Variations in the Composition and Structure of Muridae Communities along Gradients of Anthropogenic Disturbance in the Northern Sector of Virunga National Park (PNVi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa)

Intense anthropogenic pressures in the northern sector of Virunga National Park (PNVi) significantly alter Muridae communities, with species diversity and composition serving as sensitive indicators of habitat disturbance. Research reveals three distinct functional groups: forest-specialist species like Hybomys lunaris and Dasymys montanus thrive only in lightly disturbed habitats, while Lemniscomys striatus and Mastomys natalensis dominate moderately disturbed areas, and Arvicanthis niloticus flourishes in heavily degraded zones. A strong negative correlation (τ = –0.54; p = 0.04) between disturbance intensity and species presence underscores the detrimental impacts of village hunting (37%) and unsustainable agriculture (25%). The study, using indirect tracking methods and statistical analysis, highlights the critical role of habitat integrity in maintaining Muridae richness and resilience, emphasizing the need for strengthened conservation measures to protect threatened species and fragile ecosystems.

Walaka, J. P., Chuo, D. M., Kambere, P. K., Muhesi, E. K., Kaleme, P. K., & Seino, R. A. (2026). Variations in the Composition and Structure of Muridae Communities along Gradients of Anthropogenic Disturbance in the Northern Sector of Virunga National Park (PNVi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa). Open Journal of Ecology, 16(07), 364–383. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2026.167021