Small mammal abundance and diversity along an altitudinal gradient in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Small mammal diversity and abundance in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, exhibit significant variation along altitudinal gradients. The study found that species composition, richness, and distribution of rodents and shrews were strongly correlated with altitude (p = 0.000), with the highest diversity recorded at 2,800 m a.s.l. (H’ = 1.82). Lophuromys simensis and Stenocephalemys albipes dominated across seasons, while Desmomys harringitoni, Dendromys lovati, and Mus imberbis were the least abundant. Species similarity between altitudes of 2,800 m and 3,200 m was high (Sij = 0.97363), contrasting with low similarity at 4,000 m (Sij = 0.15632). The research also identified six endemic rodent species, highlighting the park's unique biodiversity. Environmental disturbances like fires and agriculture pose threats to these small mammals, particularly endemic ones.

Kassa, A. A., Katkweba, A., Makundi, R., Massawe, A., & Yonas, M. (2024). Small mammal abundance and diversity along an altitudinal gradient in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution, 70(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1163/22244662-bja10071