SANBI

Rationale

This species is listed as Least Concern because of its wide extent of occurrence (> 60,000 km²) and presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. It occurs in a number of protected areas within the assessment region, and can tolerate minor habitat modification. Furthermore, because its habitat with the rest of its African range is largely contiguous, dispersal is possible. Although there are no current (post-2000) records for this species, this is due to lack of sampling effort and specimen confusion (with G. murinus) rather than genuine scarcity. Many museum records for this species need vetting and processing through molecular techniques.

Regional population effects: Its distribution is continuous, so a rescue effect is possible where continuous woodland occurs across provincial boundaries.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, from southern Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia, through East Africa and parts of eastern Central Africa, to Angola and northeastern South Africa. It is apparently absent from West Africa (Monadjem et al. 2015). There are no recent (post-2000) records for this species in the assessment region, thus further field surveys are urgently required. Additionally, DNA studies on museum specimens are essential, as there is a possibility that records of this species have been confused as G. murinus (sensu Monadjem et al. 2015).

Habitat View more ecological information

Population trend

Trend

It is considered a common species throughout Africa due to the large number of museum specimens throughout its range (Holden 2013). Within the assessment region, the species appears to have a limited area of occupancy, but this is due to a lack of current sampling effort rather than a genuine rarity. Although it has been recorded in low numbers in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West provinces, it may be a fairly common species in the northern parts of South Africa, particularly within the Soutpansberg area. There are many records in museum collections that are waiting to be identified, and there are expected to be a number of museum records that have been incorrectly identified as G. murinus.

Threats

There are no identified major threats. However, it is potentially locally threatened by disturbance and habitat loss in woodland areas through agriculture and mining.

Uses and trade

Although there are no reports of this species being traded or utilised in any form, it has the potential to be utilised in the pet trade. Additionally, this species may be opportunistically eaten in rural communities.

Conservation

This species occurs in several protected areas within the assessment region, including Kruger National Park (KNP). In addition to KNP, Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve and the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area contain suitable habitat for this species, but its presence within these protected areas requires confirmation. DNA testing is required for all museum specimens currently labelled as G. murinus. This species would benefit from the expansion of protected areas to connect isolated savannah woodland habitats. However, no direct interventions are necessary.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:

Protect areas with sufficient woodland, maintaining corridors between areas of suitable habitat.

Research priorities:

Continued research is required to investigate the taxonomy of G. murinus and G. microtis.
Distribution range and connectivity of the species.
Museum records of G. microtis and G. murinus require clarification across the country.

Encouraged citizen actions:

Report sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP), especially outside protected areas.
Maintain corridors of woodland between natural areas.

References

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 title = {The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion},
 year = {2005}
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,@inbook{9485,
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 booktitle = {<i>Graphiurus microtis</i> Noack’s African Dormouse},
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,]

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