DISTRIBUTION AND PROTECTION OF ENDEMIC OR THREATENED RODENTS, LAGOMORPHS AND MACROSCELEDIDS IN SOUTH-AFRICA

Distribution patterns and protection status of endemic or threatened L agomorpha, Macroscelidea, and Rodentia were analysed using museum poin t locality data and a geographic information system (GIS). The study a rea comprised the greater South Africa (including Lesotho and Swazilan d). Species richness of the target species is highest in the south-wes tern parts of the country, and hotspots of endemism coincide with thos e of species richness. However, Red Data Book species hotspots are con fined to the north-eastern parts of the country. One species richness hotspot in the Succulent Karoo contains no existing reserves, whereas all Red Data Book species hotspots are protected. In general, all targ et species are well protected within existing reserves, but those foun d in the Succulent and Nama-Karoo, especially the Namaqua dune molerat (Bathyergus janetta), the riverine rabbit (Bunolagus monticularis), B rants' whistling rat (Parotomys brantsii), and the pygmy rock mouse (P etromyscus collinus), are threatened by a paucity of reserves in these biomes. A heuristic reserve selection algorithm was used to identify a more representative reserve system for the protection of all target species. Ten representative reserves were identified, six of which alr eady contain existing reserves. An analysis of biome specificity of al l species revealed that Myomyscus verreauxii is endemic to the fynbos, Bathyergus janetta to the Succulent Karoo, Zelotomys woosnami to the arid savanna, and Steatomys parvus to the savanna woodlands. No specie s are endemic to the Nama-Karoo or grasslands, although several specie s do show strong preferences for these habitats. It is recommended tha t hotspots, representative reserves, and species that are currently no t protected, be awarded more protection, and that existing reserves wh ich coincide with hotspots and representative reserves be managed for their mammal fauna. It is also recommended that the Red Data Book stat us of four species, and six subspecies, should be changed.