Diversity and habitat association of medium and large mammals in Gibe Sheleko National Park,Southern Ethiopia

Complete documentation on the status of mammals is indispensable for appropriate conservation measures in protected areas. However, there is inadequate information on mammalian resources in the ecosystem of Gibe Sheleko National Park (GSNP). Thus, the study aimed to assess species diversity, abundance, and habitat association of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals in GSNP. We stratified the study area into five dominant habitat types, namely dense forest, wooded grassland, grassland, riverine forest, and farmland habitat types based on land cover and vegetation structures and further employed stratified random sampling technique across each habitat type. The sample transects covered 20% of the study area. Transect width ranged from 50 m to 400 m based on vegetation cover and visibility of mammals. The main data were collected via direct observation. Data were analyzed via chi‐square test and species diversity indexes. We recorded the total of 20 mammals species'' those belong to 10 families of which 8 species were large‐sized and 12 species medium‐sized mammals. There were two IUCN vulnerable species, namely Hippopotamus amphibious and Panthera pardus, and two globally near‐threatened species, particularly Litocranius walleri and Caracal caracal in the study area. Dense forest held the highest species diversity of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals (H′ = 2.28) with the highest evenness index (J = 0.84). Riverine forest had the least diversity with uneven population distribution. Papio anubis was the most abundance species, whereas Caracal caracal was the least abundant in the study area. GSNP is home for threatened and spectacular mammals species''; hence, an appropriate conservation measure is mandatory to keep existing mammals species''.     

Species diversity and abundance of small mammals in Nechisar National Park,Ethiopia

Species diversity and abundance of small mammals were studied in Nechisar National Park, Ethiopia, during August 2008 – March 2009. Twenty species of rodents and four species of insectivores were recorded from the study area. Mastomys natalensis (17.37%), Arvicanthis dembeensis (17.09%), Mastomys erythroleucus (8.90%), Stenocephalemys albipes (8.76%), Arvicanthis niloticus (8.19%), Acomys cahirinus (7.34%), Lemniscomys striatus (6.92%), Gerbilliscus nigricauda (6.21%), Grammomys dolichurus (3.67%), Gerbilliscus robusta (2.12%), Mus proconodon (1.98%), Mus mahomet (1.41), Dendromus melanotis (1.27%), Arvicanthis abyssinicus (1.13%), Mus musculus (0.99%), Praomys fumatus (0.85%), Xerus erythropus (0.85%), Lemniscomys barbarus (0.71%), Mus tenellus (0.71%) and Otomys typus (0.28%) were the rodents and their respective relative abundance in the study area. Crocidura olivieri (1.55%), Crocidura fumosa (0.85%), Crocidura bicolor (0.57%) and Elephantulus rufescens (0.28%) were the insectivores recorded with their respective relative abundance. Mastomys natalensis was the most abundant and O. typus and E. rufescens were the least (two each). Diversity of small mammals ranged from 2.299 to 2.625 with an average of 2.412. The highest small mammal diversity was in grasslands and the lowest was in Lake Chamo shore. Small mammal density varied from 5 to 43 ha^?1 and biomass varied from 244 to 2559 g ha^?1 with significant changes in relation to seasons and habitats.     

Species composition,relative abundance and habitat association of small mammals along the altitudinal gradient of Jiren Mountain,Jimma, Ethiopia

To document the species composition, relative abundance and habitat association of small mammals, wet and dry season surveys were conducted along the altitudinal gradient of Jiren Mountain, Jimma area, Ethiopia. Sherman traps were used to capture small mammals from the six habitats: wetland, mixed plantation, open shrub, eucalyptus plantation, montane grassland and coffee plantation. The 393 trap nights, from the six habitat types, yielded 106 individual small mammals of tweleve species. The trapped rodents were Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Stenocephalemys albipes, Desmomys harringtoni, Mus mahomet, Lemniscomys barbarous, L. striatus, Tachyoryctes splendens, Mastomys natalensis and the insectivores Crocidura fumosa and C. turba. Two species of rodents Hystrix cristata and Helioscuirus gambianus were observed. Lophuromys flavopunctatus and S. albipes contributed 83.8% of the total capture. L. flavopunctatus, S. albipes and D. harringtoni were distributed in all habitats and gradients. T. splendens was captured from montane habitat, while the zebra mice were associated with the lower altitude habitats. Lophuromys flavopunctatus and M. natalensis extended their range deep into the coffee plantation habitats. Uncontrolled vegetation exploitation of the mountains for timber production and fire wood collection are the major threats. Conservation of the area to reduce the anthropogenic pressure is essential.     

