Terrestrial small mammal community structure in an anthropogenically-altered moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana.

Abstract

The small mammal community structure of the Moist Semi-Deciduous forest zone of the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana was studied. A total effort of 2,340 trap-nights yielded 201 individuals belonging to 11 rodents species (order Rodentia) and three shrew species (order Soricomorpha). Additionally, 13 rodent species belonging to five families, Thryonomidae (1 species), Cricetidae (1 species), Anomaluridae (3 species), Sciuridae (6 species) and Hystricidae (2 species) were observed via ad hoc walks. The relative abundance ranged from 1.9% for the OKF to 17.2% for the ORA. Small mammal diversity was highest and lowest at the PKF and OKF, respectively. The species comprised forest specialists and species adapted to habitats ranging from grassland to forest clearings. Two species, Lophuromys sikapusi, and Mus musculoides were common to all the sites, and together with Mastomys natalensis, constituted about 70% of the total number of captures. The fresh biomass of species varied, with the weight of males being slightly higher than that of their female counterparts. About 60% of rodents showed signs of sexual activity. Species of conservation concern and management value included Crocidura grandiceps (Near Threatened) and the West African endemics Malacomys edwardsi and Hylomycus alleni.