Density, diversity and reproductive patterns of mammals in a Papua New Guinean rainforest: Implications for conservation
Accurate assessment of density, diversity and reproductive patterns of tropical rainforest mammals can help prioritise areas for conservation and are important for management decisions such as determining sustainable harvest of game species. However, very few studies have been conducted in New Guinea, the world’s largest tropical island and home to hundreds of hunter-gatherer ethnic groups. To assess mammal density, diversity and reproductive patterns, I trapped mammals in a 6.7 ha grid and an 850 m transect in undisturbed rain forest at 900-1100 m elevation at Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area. I conducted mark-recapture trapping sessions sampling in all months of 2005 except July. Twelve species from four families were recorded, Stenomys verecundus, Melomys platyops, M. rufescens, M. leucogaster, Uromys caudimaculatus, Dasyurus albopunctatus, Antechinus melanurus, Lorentzymys nouhuysi, Xenuromys barbatus, Echymipera sp, Myoictis melas and Phalanger gymnotis. Density estimates per hectare for the four most common species were; 43 S. verecundus, 17 M. platyops, 14 U. caudimaculatus and 7 M. rufescens. Breeding in S. verecundus started in February, peaked from May through August and declined towards December. This pattern is same for M. platyops and U. caudimaculatus though sample sizes are smaller. One S. verecundus showed evidence of producing up to three litters a year and one U. caudimaculatus at least twice a year. Melomys rufescens differs from other species in that one female was lactating at three different periods suggesting the production of up to three litters per year and juveniles were captured year-round indicating aseasonal breeding. Our findings indicate that random harvesting by locals in space and time of the four common small mammal species which occur at relatively higher densities and are highly fecund may be sustainable. This practice may help conserve other larger bodied game species with lower densities and fecundity.