Composition of Species, Distribution of Rodents and Insectivores (Small Mammals) in the Four Natural Regions of the Republic of Guinea

Abstract

Choosing this topic would contribute to a better understanding of the ecology of these near-threatened species and should facilitate the development of a sustainable conservation strategy. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution of small mammals, their seasonal trends, and their abundance within the territory of the Republic of Guinea. This study was conducted from December 6, 2017, to August 4, 2019, in inhabited areas, Forests with sparse undergrowth or savanna, Agricultural ecosystems (vegetable gardens and plantations), Coastal areas and Forests. The traps were baited with dried fish and set from 7:00 pm. to 6:00 am, after which they were collected and taken to the laboratory for identification. These 1220 rodents, representing 14 species, were captured using snap traps or Sherman H.B. traps: Mastomys erythroleucus 412 (33.77%), Rattus rattus 361 (29.59%), Mus musculus 139 (11.39%), Mastom ys natalensis 121 (59.91%), Crocidura olivieri 71 (5.81%), Praomys daltoni 31 (2.54%), Cricetomys gambianus 23 (1.88%), Mus minutoides and Mus musculoides have the same number of small mammals captured and the same percentage: 16 (1.31%), Gerbilliscus guinea 8 (0.65%), Arvicanthis ansorgei and Lemniscomys striatus have the same number of small mammals captured and the same percentage: 7 (0.57%), Lophuromys sikapusi 6 (0.49%) and Praomys derooi 2 (0.16%). A total of 643 rodents were captured during the dry season, compared to 577 during the rainy season. The largest number of rodents was captured in the Kindia region (882), compared to 68 rodents captured in the Kankan region. Rodents do not appear to have a particular preference for any type of trap; however, by using both types of traps, different results can be obtained and utilized for further studies. Finally, 410 rodents were captured in occupied houses during the rainy season, compared with 234 rodents in the same type of habitat (occupied houses) during the dry season.