Diversity of medium and large mammals in the Loka Abaya National Park,southern Ethiopia

We evaluated the richness, diversity, and composition of the medium and large mammal community in the Loka Abaya National Park (LANP), southern Ethiopia, and how these parameters differ among four habitat types: wooded grassland, riverine forest, hilly scrubland and wetland, and between seasons. We recorded a total of 2,573 individual animals of 28 medium and large mammal species in the park. This included three globally threatened species: the endangered African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), the vulnerable Leopard (Panthera pardus), and Hippopotamus (Hippopothamus amphibius). Season had little effect on species richness, diversity, and composition both across and within habitat types. However, species richness across seasons was significantly different among the four habitat types, in the declining order of the following: wooded grassland > riverine forest > hilly scrubland > wetland. The strongest similarity in species composition, both across and within seasons, was found between wooded grassland and riverine forest. In terms of relative abundance, mammal assemblage of the wooded grassland and wetland habitats had more evenly distributed number of species with different relative abundance categories. Overall, Anubis Baboon (Papio anubis), Grivet Monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), and Greater Kudu (Tragelephus strepsiceros) were the three most abundant species across habitat types. In conclusion, findings of our study reveal that LANP plays an important role in Ethiopia's mammal conservation. Our findings will serve as baseline information for managers of the park to make effective conservation decisions and as a baseline for researchers wishing to conduct related ecological studies.     

皖南地区非飞行小型兽类多样性调查及编目

皖南地区是安徽省动物资源最丰富的区域, 也是华东地区生物多样性热点研究区域, 但目前该区域小型兽类多样性研究相对滞后, 物种本底数据仍不清楚。本研究于2018年5月至2019年12月利用夹日法和陷阱法对皖南地区14个区域的小型兽类进行了调查, 结合传统形态鉴定方法和DNA条形码技术(Cyt b和COI基因)对标本进行鉴定。同时, 结合历史资料对皖南小型兽类名录进行了整理。此次调查共采集小型兽类标本647号, 隶属3目8科17属23种, 其中啮齿目13种, 劳亚食虫目9种, 兔形目1种。分子分析结果显示皖南地区的川西缺齿鼩(Chodsigoa hypsibia)、华南缺齿鼹(Megera latouchei)、青毛巨鼠(Berylmys bowersi)、赤腹松鼠(Callosciurus erythraeus)和侯氏猬(Mesechinus hughi)与其他地区的样本存在较为明显的分化。结合历史资料, 皖南地区共有小型兽类3目9科24属34种, 其中啮齿目23种, 劳亚食虫目10种, 兔形目1种。皖南地区小型兽类资源十分丰富, 对于华东地区生物多样性保护非常重要, 但其多样性仍可能被低估, 该地区小型兽类资源还有待进一步深入调查。     

贡嘎山东坡非飞行小型兽类物种多样性的垂直分布格局

为了解贡嘎山地区物种多样性的垂直分布格局,2010年4—9月利用夹日法对贡嘎山东坡非飞行小型兽类的物种多样性进行了详细调查。调查在海拔1200—4000m之间按400m间隔设置了8个采集样地,累计布夹28800夹次,捕获非飞行小型兽类个体701个,观察记录到松鼠个体25个,共调查记录小兽个体726个,分属于3目6科16属25种。非参数估计的物种丰富度Chao2和Jackknife2指数以及物种累积曲线评估表明本次调查取样充分,能很好地反映该地区非飞行小型兽类物种多样性的垂直分布格局。结果表明:非飞行小型兽类物种多样性的垂直分布格局为单峰模型;物种丰富度和物种多度在中海拔地区最高,在低海拔和高海拔地区较低;相反,物种均匀度在中海拔地区较低,在低海拔和高海拔地区较高;而物种优势度则随着海拔的升高而逐渐增加;Shannon-Wiener、Fisher-α、Margalef三个综合性物种多样性指数均显示物种多样性在中海拔地区最高;与其它多样性指数相比,Simpson指数未能很好地反映出不同海拔段群落物种多样性的垂直分布差异;而与Shannon-Wiener和Simpson指数相比,Fisher-α和Margalef指数对不同物种组成的群落多样性区分较好。同时,基于不同海拔段物种组成的聚类分析结果也表明物种多样性在中海拔地区最高。物种多样性在中海拔地区最高的垂直分布模式提示我们在贡嘎山地区的生物多样性保护和生态管理中应特别重视中海拔地段,因为该地段中居于生态食物链中间位置的小兽物种最丰富,是山地生物多样性保护的关键。此外,规范统一的调查方法将有利于研究数据的整合和减少人为因素带来的误差。     

