserve. The Mostelas recorded two species of small carnivores, the threatened and unknown Colombian weasel (Neogale felipei), and the Long-tailed weasel (Neogale frenata), including several small rodents and marsupials. Mostelas captured a larger proportion of small non-volant mammals that could at least be identified to genus level compared to conventional trail cameras. We found that using baits inside Mostelas yielded a greater number of detections and richness compared to surveys not using them. Finally, we encourage the use of this hybrid system to improve the monitoring of poorly known small non-volant mammals in the Andean cloud forests.

Diversity and habitat associations of non-volant small mammals in forest patches of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Diversity and habitat associations of non-volant small mammals in forest patches of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Prevalence of Trypanosoma lainsoni and its effects of parasitism on the health of non-volant small mammals from the Brazilian Cerrado.

Small mammals are important hosts and/or reservoirs of Trypanosoma spp. This study aimed to verify the prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. in non-volant small mammals from the Brazilian Cerrado and to test the effects of T. lainsoni on the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (N/L) and body condition in rodent and marsupial populations. For this, we collected blood samples of 293 individuals captured in five forest fragments between 2019 and 2020. Blood was used to prepare the blood smears and packed on filter paper for DNA extraction. Generalized linear models were performed to test the effects of T. lainsoni on host health. The DNA was submitted to nested PCR targeting the Trypanosoma spp. 18S rRNA gene. From blood smears analyzed by microscopy, we obtained a positivity rate of 7.2% for Trypanosoma spp. About 31.1% of Gracilinanus agilis, Didelphis albiventris, and Rhipidomys macrurus samples were positive in nested PCR. From the obtained sequences, 83.3% were genetically identical to T. lainsoni and about 11% to T. cruzi TcI. In addition, we reported the infection of T. lainsoni in Hylaeamys megacephalus. We suggest that T. lainsoni does not influence the body condition and N/L ratio for either G. agilis or R. macrurus. Overall, our results expand the host list of T. lainsoni and demonstrate the infection of small mammals by T. cruzi TcI in peri-urban areas.

Species Diversity and Distribution of Non-volant Small Mammal between Restoration, Boundary, Disturbed and Undisturbed Area in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.

Deforestation in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia has increased significantly in the past few years to accommodate the growing population of Cameron Highlands. This led to a rapid urbanisation in Cameron Highlands which increased anthropogenic activities, causing degradation of the natural environment. Such environmental changes highlight the necessity of wildlife and resource inventories of available forested areas to improve existing conservation and management plans, especially for threatened taxa such as the non-volant small mammals. However, very few studies are known to focus on the effect of deforestation on non-volant small mammals, especially in the adjacent forest. This survey aimed to document non-volant small mammals from four habitat types (restoration areas, boundary, disturbed and undisturbed areas) of Terla A and Bertam, and undisturbed forest of Bukit Bujang Forest Reserve, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Samplings were conducted in two phases between August 2020 to January 2021. A total of 80 live traps were deployed along the transect lines in all three study sites, and 10 camera traps were set randomly in each forested area. Results demonstrated that species diversity (H') is higher at Terla A Forest Reserve compared to Bertam and Bukit Bujang Forest Reserve. In contrast, species diversity in the boundary area (S = 8, H' = 2.025) and disturbed forest area (S = 8, H' = 1.992) had similar number of species (S) compared to others study habitat; restoration area had the lowest species diversity (S = 3, H' = 0.950). Berylmys bowersi was the most captured species from trappings and Lariscus insignis was the most frequently recorded species from camera trappings for all study sites. The results of the survey provided new information on non-volant small mammals in Cameron Highlands for future research, conservation, and management.

