title: Diversity and habitat association of small mammals in Aridtsy forest, Awi Zone, Ethiopia.
abstract: Here, we conducted a survey to examine the diversity, distribution and habitat association of small mammals from August 2011 to February 2012 incorporating both wet and dry seasons in Aridtsy forest, Awi Zone, Ethiopia. Using Sherman live traps and snap traps in four randomly selected trapping grids, namely, natural forest, bushland, grassland and farmland, a total of 468 individuals comprising eight species of small mammals (live traps) and 89 rodents of six species (snap traps) were trapped in 2352 and 1200 trap nights, respectively. The trapped small mammals included seven rodents and one insectivore: Lophuromys flavopuntatus (30.6%), Arvicanthis dembeensis (25.8%), Stenocephalemys albipes (20%), Mastomys natalensis (11.6%), Pelomys harringtoni (6.4%), Acomys cahirinus (4.3%), Lemniscomys zebra (0.2%) and the greater red musk shrew (Crocidura flavescens, 1.1%). Analysis showed statistically significant variations in the abundance and habitat preferences of small mammals between habitats during wet and dry seasons.
authors: Department of Biology, Adama Science & Technology University, PO BOX 1888 Adama, Ethiopia. geach.jon@gmail.com.
authors: Getachew
authors: G
authors: Bantihun
authors: Addis Ababa University, PO BOX 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Afework
authors: A
authors: Bekele
mesh_terms: D063147:Animal Distribution; D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D005002:Ethiopia; D065928:Forests; D008322:Mammals / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Abundance; Aridtsy forest; Awi Zone; Distribution; Diversity; Small mammals