Species composition,abundance and habitat association of rodents and insectivores from Chilalo–Galama Mountain range,Arsi, Ethiopia

A study on the ecology of rodents and insectivores on Mount Chilalo and the Galama Mountain range was conducted during August, 2007–April, 2008. Study grids were marked in nine randomly selected habitats. Sherman live traps and snap traps were used to capture the small mammals. A total of 2525 (including recaptures) individual rodents and insectivores were captured in 5488 (Sherman) and 1590 (snap) trap‐nights. Among the live‐trapped animals, 2037 (96.2%) and 80 (3.8%) were rodents and insectivores, respectively, that comprised 17 species. These were as follows: Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Arvicanthis blicki, Arvicanthis dembeensis, Lophuromys flavopunctatus, Lophuromys melanonyx, Mastomys natalensis, Mus mahomet, Otomys typus, Rattus rattus, Stenocephalemys albipes, Stenocephalemys albocaudata, Stenocephalemys griseicauda, Crocidura glassi, Crocidura flavescens and Crocidura thalia. Tachyoryctes splendens and Hystrix cristata were sighted but not captured. Endemics to Ethiopia constituted 60% of the trapped small mammals. Lophuromys flavopunctatus was the most abundant and widely distributed rodent species, while M. mahomet was the least. The altitudes between 3301 and 3400 m asl had the highest species composition and abundance although it is second in number of catches per trap‐nights. The majority of rodents and insectivores were associated with montane forest habitat, whereas the least were in the shrubland. Anthropogenic effects were witnessed affecting the distribution of small mammals.     

四川黑竹沟地区非飞行小型兽类物种多样性与群落组成

四川黑竹沟国家级自然保护区位于生物多样性丰富的凉山山系, 在保护和维持区域生物多样性方面具有极其重要的地位, 然而对该自然保护区兽类群落的研究却极为缺乏。为了了解该自然保护区及周边的小型兽类群落,本文作者在2018年4-10月调查了该区域的非飞行小型兽类物种多样性及其群落组成。在海拔1,537-3,830 m间共设置样方184个, 布设鼠夹9,016铗日, 捕获小型兽类536只, 隶属4目7科13属21种。包括滇攀鼠(Vernaya fulva)和等齿鼩鼹(Uropsilus aequodonenia)两个稀有物种在内的共计9个物种为该地区首次报道, 丰富了物种分布记录。结合历史资料, 黑竹沟地区共记录小型兽类43种, 隶属4目9科28属。在43种小型兽类中, 东洋界物种37种, 占绝对优势(86%), 分布型以喜马拉雅-横断山型占优, 为18种(占东洋界48.6%)。本次调查捕获的21种小型兽类中, 群落优势种为中华姬鼠(Apodemus draco, 33.2%)、北社鼠(Niviventer confucianus, 21.3%)和中华绒鼠(Eothenomys chinensis, 12.7%)。随着海拔上升, 群落优势种组成发生变化, 由北社鼠 + 中华姬鼠 + 针毛鼠(Niviventer fulvescens) + 短尾鼩(Anourosorex squamipes)群落, 转变为中华绒鼠 + 中华姬鼠 + 凉山沟牙田鼠(Proedromys liangshanensis) + 西南绒鼠(Eothenomys custos)群落。群落物种区系的分布型组成随着海拔升高而发生变化, 喜马拉雅-横断山型物种随海拔升高所占比例增大; 分布于喜马拉雅-横断山的特有种分布的下限、中点和上限平均海拔都高于非特有种, 且特有种和非特有种的中点和下限平均海拔差异显著(n = 21, df = 19, P = 0.013; n = 21, df = 19, P < 0.01), 说明该区域物种具有明显的东洋界特征, 中高海拔主要由特有种构成。本研究丰富了黑竹沟地区小型兽类及群落多样性的数据资料, 有利于该地区物种多样性的研究和保护。     

