Diversity of Small Mammals in Mikumi and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks, Tanzania

Small mammals, the most species-rich group in the class Mammalia, form the prey base for meso-predators, hence knowledge of their populations is an important management tool. This study aimed to provide an updated inventory and conservation status assessment of small mammals in Mikumi National Park (MINAPA) and Udzungwa Mountains National Parks (UMNP), Tanzania, from surveys conducted in 2020 - 2021. Small mammals were captured using live traps. A total of 148 individuals were recorded, with murids being the most dominant group and Acomys wilsoni the most trapped species. Species diversity and trap success were slightly higher in MINAPA compared to UMNP. In addition, camera traps recorded the grey-faced sengi, Rhynchocyon udzungwensis, an endemic and vulnerable species of Udzungwa. These findings provide current baseline data on small mammals in protected areas, demonstrating their ecological significance. We suggest that this often-overlooked faunal diversity might open potential for targeted eco-tourism.