Tropical savanna small mammals respond to loss of cover following disturbance: A global review of field studies

Small-mammal faunas of tropical savannas consist of endemic assemblages of murid rodents, small marsupials, and insectivores on four continents. Small mammals in tropical savannas are understudied compared to other tropical habitats and other taxonomic groups (e.g., Afrotropical megafauna or Neotropical rainforest mammals). Their importance as prey, ecosystem engineers, disease reservoirs, and declining members of endemic biodiversity in tropical savannas compels us to understand the factors that regulate their abundance and diversity. We reviewed field studies published in the last 35 years that examined, mostly experimentally, the effects of varying three primary endogenous disturbances in tropical savanna ecosystems—fire, large mammalian herbivory (LMH), and drought—on abundance and diversity of non-volant small mammals. These disturbances are most likely to affect habitat structure (cover or concealment), food availability, or both, for ground-dwelling small mammalian herbivores, omnivores, and insectivores. Of 63 studies (included in 55 published papers) meeting these criteria from the Afrotropics, Neotropics, and northern Australia (none was found from southern Asia), 29 studies concluded that small mammals responded (mostly negatively) to a loss of cover (mostly from LMH and fire); four found evidence of increased predation on small mammals in lower-cover treatments (e.g., grazed or burned). Eighteen studies concluded a combination of food- and cover-limitation explained small-mammal responses to endogenous disturbances. Only two studies concluded small-mammal declines in response to habitat-altering disturbance were caused by food limitation and not related to cover reduction. Evidence to date indicates that abundance and richness of small savanna mammals, in general (with important exceptions), is enhanced by vegetative cover (especially tall grass, but sometimes shrub cover) as refugia for these prey species amid a “landscape of fear,” particularly for diurnal, non-cursorial, and non-fossorial species. These species have been called “decreasers” in response to cover reduction, whereas a minority of small-mammal species have been shown to be “increasers” or disturbance-tolerant. Complex relationships between endogenous disturbances and small-mammal food resources are important secondary factors, but only six studies manipulated or measured food resources simultaneous to habitat manipulations. While more such studies are needed, designing effective ones for cryptic consumer communities of omnivorous dietary opportunists is a significant challenge.

Lista atualizada dos pequenos mamíferos não-voadores do Parque Nacional da Serra da Bocaina, sudeste do Brasil

Abstract In the core of the Atlantic Forest biome, the Serra da Bocaina National Park (SBNP) is located in the Atlantic Forest Southeast area of endemism for vertebrates. Filling gaps in knowledge about the spatial distribution and occurrence of species in national parks is of fundamental importance to know how many species are protected and to guide conservation initiatives. Here we updated the non-volant small mammal species list of the SBNP, providing new data on species list and abundance, with species identified mainly by karyotype and/or molecular analysis. Twelve sampling sessions with a capture-mark-recapture approach were carried out in four sites in the SBNP from 2013 to 2016, during the paving works of the state highway RJ-165 (Estrada Parque Paraty-Cunha), municipality of Paraty, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Non-volant small mammals (Rodentia and Didelphimorphia) were sampled using Sherman® and Tomahawk® live traps (18,987 trap-nights) and pitfall traps (4,591 trap-nights). Thirty-two species (11 marsupials and 21 rodents) were recorded from 1,185 captured specimens. Species richness ranged from 18 to 28 between sites. Ten and 11 species were exclusively captured in live traps and pitfall traps, respectively. The observed richness (32 species) represented 91.4% of the estimated species richness for the study area. Sites 2 and 4 were the most similar to each other regarding species composition, and site 3 was the most dissimilar. The species with highest relative abundance were Euryoryzomys russatus (14%) and Delomys dorsalis (14%), while six species had relative abundances lower than 1%. Fourteen and 17 species were identified by karyotype and molecular analysis, respectively. The present study added 22 species to the park’s non-volant small mammals list, which now has 37 species with confirmed occurrence. This species richness found in the SBNP is one of the highest ever recorded for the group of non-volant small mammals in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, corroborating the Serra da Bocaina region as a biodiversity hotspot.

