Diversity and structure of shrew communities in montane forests of southeast KenyaDiversität und Artengemeinschaften von Spitzmäusen in Bergwäldern im Südosten Kenias

As a step towards setting conservation priorities for declining moist forests in southeast Kenya, we assessed for small mammal diversity and distribution. These habitats are under severe pressure due to increased demand on forests products and arable land, yet there is a dearth of information on impacts on biodiversity. Over an eight-month period, we used a combination of box and pitfall traps with drift fences to study 13 forest fragments in five geographic areas ranging between 3° 28’ -4° 10’ S and 38° 28’ -39° 26’ E. We recorded 12 species including 10 soricids and two macro-scelids in 31440 trap nights. Diversity estimates using rarefaction method indicate a species richness of 12, consistent with our collection. There were six unique species, each limited in distribution to one forest fragment. Our record of Croadura cf. selina in Kyulu Hills is the first outside Mabira forest in Uganda where it is considered endemic and endangered. We also report the first record of C. fuscomurina in Kenya, while those of C. Luna and Suncus megalura are first in the southeast of the country. By providing new ranges to four species, our study is of significance to the bio-geography and conservation of forest small mammals in the region.