Study of the natural habitats of the great grasscutter (Tryonomys swinderianus TEMINK, 1827) with a view to its conservation in situ at Sangarédi, Boké prefecture

The Sangarédi area, located in the prefecture of Boké, has vegetation essentially composed of tree and shrub savannah, the natural biotope of the great grasscutter. Today, this vegetation is under serious threat from human activity, with mining companies exploiting large areas, thereby destroying the environment. This state of affairs has contributed to a reduction in the habitat of this animal, which is highly prized by the local population. The aim of the study was to contribute to the identification, location and characterisation of the habitats of the great grasscutter in Lower Guinea, with a view to its conservation in situ. A questionnaire was drawn up and applied to a sample of 260 individuals in 3 selected localities in the Sangarédi sub-prefecture. The results of this study revealed forest galleries and fallow land in which the great grasscutter is found. 54 sites were identified. The existence of the cane rat was confirmed in five (5) habitat types. In situ conservation of natural habitats is one of the safest alternatives for preserving the grasscutter.