Editor’s choice Small terrestrial mammal distributions in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: a reassessment after 88 years
Craig EW, Stanley WT, Kerbis Peterhans JC, Bryja J, Meheretu Y. 2020. Small terrestrial mammal distributions in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: a reassessment after 88 years. J Mammal. 101(3):634–647. doi:10.1093/jmammal/gyaa040
Despite the presence of mostly endemic species, the most comprehensive data set on the distribution and ecology of small mammals inhabiting Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP) dated from 1927. The study we carried out and report here provides a unique opportunity to assess the possible role of climate change over the last 88 years on the elevational distribution of mammals in the Ethiopian highlands. Between September and November 2015, three of us (EWC, WTS, YM) collected nonvolant small mammals at four sites (2,900, 3,250, 3,600, and 4,000 m a.s.l.) along the western slope of the Simien Mountains using standardized sampling. Over a 4-week period we recorded 13 species, comprising 11 species of rodents and two of shrews, all endemic to the Ethiopian Plateau. We found the greatest species richness at mid-elevations (3,250 m), consistent with a general pattern found on many other mountains worldwide, but less so in Africa. We compared our species distribution results to the 1927 data set and found upward elevational shifts in species’ ranges, highlighting the role and influence of climate change on the small mammal community. SMNP represents an exceptionally valuable core area of endemism and the best protected natural habitat in northern Ethiopia.
Tigray Orthohantavirus Infects Two Related Rodent Species Adapted to Different Elevations in Ethiopia
Meheretu Y, Stanley WT, Craig EW, Goüy de Bellocq J, Bryja J, Leirs H, Pahlmann M, Günther S. 2019. Tigray Orthohantavirus Infects Two Related Rodent Species Adapted to Different Elevations in Ethiopia. Vector-borne Zoonotic Dis. doi:10.1089/vbz.2019.2452.
Orthohantaviruses are RNA viruses that some members are known to cause severe zoonotic diseases in humans. Orthohantaviruses are hosted by rodents, soricomorphs (shrews and moles), and bats. Only two orthohantaviruses associated with murid rodents are known in Africa, Sangassou orthohantavirus (SANGV) in two species of African wood mice (Hylomyscus), and Tigray orthohantavirus (TIGV) in the Ethiopian white-footed rat (Stenocephalemys albipes). In this article, we report evidence that, like SANGV, two strains of TIGV occur in two genetically related rodent species, S. albipes and S. sp. A, occupying different elevational zones on the same mountain. Investigating the other members of the genus Stenocephalemys for TIGV could reveal the real diversity of TIGV in the genus.
First record of African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus L.) in semi-arid area of Yechilay, northern Ethiopia
Westerberg M, Craig E, Meheretu Y. 2017. First record of African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus L.) in semi-arid area of Yechilay, northern Ethiopia. Afr J Ecol.(April):2–4. doi:10.1111/aje.12436.
Based on information obtained from local residents regarding African leopard (Panthera panthera pardus L.) activity and incidences of livestock depredation in the semi-arid areas of Yechilay in northern Ethiopia, we deployed three Moultrie camera traps in rotation along animal trails covering an area of c. 0.78 hectares. Of the 60 days of camera trapping, we video-captured seven instances of an individual leopard. The route the leopard followed coincided with the daily routes of shepherds who lead herds of livestock to a water source. Other co-occurring mammals captured by the cameras were Abyssinian genet (Genetta abyssinica Rüppell 1836) and white-tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda G. [Baron] Cuvier 1829), suggesting these mammals may comprise a portion of the prey-base of leopards in the area.
Evan W Craig 