Terrestrial small mammal diversity and abundance in central Benin: comparison between habitats, with conservation implications

Abstract

We performed a terrestrial small mammal species inventory in the Agoua and Wari‐Maro forest reserves (Benin). Four localities were sampled, and in each locality, three habitats were surveyed: dense forest, open forest or woodland savannah and shrub savannah. This is the first comprehensive inventory for small mammals in central Benin. We captured 794 small mammals representing twenty species (six shrew species, fourteen rodent species). Three new species that need to be described were recorded. We observed a mixture of both true forest species and of species adapted to a wider range of habitats ranging from savannah to forest clearings. Species with either Sudanian or Guinea–Congolian affinities were recorded, as well as a new species endemic to Togo and Benin. This rich biodiversity underlines the urgent need for an effective protection of these forests. The Sudanian species Crocidura cf. foxi was more abundant in Wari‐Maro than in Agoua forest, while the Guineo–Congolian species Praomys misonnei and Hylomyscus sp were only captured in Agoua forest. These results are in agreement with the fact that these two forests belong to two distinct chorological zones.

Assessment of terrestrial small mammals and a record of the critically endangered shrew Crocidura wimmeri in Banco National Park (Côte d’Ivoire)

“…These issues are important arguments for keeping BNP under strict protection to maintain its role as a vertebrate sanctuary for future generations. The persistence of human-induced disturbance is a major challenge for most of the protected areas in Africa (Nicolas et al 2010c ).…”

Live trapping of small mammals in the Kouilou Département, Republic of Congo

“…While the present study was exploratory in scope and only documented 10 small‐mammal species, the fact that two of these species (20% of species collected) may be new to science is noteworthy and highlights the importance of undertaking such baselines (Nicolas et al, ).…”

“…Small mammals' diversity can be used as disturbance indicators in natural ecosystems, and some studies highlighted a link between small‐mammal species absence/presence and habitat condition (Nicolas et al, ). The presence of Mastomys cf.…”

“…Small mammals are nonflying mammals weighing <1 kg when adult (Kingdon & Hoffmann, ; Nicolas, Natta, Barrerré, Delapre, & Colyn, ). There are more small mammals than other terrestrial mammals' types, and they constitute nearly half of mammalian diversity (Happold, ).…”

Dynamique des populations de <i>Gerbilliscus kempi</i> et <i>Taterillus gracilis </i>(Rodentia, Muridae) à Tanongou dans la réserve de biosphère de la pendjari au Bénin

“…et à tous les stades végétatifs (Achigan Dako, 2002 ;Teka et al, 2002 ;ADRAO, 2008). Gerbilliscus kempi (ex Tatera kempi) et Taterillus gracillis figurent parmi les rongeurs les plus importants recensés au champ et ravageurs des cultures (Codjia et Assogbadjo, 2004 ;Nicolas et al, 2010 ).…”