北部湾海域浮游介形类物种组成、丰度分布及多样性

根据1998年1月～1999年5月北部湾海域4个航次生态环境综合调查资料,对北部湾海域浮游介形类进行分析研究。结果表明,北部湾渔场浮游介形类物种组成较为简单,记录有小型海萤（Cypridina nana）、齿形海萤（Cypridina dentata）、尖尾海萤（Cypridina acuminata）、纳米海萤（Cypridina nami）、针刺真浮萤（Euconchoecia aculeata）、细长真浮萤（Euconchoecia elongata）、后圆真浮萤（Euconchoecia maimai）等18种;隶属于2亚目、2科、4亚科、12属,其中有4种周年出现,9种只在特定的单一季节出现,其余5种季节性出现;夏季和冬季出现的物种数最多,达到11种;春季次之,为9种;秋季最少,只有6种。北部湾浮游介形类可以划分为3个生态类群,即低盐暖水类群、广温广盐类群和高温高盐类群,优势种群主要是近岸低盐暖水类群的针刺真浮萤和尖尾海萤。全海域栖息密度变化范围为0．02～51．58ind．／m^3,年平均1．22ind．／m^3,春季最高,达2．73ind．／m^3,在湾西北部密集有大量的针刺真浮萤;夏季此密集区逐渐向湾中部移动,纳米海萤为其密集种,栖息密度也有所降低;秋、冬季量少,但在湾南、北部各出现一个丰度相对较高的密集区,并由南北向湾中部递减。总生物量具有明显的季节性变化,平面分布趋势与栖息密度相似。生物多样性指数低,以湾口较高、湾顶较低,呈湾口向湾内西北方向递减趋势;全海域年平均多样性阈值为0．329,四季多样性水平皆为Ⅰ级,多样性程度低;多样性程度较高的区域,多出现于受外海水影响较大、水文状况变化较为复杂的海域。对浮游介形类的物种组成、丰度分布及多样性与北部湾的水系、水团、水温及盐度等环境因子的关系进行了探讨。     

Diversity and habitat association of small mammals in Aridtsy forest,Awi Zone,Ethiopia

Here, we conducted a survey to examine the diversity, distribution and habitat association of small mammals from August 2011 to February 2012 incorporating both wet and dry seasons in Aridtsy forest, Awi Zone, Ethiopia. Using Sherman live traps and snap traps in four randomly selected trapping grids, namely, natural forest, bushland, grassland and farmland, a total of 468 individuals comprising eight species of small mammals(live traps) and 89 rodents of six species(snap traps) were trapped in 2352 and 1200 trap nights, respectively. The trapped small mammals included seven rodents and one insectivore: Lophuromys flavopuntatus(30.6%), Arvicanthis dembeensis(25.8%), Stenocephalemys albipes(20%), Mastomys natalensis(11.6%), Pelomys harringtoni(6.4%), Acomys cahirinus(4.3%), Lemniscomys zebra(0.2%) and the greater red musk shrew(Crocidura flavescens, 1.1%). Analysis showed statistically significant variations in the abundance and habitat preferences of small mammals between habitats during wet and dry seasons.     

Species composition, abundance distribution and diversity of planktonic Ostracoda in the Beibu Gulf, China

Four cruises of survey were carried out in the Beibu Gulf between Feb 1998 and May 1999. A total of 18 species of planktonic Ostracoda were identified, including Cypridina nana, Cypridina dentata, Cypridina acuminata, Cypridina nami, Euconchoecia aculeata, Euconchoecia elongata, Euconchoecia maima, and other taxa. Planktonic Ostracoda in the gulf were divided into three ecological types: (1) a hyposaline and warm-water group, (2) a eurythermal and eurysaline group, and (3) a hyperthermal and hysaline group. The warm water species such as Euconchoecia aculeate and Cypridina acuminate were the dominant Ostracoda species in the gulf, where the overall Ostracoda density ranged from 0.02 ind./m³ to 51.58 ind./m³ and averaged 1.22 ind./m³. The highest average value (2.73 ind./m³) was found in spring. Fuzzy evaluation measures indicated that the diversity in the gulf remained low (level of class I) during all seasons. Diversity appeared to be relatively higher in some regions in which the water mass was strongly influenced by the open sea and had complex structures. This article also discusses how the species composition, abundance and diversity of planktonic Ostracoda are influenced by environmental factors (e.g., aquatic system, water mass, water temperature and salinity) in the Beibu Gulf.     

