Diversity and distribution of small rodent in Mpanga central forest reserve, Mpigi district, Uganda

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the diversity and distribution of rodents in Mpanga central forest reserve, Mpigi district, Uganda, focusing on regenerating and intact forests. A total of 5 species all belonging to muridae family were recorded in 210 trap nights. Three (3) species (Praomys jacksoni, Hylomyscus stella, Hybomys univittatus) were recorded in both habitat types with exclusive presence of 2 species (Lophuromys sikapusi and Lophuromys flavopanctatus) in the regenerating forest. The dissimilarity coefficient between the distributions of rodent species in two habitat types was 0.62. Overall, Praomys jacksoni was the most abundant (24 individuals) and Lophuromys sikapusi was the least abundant (1 individual). These results indicate that the regenerating forests support higher rodent species richness than the intact forests. This is due to the open canopies that allow light penetration to aid in the growth of dense understory cover which provides more food, protective cover and breeding sites for the rodents in the regenerating forest. Furthermore, these findings contribute to our understanding of rodent diversity in the study area and highlights the impact of forest regeneration on rodent diversity.