Status and challenges for conservation of small mammals assemblages of Ghana
Journal Title: Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) - Year 2015, Vol 6, Issue 4
Abstract
Our knowledge of the distribution, composition and status of small mammal assemblages of Ghana is scanty. To date, an up-to-date checklist of small mammals of the country is non-existent, despite being vital zoogeographical and conservation tool. Here, we review available literature to compile a preliminary checklist of Ghana’s small mammals, highlight key knowledge gaps and challenges for conservation and identify future research priorities. Forty-nine species comprising 34 rodents (Rodentia) (excluding squirrels and cane rats), 14 shrews (Soricomorpha) and one hedgehog (Erinaceomorpha) have been recorded in Ghana since 1975. Rodents and shrews showed widespread distribution across southern Ghana where most published studies have been concentrated. The rodent Praomys tullbergi and the shrew Crocidura olivieri were most commonly-reported. All small mammals were listed as Least Concern except Crocidura buettikoferi and Crocidura grandiceps, which are Near Threatened. Malacomys edwardsi and Hybomys trivirgattus are forest-obligates and Upper Guinean endemics of conservation importance. There is an urgent need for basic biological surveys throughout the country, particularly in the northern regions where no small mammal studies has been published. Long-term monitoring of forest obligate like Hylomyscus sp., Hybomys sp., Malacomys sp., Crocidura muricaudata and C. grandiceps could reveal the impacts of environmental changes including habitat loss and degradation, and climate change on Ghana’s small mammals.
Authors and Affiliations
Benjamin Y. Ofori, Daniel K. Attuquayefio, Gbogbo Francis
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP38367
- DOI -
- Views 198
- Downloads 0
Investigation on effects of range management plans, property size and number of land unit owners on rangelands (case study: Saveh Rangelands)
This study was conducted in a summer rangeland of Saveh region at Markazi province. Firstly, property of rural rangelands including private, and collective management were selected as three area levels of small (less th...
Integrated rock typing in carbonate reservoir using MRGC method, a case from SW of Iran
According to thin sections examination prepared from cuttings plus core samples, and using petrophysical data (Electrofacies), 10 microfacies and two lithfacies are recognized in Fahliyan Formation in the Abadan plain. T...
Effects of sanitary landfills on surface water quality in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State
The study assessed the effects of sanitary landfills on surface water quality in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State. Water samples were collected using ragolis plastic containers of 1.5 liters from surface water bo...
A microbiological study of Mozzarella cheese made by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3 throughout cheese making and ripening
A novel exopolysaccharide producing strain Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ZW3, isolated from kefir grain Tibet, was used for the first time for Mozzarella cheese preparation. The survival of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dur...
Seed germination in response to osmosic stress
An Attempt was carried out to evaluate seed germination performances of Baraka, Adlib and Nineveh lentil cultivars besides Local Vetch and Local Mungbean cultivar under (0, -0.5, -1 and -1.5 Mpa) osmotic potentials crea...