We conducted a study on diversity and habitat requirements of small mammals in the western part of the AlbertineRift, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The work aimed at providing a more complete list of species r...We conducted a study on diversity and habitat requirements of small mammals in the western part of the AlbertineRift, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The work aimed at providing a more complete list of species recordedto date and their habitat requirements to aid conservation efforts in the region. Trapping was conducted usingMuseum special, Victor traps, Sherman live traps and pitfall traps in four different habitats. A total of 57 specieswas recorded. Plantations and open habitats harbored the same species. In the forested areas we recorded 30 specieswhich are not tolerant to disturbance. Eighteen species are Albertine Rift endemics. One species (Lophuromyscinereus), which is vulnerable and data deficient, has been recorded only in swamp. This study has recorded morespecies than the previous studies, some of which have not been reported in earlier studies. Differences between thisand earlier studies are attributed to methods and the areas sampled. Some of the habitats sampled by previousworkers have not been assessed. More research is needed, especially in swamps in mountain areas and in deepforests inhabited by species not present at lower altitudes.展开更多
文摘We conducted a study on diversity and habitat requirements of small mammals in the western part of the AlbertineRift, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The work aimed at providing a more complete list of species recordedto date and their habitat requirements to aid conservation efforts in the region. Trapping was conducted usingMuseum special, Victor traps, Sherman live traps and pitfall traps in four different habitats. A total of 57 specieswas recorded. Plantations and open habitats harbored the same species. In the forested areas we recorded 30 specieswhich are not tolerant to disturbance. Eighteen species are Albertine Rift endemics. One species (Lophuromyscinereus), which is vulnerable and data deficient, has been recorded only in swamp. This study has recorded morespecies than the previous studies, some of which have not been reported in earlier studies. Differences between thisand earlier studies are attributed to methods and the areas sampled. Some of the habitats sampled by previousworkers have not been assessed. More research is needed, especially in swamps in mountain areas and in deepforests inhabited by species not present at lower altitudes.
