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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2022

A snapshot of rodents and shrews of agroecosystems in Ethiopian highlands using camera traps

Meheretu, Yonas; Tilahun, Tadesse; Engdayehu, Getachew; Bosma, Luwieke; Mulualem, Getachew; Craig, Evan W.; Bryja, Josef; van Steenbergen, Frank

Abstract

Considering climate change and high population increase, the conversion of natural habitats into arable land is rising at an alarming rate in the Ethiopian highlands. The impact on the diversity of rodents and shrews is difficult to measure since historical data are often unavailable. However, the relative effects of such land-use changes could be contemplated by comparing with data from similar natural habitats in adjacent areas. Between October to November 2018, we randomly setup 20 infrared camera traps in wheat fields located near Mount Guna at about 3350 m elevation, as part of a large research project investigating the efficacy of rodent repellent botanicals. We recorded six rodent species (Arvicanthis abyssinicusDendromus lovati, Dendromus mystacalis, Hystrix cristata, Mus mahomet and Stenocephalemys albipes) and two shrew species (Crocidura cf. baileyi and Crocidura olivieri). A. abyssinicusH. cristata and S. albipes are known to occur in agricultural fields. D. lovati was recorded from anthropogenic habitat for the first time in this study. The species has been described as rare or difficult to capture with conventional traps. We call for rigorous biodiversity studies and conservation measures in agroecosystems in the Ethiopian highlands to avert further losses in biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Keywords

camera trap; Ethiopia; Mount Guna; pest; rodents; shrew

Published in

Mammalia
2022, Volume: 86, number: 3, pages: 230-238

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Agricultural Science

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2021-0135

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/120473