Small mammals occurrence across Namibia, 2023

Registro biológico
Última versión publicado por University of Namibia el jun. 23, 2025 University of Namibia
Fecha de publicación:
23 de junio de 2025
Publicado por:
University of Namibia
Licencia:
CC-BY 4.0

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Descripción

This dataset comprises small mammal occurrence records collected across six regions in Namibia between November and December 2023. The objective of the study was to assess the diversity and distribution of small mammals across ecological gradients, to support biodiversity monitoring and conservation efforts across Namibia. At each sampling site, a 50 x 50 meter plot was established. Within each plot, fifteen Sherman traps were systematically positioned in three parallel transects, each 50 meters long and spaced 10 meters apart. Each transect contained five Sherman traps.Before deployment, traps were cleaned, inspected, adjusted for sensitivity, and repaired if necessary. A bait mixture of oats and peanut butter was used, and traps were set in the late afternoon between 16:00 and 19:00. Traps were typically placed near shrubs, logs, or shaded microsites to improve capture success. Each Sherman trap was arranged with one end secured and the other open; the capture mechanism was activated when an animal triggered the latch inside the trap.Traps were checked each morning between 6:00 and 9:00 AM for three consecutive days, and retrieved on the third morning. Captured individuals were identified to species level and assessed for sex and age. Each animal was weighed using a digital scale accurate to the nearest gram and measured for standard body metrics, including body length, tail length, and total length, using a string and ruler. Sex was determined by observing traits such as teats, a perforated vagina, or a protruding penis. To avoid unnecessary stress or harm, traps were closed during daylight hours.All animals were marked using a black permanent marker for identification and released at the point of capture. The minimum number of individuals recorded per site was one, and the maximum was three.Sampling encompassed a range of habitats, including dry savanna, semi-arid shrubland, and riparian zones, providing a broad representation of Namibia’s environmental diversity. The dataset includes records from Khomas, Oshikoto, Kunene, Karas, Zambezi, and Hardap regions, although other regions such as Kunene and Khomas were also sampled; however, traps didn’t capture anything.Taxonomic coverage includes small mammal species from the families Muridae, Nesomyidae, and Macroscelididae. This dataset contributes to the growing body of biodiversity data for Namibia and may support future ecological modelling, conservation prioritisation, and long-term biodiversity assessments in the region

Registros

Los datos en este recurso de registros biológicos han sido publicados como Archivo Darwin Core(DwC-A), el cual es un formato estándar para compartir datos de biodiversidad como un conjunto de una o más tablas de datos. La tabla de datos del core contiene 20 registros.

Este IPT archiva los datos y, por lo tanto, sirve como repositorio de datos. Los datos y los metadatos del recurso están disponibles para su descarga en la sección descargas. La tabla versiones enumera otras versiones del recurso que se han puesto a disposición del público y permite seguir los cambios realizados en el recurso a lo largo del tiempo.

Versiones

La siguiente tabla muestra sólo las versiones publicadas del recurso que son de acceso público.

¿Cómo referenciar?

Los usuarios deben citar este trabajo de la siguiente manera:

Nako E, Matheus S, Fabiano E (2025). Small mammals occurrence across Namibia, 2023. Version 1.0. University of Namibia. Occurrence dataset. https://cloud.gbif.org/africa/resource?r=small_mammals_of_namibia&v=1.0

Derechos

Los usuarios deben respetar los siguientes derechos de uso:

El publicador y propietario de los derechos de este trabajo es University of Namibia. Esta obra está bajo una licencia Creative Commons de Atribución/Reconocimiento (CC-BY 4.0).

Registro GBIF

Este recurso ha sido registrado en GBIF con el siguiente UUID: de6a2f72-361a-4bc1-aa16-0f012e95aa46.  University of Namibia publica este recurso y está registrado en GBIF como un publicador de datos avalado por Participant Node Managers Committee.

Palabras clave

Occurrence; small mammals; Namibia; environmental gradient; taxonomic presence

Contactos

Ellen Nako
  • Punto De Contacto
  • Research fellow
University of Namibia
P.O.BOX 1976 Windhoek
NA
  • +264818448874
Sapi Matheus
  • Originador
  • Undergraduate student
University of Namibia
PRIVATE BAG 13301 Windhoek
NA
  • +264858008327
Ezequiel Fabiano
  • Punto De Contacto
  • Project coordinator
University of Namibia
10026 Windhoek
NA
  • +264817547327
Ellen Nako
  • Punto De Contacto
  • Research fello
University of Namibia
P.O.BOX 1976 Katima Mulilo
Zambezi
NA
  • +264818448874
Ezequiel Fabiano
  • Punto De Contacto
  • Project Coordinator
University of Namibia
10026 Windhoek
NA
  • +264817547327
Simon Angombe
  • Punto De Contacto
  • Principal Investigator
University of Namibia
PRIVATE BAG 13301 Windhoek
NA
Ailly Nambwandja
  • Punto De Contacto
  • Project Researcher
University of Namibia
10026 Windhoek
NA
Natasha
  • Usuario

