Composition, abundance and distribution of rodent species in Alemsaga Priority State Forest and farmlands, northwestern Ethiopia

• Published in: African Journal of Ecology
• Main Authors: Takele, Bewketu, Yihune, Mesele, Bekele, Afework
• Other Authors: Addis Ababa University
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2022
• Subjects: Rattus rattus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/aje.12976; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aje.12976; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1111/aje.12976

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate species composition, relative abundance, habitat preference and seasonal variations of rodents in Alemsaga Priority State Forest and the nearby farmlands. A total of 1311 individual rodents were captured in six permanent grids and line transects, comprising of nine species, namely Lophuromys simensis , Arvicanthis abyssinicus , Desmomys harringtoni , Mastomys natalensis , Stenocephalemys albipes , Rattus rattus , Arvicanthis dembeensis , Mus musculus and Acomys cahrinus . Hystrix cristata and Tachyoryctes splendens were also recorded but not captured in trapes. About 44.4% of captured species are endemic to Ethiopia. Lophuromys simensis was captured from all habitats, while Acomys cahrinus was recorded only in Carissa land. The highest abundance of rodents was recorded in crop fields and the lowest in Carissa land. The overall trap success was 14.76%. Statistical variation was observed between individual rodent species among different habitats. Highest rodent populations were recorded during the wet season. Females comprised more individuals than males. Adults outnumbered sub‐adults and juveniles. Vegetation composition, altitudinal variations and human disturbance were the major factors affecting the distribution of rodents in the area. Attention should be given by the local administrators to conserve the area.