Ecological Importance and Conservation Status of the Gotel Mountain Soft-furred Mouse (Praomys obscurus)

The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse (Praomys sp.) is an endemic species found in the high-altitude regions of the Gotel Mountains in southeastern Nigeria. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the ecological importance and conservation status of this elusive small mammal, highlighting the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts to ensure its survival.

Introduction

The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse is a relatively understudied species within the genus Praomys and the Order Rodentia. The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse (Praomys obscurus) is a small mammal native to the Gotel Mountains in Nigeria. This species is part of the diverse rodent family Muridae and is distinguished by its unique biological composition and habitat preferences. The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse has a soft, dense fur that ranges in color from brown to gray, providing camouflage against the forest floor. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger than females. The mouse has a relatively long tail, which aids in balance and agility, and its hind limbs are adapted for jumping and climbing. Praomys obscurus is omnivorous, with a diet consisting of seeds, fruits, insects, and small invertebrates. This diverse diet allows the species to adapt to varying food availability in its mountainous habitat. The reproductive cycle of the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse is influenced by environmental conditions. Breeding typically occurs during the wet season when food is in abundance. Females give birth to litters of 2-6 offspring after a gestation period of approximately 21 days. The young are weaned after three weeks and reach sexual maturity at around three months of age. As an ecologically significant species, the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse plays a vital role in the ecosystem, yet it faces threats that jeopardize its survival. Its distribution is limited to the Gotel Mountains, part of the Southeastern Nigeria, which encompasses a series of mountains extending from the Gulf of Guinea to the Adamawa Plateau. This region is characterized by its unique biodiversity and complex ecosystems, making it a significant area for conservation (Chapman & Chapman, 2001; World Wildlife Fund (WWF), 2020).

Distribution

The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse is predominantly found in the montane and submontane forests of the Gotel Mountains in Southeastern Nigeria. These forests, situated at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,400 meters above sea level, provide the necessary habitat conditions for this species. The mouse has been recorded in both primary and secondary forests, indicating some level of adaptability. However, its presence is more frequent in undisturbed habitats, suggesting a preference for pristine environments (Denys, Taylor, & Aplin, 2013; Myers et al., 2000).

The limited geographic range of the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat changes. The Gotel Mountains, though relatively isolated, are subject to various anthropogenic pressures, including deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. These activities have led to habitat fragmentation, posing a significant threat to the species' survival (Nchoutpouen et al., 2019; Laurance et al., 2012).

Threats to Survival

One of the primary threats to Praomys obscurus is habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. Logging and land conversion for farming have significantly reduced the available habitat, fragmenting populations and making it difficult for the species to thrive. Additionally, climate change poses a significant threat to the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse by altering its montane habitat. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect food availability and the suitability of the environment, potentially leading to population declines. Increased human activity in the region has led to higher predation rates from domestic animals and competition for food resources with other small mammals. This added pressure further threatens the survival of the species.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse is currently listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2021). This classification highlights the lack of comprehensive data on its population size, distribution, and ecological requirements. Despite this, the known threats to its habitat necessitate immediate conservation action. Studies have indicated a decline in suitable habitats for the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse. The conversion of montane forests into agricultural land, coupled with logging activities, has resulted in significant habitat loss (Gashaka-Gumti National Park, 2015). Additionally, climate change poses a long-term threat by altering the montane ecosystem, potentially shifting the suitable habitat range for the species (Kluge, Kessler, & Dunn, 2006).

Conservation Efforts and Recommendations

Effective conservation of the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse requires a multi-faceted approach. Which include: Establishing protected areas within the Gotel Mountains to protect critical habitats. This requires enforcing existing laws and implementing community-based conservation initiatives to reduce deforestation and habitat fragmentation (Oates, 1999; Laurance et al., 2012). Conducting detailed ecological studies to gather data on the species' population dynamics, habitat preferences, and threats. Long-term monitoring programs will help track changes in population size and habitat quality (McShea & Rappole, 2000; Primack & Corlett, 2010). Involving local communities in conservation efforts through education and sustainable livelihood programs can help mitigate human-induced threats. Promoting alternative source of income can reduce reliance on activities that degrade the mouse's habitat (Oates, 1999). Developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on montane ecosystems will be vital. This includes promoting reforestation and afforestation programs to enhance habitat connectivity and resilience (Kingdon, 2015; Myers et al., 2000).

Ecological Importance of the Gotel Mountain Soft-furred Mouse

The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse, like many small mammals, plays an important role in the ecosystem. Though often overlooked, these small creatures contribute significantly to the health and functioning of their habitats. Understanding their ecological importance can further underscore the necessity of their conservation. Small mammals, including the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse, are essential for seed dispersal. By consuming fruits and subsequently excreting the seeds in different locations, these mice aid in the regeneration of forests. This process helps maintain plant diversity and promotes the growth of new vegetation, which is crucial for sustaining the forest ecosystem (Vander Wall, 2010). As burrowers, these mice contribute to soil aeration, which enhances soil health and promotes plant growth. Their digging activities mix the soil layers, facilitating the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients. This process helps maintain soil fertility and supports the growth of various plant species (Balesdent et al., 2000). The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse serves as prey for a variety of predators, including birds of prey, small carnivores, and reptiles. This position in the food web is crucial for maintaining the balance of predator and prey populations. A decline in their numbers could have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, potentially disrupting the populations of their predators (Kingdon, 2015). Due to their sensitivity to environmental changes, small mammals like the Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse can act as indicator species. Changes in their population size and health can provide early warnings of ecological disturbances, such as habitat degradation, climate change, or the presence of pollutants. Monitoring their populations can thus help in assessing the overall health of the ecosystem (Myers et al., 2000).

Contribution to Biodiversity

Every species, no matter how small, contributes to the biodiversity of its habitat. The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse is part of the intricate web of life in the Gotel Mountains. Its presence adds to the genetic diversity of the region, which is essential for the resilience of the ecosystem in the face of environmental changes (Primack & Corlett, 2010). This mouse plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and soil aeration through its foraging activities, which in turn support plant regeneration and soil health. Such ecological functions underscore the importance of conserving even the less conspicuous species to maintain the overall health and stability of their ecosystems (Wilson, 2016; Cardinale et al., 2012).).

Conclusion

The Gotel Mountain soft-furred mouse plays several critical roles in its ecosystem, from seed dispersal and soil aeration to serving as prey for predators and acting as an indicator species. Its conservation is not only important for the survival of the species itself but also for maintaining the health and balance of the montane forest ecosystem in which it resides. Recognizing and protecting the ecological functions of this small mammal can contribute significantly to broader conservation goals.

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