Cobertura geográfica

This dataset encompasses small mammal occurrence records collected across seven administrative regions in Namibia: Khomas, Oshikoto, Kunene, Hardap, //Kharas, and Zambezi. These regions span diverse ecological and climatic zones, from hyper-arid deserts to mesic woodlands, offering rich spatial and habitat coverage. Khomas Region (approx. 22.56° S, 17.08° E) Located in central Namibia, Khomas includes the elevated Khomas Highland and parts of the Central Plateau. The region features semi-arid thornbush savanna and rugged topography, serving as a transition zone between the Namib Desert and interior highlands. Oshikoto Region (approx. 18.47° S, 16.80° E) Situated in north-central Namibia, Oshikoto lies within the Cuvelai Basin. The region is characterized by mopane woodlands and ephemeral drainage systems, with a semi-arid climate and seasonal wetlands influencing local small mammal communities. Kunene Region (approx. 18.74° S, 13.99° E) Covering northwestern Namibia, Kunene spans a gradient from arid desert systems to mountainous and semi-arid savannas. It includes parts of the Kaokoveld and Etendeka Plateaus, supporting desert-adapted mammals and unique microhabitats. Hardap Region (approx. 24.35° S, 17.67° E) Located in south-central Namibia, Hardap consists of escarpment areas, ephemeral river valleys, and karoo shrubland. It experiences low and erratic rainfall, with sparse vegetation and isolated water sources shaping the distribution of mammalian fauna. //Kharas Region (approx. 27.61° S, 17.52° E) The southernmost and largest region in Namibia, //Kharas, is dominated by the Namib Desert, rocky hills, and open gravel plains. It includes sections of the Succulent Karoo biome and supports highly xeric-adapted small mammals. Zambezi Region (approx. 17.50° S, 24.27° E) Located in the far northeastern tip of Namibia, Zambezi is ecologically distinct with high rainfall and permanent water systems. It forms part of the Zambezi floodplain and miombo woodland belt, harbouring rich biodiversity and unique mammal assemblages.

Coordenadas límite Latitud Mínima Longitud Mínima [-27,878, 12,261], Latitud Máxima Longitud Máxima [-17,56, 23,95]

Cobertura taxonómica

This dataset includes small mammal records from two orders: Rodentia and Macroscelidea, representing three families and a total of seven genera. These taxa were recorded during field surveys conducted across various ecological regions in Namibia. Order Rodentia Family Nesomyidae: Petromyscus Family Muridae: Tatera, Desmodillus, Aethomys, Steatomys, Micaela Order Macroscelidea Family Macroscelididae: Elephantulus The dataset primarily features rodents, including desert-adapted gerbils (Tatera, Desmodillus), rock mice (Petromyscus), and other small murids. It also includes elephant shrews (Elephantulus), which are insectivorous mammals with distinct ecological roles.

Serie Tatera leucogaster
Especie Petromyscus collinus, Petromyscus collinus, Desmodillus auricularis, Desmodillus auricularis, Desmodillus auricularis, Tatera leucogaster, Desmodillus auricularis, Tatera brantsii, Desmodillus auricularis, Tatera leucogaster, Elephantulus rufescens, Elephantulus rufescens, Petromyscus collinus, Petromyscus collinus, Petromyscus collinus, Aethomys kaiseri, Steatomys pratensis, Micaelamys namaquensis, Micaelamys namaquensis

Cobertura temporal

Periodo de formación November to December 2023

Datos del proyecto

The project has 4 primary and measurable objectives as follows: 1. Streamlined National Reporting Across Biodiversity-related Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements 2. National Scale and Trans-boundary Land-Use Planning (i.e., Protected Areas, Land Degradation and Restoration Strategies) is Guided by the Outputs of the Spatial Biodiversity Data Products 3. Increased Capacity for the Sustained Production of National-scale Spatial Biodiversity Data Products 4. Upscaled Impacts to other African Countries through the Provision of Technical Documentation and Workflows for Spatial Data Products The current formulation of the post2020 Global Biodiversity Framework includes multiple spatially based goals and targets (e.g., Goal A (area, connectivity and integrity of ecosystems), Goal B (national environmental accounts), Target 1 (land and sea-use change); Target 2 (area-based restoration), Target 3 (area-based protection), Target 10 (area under sustainable agriculture and forest management), etc.). New techniques integrating nationally based data with remotely sensed data products are emerging that can inform more strategic and sustainable land-use management that address multiple policy targets across multiple conventions addressing such issues as land degradation (i.e. UN Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD)), biodiversity conservation (i.e., UN Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD)), restoration (both UNCCD and UNCBD), and carbon sequestration (i.e., UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as well as more specific national development policies (e.g., agricultural policy governing livestock grazing). These efforts include spatial analyses pioneered in Africa (spatial biodiversity assessments using Red-List of Ecosystem methodology) along with new approaches for defining, mapping, and measuring land-degradation in relation to conservation, restoration, and carbon sequestration targets. This approach will provide direct benefits in terms of more integrated and sustainable approaches to the management of ecosystems in Namibia and neighboring countries and the tracking of related targets under multiple conventions. Having the spatial data products managed on a spatial data repository and accessible through a customizable MEA Tracking Platform will ensure data collection is directly serving policy needs and the tracking and guidance for targets is streamlined across multiple agencies with land-use planning mandates. This approach will lower the threshold for Namibia to develop its own national spatial monitoring

