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

Citation
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
Citations number
51
Categorie Soggetti
Animal Sciences
Journal title
ACTA THERIOLOGICA
ISSN journal
00017051 → ACNP
Volume
43
Issue
4
Year of publication
1998
Pages
349 - 362
Database
ISI
SICI code
0001-7051(199812)43:4<349:DOSMAA>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
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).