The Effect of Vegetation and Habitat Type on Rodent Biodiversity in Mapungubwe National Park

The status of small mammal populations reflects ecosystem integrity.
This study focused on rodent populations in two different habitats of the
Mapungubwe National Park, the mopane savanna and riverine forest. Live
trapping and vegetation surveys were performed in an effort to determine a
relationship between rodent population presence and habitat structure. We found
that there was a greater rodent abundance in the mopane savanna, but that there
were no significant differences in diversity and richness between the two habitats.
The higher abundance corresponded to areas with a greater understory height,
lower soil penetrability, and closer proximity to major rock outcroppings. These
findings establish that there is a relationship between habitat characteristics and
rodent species abundance. This information can be used by conservationists as a
baseline measure to develop conservation goals and plans that reflect the
interconnected nature of ecosystems.