Título Establishing Capacity for the Sustained Production of National Spatial Biodiversity Data Products: Guiding Progress towards the post2020 Global Biodiversity Framework Goals and Targets

Personas asociadas al proyecto:

Simon Angombe
  • Investigador Principal
Ezequiel Fabiano
  • Punto De Contacto

Métodos de muestreo

Within each quarter-degree cell, standardized 50 x 50 meter plots were established for small mammal trapping. In nine of the twelve cells, six such plots were selected—three intensively sampled and three randomly selected. Site selection considered factors like habitat type, human disturbance, and accessibility. Plots were deliberately positioned to capture contrasts between relatively undisturbed (natural) and more impacted environments. Fifteen Sherman live traps were deployed per plot, arranged along three 50-meter transects spaced 10 meters apart, with five traps per transect. Bait consisted of peanut butter and oats, and traps were set between 16:00 and 19:00, placed near features such as shrubs and logs to increase capture likelihood. Traps were checked early each morning (06:00–09:00) for three consecutive days. Captured individuals were identified to species, and information such as sex, body weight, body length, tail length, and age class was recorded. Animals were photographed and released at the site of capture.

Área de Estudio This study was carried out across Namibia at twelve distinct sampling locations strategically selected across Namibia to capture a range of habitats, environmental gradients, and species richness. the study period was between November and December 2025. These sites were distributed across nine regions: Kunene, Oshana, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Kavango East, Khomas, Hardap, and //Kharas, each representing different biomes and climatic conditions. Sampling sites were based on quarter-degree cells, each approximately 25 x 25 km in size, chosen for their ecological heterogeneity, including variation in vegetation, soil types, and biome structure. The northern regions (Kunene, Oshana, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Kavango East) are characterized by a subtropical semi-arid to arid climate with rainfall ranging between 700 mm and 400 mm. Vegetation includes mopane woodlands, Acacia savannas, and shrublands. The central regions (Khomas and Hardap) include arid environments with annual rainfall between 50–150 mm, dominated by desert shrublands and escarpment landscapes. The southern region, //Kharas, encompasses the Namib Desert and is characterized by extremely arid conditions with rainfall often below 100 mm, supporting highly adapted desert species. Three of the twelve quarter-degree cells—located in Kunene, Zambezi, and //Kharas—were further subdivided into 5 x 5 km sub-cells for more intensive coverage due to their ecological significance and representation of three distinct biomes: Acacia tree and shrub savannah (Kunene), desert (//Kharas), and broadleaved tree and shrub savannah (Zambezi).
Control de Calidad To ensure consistency and data quality, all Sherman traps were cleaned, inspected, and calibrated before deployment. Trap mechanisms were adjusted to optimize sensitivity and reduce injury risk. Field personnel were trained in species identification, animal handling, and ethical sampling techniques. Each plot and trap location was georeferenced using GPS to ensure precise spatial tracking. To minimize observer bias, teams followed a standardized sampling protocol, and trapping was carried out under similar climatic conditions across sites. Captured animals were marked using non-toxic permanent markers to avoid double-counting during repeated visits.

Descripción de la metodología paso a paso:

  1. Site Selection: Based on quarter-degree cells distributed across ecological zones, emphasizing environmental variation. Plot Establishment: 50 x 50 meter plots delineated at each site, stratified by disturbance and accessibility. Trap Setup: 15 Sherman traps placed in three transects per plot, baited with peanut butter and oats. Daily Monitoring: Traps were activated from 18:00 to 06:00 for three nights; animals checked each morning. Data Collection: For each captured individual, weight, body length, tail length, sex, and age were recorded; tissue samples and photographs taken. Release: Animals were released at their original capture sites. Post-Trapping: Traps were closed during daylight to avoid accidental captures and were retrieved after three days.

Metadatos adicionales

Agradecimientos
Propósito
Descripción de mantenimiento The dataset will be maintained on an as-needed basis. Updates may be made when new data become available, when taxonomic changes occur, or when corrections or user feedback are received. Although there is no fixed update schedule, the dataset curator will make sure the information remains accurate and relevant. Significant changes or additions will be documented in updated versions of the dataset.
Identificadores alternativos https://cloud.gbif.org/africa/resource?r=small_mammals_of_namibia