Species composition, abundance distribution and diversity of planktonic Ostracoda in the Beibu Gulf, China

Four cruises of survey were carried out in the Beibu Gulf between Feb 1998 and May 1999. A total of 18 species of planktonic Ostracoda were identified, including Cypridina nana, Cypridina dentata, Cypridina acuminata, Cypridina nami, Euconchoecia aculeata, Euconchoecia elongata, Euconchoecia maima, and other taxa. Planktonic Ostracoda in the gulf were divided into three ecological types: (1) a hyposaline and warm-water group, (2) a eurythermal and eurysaline group, and (3) a hyperthermal and hysaline group. The warm water species such as Euconchoecia aculeate and Cypridina acuminate were the dominant Ostracoda species in the gulf, where the overall Ostracoda density ranged from 0.02 ind./m³ to 51.58 ind./m³ and averaged 1.22 ind./m³. The highest average value (2.73 ind./m³) was found in spring. Fuzzy evaluation measures indicated that the diversity in the gulf remained low (level of class I) during all seasons. Diversity appeared to be relatively higher in some regions in which the water mass was strongly influenced by the open sea and had complex structures. This article also discusses how the species composition, abundance and diversity of planktonic Ostracoda are influenced by environmental factors (e.g., aquatic system, water mass, water temperature and salinity) in the Beibu Gulf.     

Effects of roads on small mammal diversity and abundance in the northern Serengeti,Tanzania

The high biodiversity of small mammal species in the Serengeti ecosystem provides this ecosystem with important conservation value. However, whether the extensive development of roads has negative impacts on the small mammal population has not been tested. Small mammal population diversity and abundance were examined in this study using live trapping at sites close to (experimental) and away (control) from the main gravel road during the short rainy seasons in November and December 2011 and 2012. A total of 138 individuals from three orders representing six families and fourteen species were collected over 4,860 trap nights. There were no significant differences in the species richness, diversity or abundance of small mammals between the control and experimental sites (p > 0.05), suggesting that the current gravel road does not have a significant impact on the small mammal population. These findings were ascribed to the availability of favourable habitats at both distances as a result of little road usage due to poor conditions. Should the road be improved, the control of anthropogenic activities in the area should be given high priority. Continuous monitoring of the small mammal populations in the area is recommended.     

埃塞俄比亚Alatish国家公园大型哺乳动物多样性、分布及其与栖息地的联系

于2004年8月-2005年3月间研究了Alatish国家公园在雨季和旱季期间大型哺乳动物的多样性和分布.基于地形图、卫片和预调查结果,在4种生境类型中识别出37个100 km2或者更小的斑块.在4个植被类型中随机选择了11个斑块,沿随机选择的样线进行了调查,样线10 km 长,0.2 km宽,覆盖了该区域面积的20%.使用Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、DISTANCE 5.0 软件以及 Simpson相似性指数分析了大型哺乳动物的多样性以及分布的相似性.记录了20种体型较大的哺乳动物;河边林地在雨季和旱季都有最高的多样性,林地的多样性最低;旱季中4种类型的栖息地具有相似的分布型;由于栖息地退化不能确定物种的分布格局.联合距离取样分析揭示出,旱季和雨季大型哺乳动物的密度较低,分别为4.067只/km2和6.263只/km2.所观察的哺乳动物可分为草食动物(15%)、游牧动物(30%)、杂食动物(25%)与食肉动物(30%).     

云南横断山区小型兽类物种多样性与地理分布趋势

以云南横断山区的高黎贡山、怒山和云岭等重要山脉的7个山系作为样区,进行小型兽类的垂直分布调查并参考有关资料,采用不同山系样区各垂直带小型兽类物种多样性指数的平均值作为指标,对横断山区小型兽类的地理分布趋势、规律和相关影响因素进行了研究。结果表明：小型兽类物种多样性的地理分布趋势是由南向北,由西向东呈递减的趋势。与此趋势变化密切相关的主要因素是纬度的影响,其次是水湿条件,另外还与小型兽类的密度,物种丰富度、地理环境（坡向）和垂直带的影响等因素有关。此外,对横断山区不同区域小兽物种密度高峰问题作了分析和讨论。     

琅琊山国家森林公园蝶类多样性

报道了安徽滁州市琅琊山国家森林公园蝶类多样性的研究结果,共采集了蝴蝶4454只,隶属8科、40属、57种。应用Margalef物种丰富度模型及Shannon-Wiener生物多样性指数分析了该地蝶类物种的丰富度及多样性。蝴蝶物种丰富度由大到小为森林林地(7.2747)>山缘农田(5.3499)>裸岩(3.3008),物种多样性指数由大到小为森林林地(3.3081)>裸岩(2.4628)>山缘农田(2.0009);结果表明琅琊山蝶类物种较为丰富,多样性指数说明琅琊山的生态环境良好。     

