Abstract:
A total of 750 rodents and shrews were trapped in sev-
eral sites on Mount (Mt.) Kilimanjaro and in two lowland
sites between October 2002 and August 2003. Species
diversity variations with altitude and their distribution
were established. Diversity of species varied with vege-
tation type, being highest in the forest and lowest in the
lowland areas. The distribution patterns and species
diversity of the rodents and shrews were also influenced
by habitat complexity and heterogeneity. Species rich-
ness was higher in the forest compared to the other
areas. The study generally shows that the Mt. Kilimanjaro
has high rodent and shrew species diversity and
richness.
