P. Giraudoux et al., Distribution of small mammals along a deforestation gradient in southern Gansu, central China, ACT THERIOL, 43(4), 1998, pp. 349-362
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).