Publication
Title
Diversity and structure of shrew communities in montane forests of southeast Kenya
Author
Abstract
As a step towards setting conservation priorities for declining moist forests in southeast Kenya, we assessed for small mammal diversity and distribution. These habitats are under severe pressure due to increased demand on forests products and arable land, yet there is a dearth of information on impacts on biodiversity. Over an eight-month period, we used a combination of box and pitfall traps with drift fences to study 13 forest fragments in five geographic areas ranging between 3degrees28'-4degrees10' S and 38degrees28'-39degrees26' E. We recorded 12 species including 10 soricids and two macroscelids in 31440 trap nights. Diversity estimates using rarefaction method indicate a species richness of 12, consistent with our collection. There were six unique species, each Limited in distribution to one forest fragment. Our record of Crocidura cf. selina in Kyulu Hills is the first outside Mabira forest in Uganda where it is considered endemic and endangered. We also report the first record of C fuscomurina in Kenya, white those of C luna and Suncus megolura are first in the Southeast of the country. By providing new ranges to four species, our study is of significance to the biogeography and conservation of forest small mammals in the region.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Mammalian biology / German Society for Mammalogy; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde. - Jena, 2002, currens
Zeitschrift für Säugetierkunde / Deutsche Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde. - Jena, 1926 - 2001
Publication
Jena : Elsevier , 2004
ISSN
1616-5047 [print]
1618-1476 [online]
DOI
10.1078/1616-5047-00148
Volume/pages
69 :5 (2004) , p. 289-301
ISI
000223787800001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 29.02.2012
Last edited 08.12.2021
To cite this reference