Distribution of small mammals along a deforestation gradient in southern Gansu, central China

Small mammals were surveyed along a deforestation gradient in southern Gans u, China (2300-2600 m altitude), a high endemicity area for human alveolar echinococcosis. Rodent distribution was assessed using removal trapping in six habitat types from timbered forest to farmland and villages, by index t ransects, and by the collection of specimens by local people. Species captu red were 2 shrews: Anourosorex squamipes, Sorer sinalis; 12 rodents: Eozapu s setchuans, Microtus limnophilus, Cricetulus longicaudatus, Tscherskia tri ton, Apodemus agrarius, Apodemus draco, Apodemus peninsulae, Micromys minut us, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, Nivienter confucianus, Myospalax fonta nieri; and 1 lagomorph Ochotona thibetana. On the basis of trap success fou r rodent assemblages were recognized. Species richness decreases after defo restation, especially in the intermediate stage (scrubland-grassland).