MICROMAMÍFEROS NO VOLADORES (RODENTIA Y DIDELPHIMORPHIA) DEL HOLOCENO DE PATAGONIA CENTRAL (ARGENTINA): SIGNIFICACIÓN PALEOAMBIENTAL

We present the structure of the non-volant small mammal assemblages for five paleontological sequences from the Holocene located in the Chubut river basin. With the obtained information, an environmental hypothesis is proposed for the last thousands of years in central Patagonia. Thirteen radiocarbon dates were made with conventional methods. Among the five sequences, 12.644 individuals (MNI) were counted. Altogether, at least 18 small mammal taxa were recorded. The study of the deposits allowed us to infer that from 5.5 ka to 4.0 ka the region was covered by Patagonian steppe environments. Starting at 4.0 ka, especially in the lower valley of the Chubut river, the influence of the Monte environments begins to be noticed, alternating cold and humid conditions with warmer and drier conditions like the current ones. The small mammals suggest the existence of two main trends during the last 5.0 ka. For most of the temporal segment, we documented maintenance of the taxonomic structure (quantitative and qualitative) with subtle changes in the abundances of some species. Towards the last 0.15 ka, a deeper modification of the assemblages becomes evident, marked both by local disappearances and by marked increases or decreases of some species. The available evidence identifies anthropic activities as the main responsible for these changes.

Host-Associated Distribution of Two Novel Mammarenaviruses in Rodents from Southern Africa.

Mammarenaviruses are hosted by several rodent species, a small number of which have been known to be zoonotic. Host surveillance among small mammals has identified a large diversity of previously undescribed mammarenaviruses. Intensified biosurveillance is warranted to better understand the diversity of these agents. Longitudinal host surveillance involving non-volant small mammals at a site in the Limpopo province, South Africa, was conducted. The study reports on the screening results of 563 samples for the presence of mammarenavirus RNA. PCR-positive samples were subjected to sequencing using Miseq amplicon sequencing. Sequences with close similarity to Mariental and Lunk viruses were identified from two rodent species, Micaelamys namaquensis and Mus minutoides. This represents the first description of these viruses from South Africa. The genomic sequences reported here partially satisfied the requirements put forward by the International Committee on the Taxonomy of Viruses' criteria for species delineation, suggesting that these may be new strains of existing species. The known distribution of these mammarenaviruses is thus expanded further south in Africa.

DIVERSITY OF NON-VOLANT SMALL MAMMALS IN PULAU TINGGI, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

A non-volant small mammal survey was conducted at Pulau Tinggi between July and September 2019. This study aimed to provide baseline data for non-volant small mammals in Pulau Tinggi by setting 55 cage traps and 20 pitfalls for 44 trapping nights. A total of 20 individuals of non-volant small mammals were documented, representing five species from three families: Soricidae, Sciuridae and Muridae. The Rajah spiny rat (Maxomys rajah) and the Red spiny rat (Maxomys surifer) were the most abundant species (n=6) of non-volant small mammals in Pulau Tinggi. The Malayan field rat (Rattus tiomanicus) was the least species (n=1). The Malayan shrew (Crocidura malayana) is the only shrew recorded on the island. The analysis of similarities between our study site and other Malaysian islands reveals that Pulau Tinggi shares more similarities with Pulau Pangkor and Pulau Perhentian than Pulau Tioman. The small mammal richness on Pulau Tinggi is relatively low compared to other islands, most likely due to the study site’s limited coverage and time constraints. Long-term monitoring is required to determine the true diversity of species and distribution of small mammals on Pulau Tinggi.

Prevalence of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. in Non-Volant Small Mammals of Hutan Lipur Sekayu, Terengganu, Malaysia.

Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease that is transmitted worldwide through infected small mammals such as rodents. In Malaysia, there is a paucity of information on the animal reservoirs that are responsible for leptospirosis transmission, with only a few studies focusing on leptospirosis risk in recreational areas. Therefore, in this study we characterized the species composition and the prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in non-volant small mammals of Hutan Lipur Sekayu, Terengganu. We performed ten trapping sessions totaling 3000 trappings between September 2019 and October 2020. Kidney samples from captured individuals were extracted for the PCR detection of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Overall, we captured 45 individuals from 8 species (1.56% successful trapping effort), with 9 individuals testing positive for pathogenic Leptospira, that is, a 20% (n = 9/45) prevalence rate. Rattus tiomanicus (n = 22) was the most dominant captured species and had the highest positive individual with pathogenic Leptospira (44.4%, n = 4/9). Despite the low successful trapping effort in this study, the results show the high diversity of non-volant small mammals in Hutan Lipur Sekayu, and that they could also maintain and transmit pathogenic Leptospira.