Factors Affecting the Small Mammal Community Inside and Outside Katavi National Park, Tanzania1

Small mammal trapping showed that a minimum of 12 species live in and around Katavi National Park in western Tanzania. Species richness and abundance were greater outside the park than inside, extending results of an earlier study. Species richness and abundance were not significantly associated with vegetation cover or plant biomass but were negatively correlated with seed diversity, seed biomass, and possibly small carnivore abundance. Unfortunately, small mammal diets are unknown in this ecosystem and it can be argued that carnivores are unlikely to reduce species diversity, casting doubt on the importance of these variables. While the factors causing small mammals to fare poorly in this protected area are not yet understood, reduced food availability remains the best candidate.     

Spatial variation in anuran richness,diversity, and abundance across montane wetland habitat in Volcanoes National Park,Rwanda

The spatial distribution of species has long sparked interest among ecologists and biogeographers, increasingly so in studies of species responses to climate change. However, field studies on spatial patterns of distribution, useful to inform conservation actions at local scales, are still lacking for many regions, especially the tropics. We studied elevational trends and species‐area relationships among anurans in wetland habitats within Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in Rwanda, part of the biodiverse Albertine Rift region. In VNP, wetlands are key sites for anuran reproduction, and anurans are likely threatened by wetland desiccation which has occurred for the last few decades. Between 2012 and 2017, we sampled anuran communities in ten VNP wetlands located along an elevational gradient of c. 600 m (from 2,546 to 3,188 m a.s.l.) and found at least eight species, including at least two Albertine Rift Endemics. We show that species richness, diversity, and abundance likely decline with a decrease in wetland size and with an increase in elevation, though additional sampling (e.g., at night) might be needed to derive definite conclusions. Larger wetlands at lower elevations contained most species and individuals, which indicates the potential threat of wetland size reduction (through desiccation) for anuran conservation. However, we also found that wetlands differed in species composition and that some species (e.g., Sclerophrys kisoloensis) were likely restricted in distribution to only a few of the smaller wetlands—suggesting that the conservation of each individual wetland should be prioritized, regardless of size. We propose that all wetlands in VNP require additional conservation measures, which should be based on knowledge gathered through long‐term monitoring of anuran communities and research on drivers of wetland decline. Only such extended research will allow us to understand the response of anurans in VNP to threats such as climate change and wetland desiccation.     

Distribution and abundance of small mammals in relation to habitat in Pureora Forest Park

Populations of ship rats (Rattus rattus), Norway rats (R. norvegicus), feral house mice (Mus musculus), stoats (Mustela erminea), weasels (M. nivalis), and ferrets (M. furo) were sampled with killtraps every three months from November 1982 to November 1987 in logged and unlogged native forest and in exotic plantations of various ages at Pureora Forest Park, central North Island. Mice (n=522 collected) were fewest in unlogged native forest, more abundant in road edge cutover forest, and most abundant in a young (5-10 year old) plantation. Traps catching most mice were set in dense ground cover under a low, sparse canopy. Ship rats (n=1793) were absent from the young plantation, present but not abundant in older exotic forest, and abundant in all native forest regardless of logging history. Traps set on warmer, steeper sites caught most ship rats, and those set in early successional habitats caught fewest. There was a marked reciprocal relationship between the distributions of ship rats and of mice: the proportion of mice in the total catch of rodents decreased significantly at the least, disturbed forest sites (P <0.001). Most (81%) Norway rats (n=43) were caught in a single trap in unlogged native forest on the bank of a stream. Stoats (n=57) were most abundant in the older exotic plantations; weasels (n=16) in the young plantation and along road edges in native forest; and ferrets (n=11) in unlogged native forest. Hedgehogs (n=290) were common in unlogged native forest far from any roads and also in older exotic forest. Our data suggest that selective logging and conversion to exotics have different effects on each of the six species we monitored. We hypothesise that (1) selective logging is likely to stimulate temporary increases in the numbers of mice and weasels, but not rats or stoats, and (2) after conversion to exotic forest, mice and occasionally weasels will be abundant at first but will gradually be replaced by ship rats and stoats as the forest matures.