Species Composition, Distribution and Habitat Association of Rodents in Bir Farm Development and Nearby Natural Habitat Area, Ethiopia

Ejigu Alemayehu, Afework Bekele

Abstract


This study compares species diversity, distribution, relative abundance and habitat association of rodents in Bir Farm Development (Birsheleko) and nearby natural habitats during August 2007 to February 2008. Live-trapping in the forest, bushland, grassland and agricultural fields revealed the presence of Arvicanthis dembeensis (33.6%), Lophuromys flavopunctatus (21.8%), Mus mahomet (16.8%), Stenocephalemys albipes (14.4%), Tatera robusta (11.4%) and Pelomys harringtoni (2.0%). The distribution of species varied between habitats. L. flavopunctatus had a wider range of distribution than other small mammals trapped. Diversity of rodents was higher in maize farms from local farmed areas than the extensive Farm Development due to less disturbance and chemical applications.

Keywords


Agricultural Fields; Diversity; Mammals; Population Size; Richness; Trap Success

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