Variations in the Composition and Structure of Muridae Communities along Gradients of Anthropogenic Disturbance in the Northern Sector of Virunga National Park (PNVi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa)

Abstract

Murid dynamics serve as a sensitive indicator of the conservation status of tropical ecosystems subjected to intense anthropogenic pressures. This study, conducted in the northern sector of Virunga National Park (DRC), assessed the relative abundance, diversity, and spatial distribution of Muridae along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance to guide sustainable conservation strategies. Data were collected using indirect methods (droppings, footprints, and tracks) along geo-referenced reconnaissance transects. Diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, evenness), similarity measures, and non-parametric tests (Kendall, Chi-square, Correspondence Analysis) were applied to characterize community structure in relation to habitat types and disturbance intensity. Results revealed high species diversity (H′ = 1.936) and three functional groups: 1) a group restricted to lightly disturbed habitats, composed of Hybomys lunaris , Dasymys montanus , and Praomys jacksoni ; 2) a ubiquitous group inhabiting moderately disturbed habitats, including Lemniscomys striatus and Mastomys natalensis ; and 3) an anthropophilic group dominant in heavily disturbed habitats, represented by Arvicanthis niloticus . The presence of threatened species such as Dasymys montanus (EN) and Hybomys lunaris (VU) highlights the high conservation value of lightly disturbed habitats. A significant negative correlation between disturbance intensity and presence indices ( τ = –0.54; p = 0.04) confirms the detrimental effects of village hunting (37%) and unsustainable agriculture (25%) on forest-specialist species. These findings emphasize that Muridae richness and resilience strongly depend on habitat quality, continuity, and integrity. Strengthening forest relic protection, promoting sustainable community-based management, and establishing integrated ecological monitoring are key conservation priorities.