The Erica Fire Impact on Small Mammal Species Composition and Relative Abundance in the Chilalo-Galama Mountains Range:

Implications for Conservation

Abstract

The sub-Afroalpine and Afroalpine ecosystems in Ethiopia are fire-prone, but limited studies have been conducted on the effects of Erica burn on small mammals. In particular, little is known about the impacts of Erica burn on small mammals in the Chilalo-Galama Mountains Range. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the impact of Erica burn on small mammal species composition and relative abundance in the area. The study was carried out from September 2013 to December 2016, and trapping was conducted using collapsible Aluminium Sherman Live Traps. The impacts of burning were quantified in terms of faunal species composition, relative and absolute abundance, and species richness. The highest capture rate per trap night was recorded for categories of time since Erica fire above six years, and the lowest was for Erica fire since less than six months. Species richness was least for categories time since Erica fire of one year and six months. The capture rate and relative abundance for each species showed high variation among the rodents and shrews captured, of which Lophuromys brevicaudus and Stenocephelomys griseicauda had the highest rates. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation action in the face of Erica fire, particularly given the high endemicity (more than 83%) of the small mammals in the area. To control the expansion of Erica fire, well designed fire break should be constructed. This study provides important information for the management of small mammal habitats in such fire-prone ecosystems, and underscores the need for further research in this area.