Red List of South African Species

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Least Concern (LC)
Assessors: Duncan MacFadyen D Schlitter Matthew Child
Contributors: Claire Relton Lizanne Roxburgh Nico Avenant Margaret Avery Rod Baxter Ara Monadjem Guy Palmer Peter Taylor Beryl Wilson
Reviewers: Duncan MacFadyen D Schlitter Matthew Child

Rationale

The Stone Dormouse is listed as Near Threatened B1ab(iii) due to its restricted range within the assessment region (estimated 13,723 km2 extent of occurrence using available museum records). Although the species occurs in inaccessible habitat, climate change and development in the region, particularly diamond mining and water pipelines, may be causing habitat loss or a decline in habitat quality. Similarly, the geographic range of this species may be naturally fragmented, and these interconnecting locations are further threatened by development. Additionally, no rescue effect is possible as the Orange River is a barrier to immigration from Namibia. Thus, this is a precautionary listing for this species and we strongly recommend field surveys to accurately determine occupied localities and subpopulation trends for this species. New data will require reassessment as the species is most likely Least Concern.

Regional population effects: Isolated and disjunct subpopulations in South Africa and Namibia. No rescue effect is possible because the Orange River is a major barrier to dispersal.

Distribution

This species occurs in a narrow belt predominantly along the escarpment of Namibia and marginally into northwestern South Africa (Monadjem et al. 2015). While the northernmost limit was previously thought to be Kamanjab and Mount Brukaros in Namibia, specimens from Mt. Soque, Angola, are considered to represent this species (Holden 2013). It thus occurs on central mountains and plateaux from Mt. Soque, Angola, south to Port Nolloth, Kleinzee, Alexander Bay and Eenriet in Namaqualand, South Africa (Holden 2005). The population is fragmented and subpopulations between South Africa and Namibia are separated by the Orange River. The estimated extent of occurrence within South Africa is 13,723 km². There is assumed to be no overlap with the closely related G. platyops. Additional field research is needed to establish the specific extent of its distribution.

Population trend

Trend

Little information on population size or trends is available. This species was once thought plentiful within the rocky habitats around Karibib, Namibia (Shortridge 1934). Roberts (1951) considered it to be rare, which is supported by the relatively few specimens (c. 20) available in museum collections (Holden 2013). Information relating to its population within its marginal distribution along the northwest coast of the assessment region is extremely limited. Similar to other species of this group, the Stone Dormouse is considered difficult to trap and is rarely collected. Its habitat is, however, thought to be fairly continuous.

Threats

Although no major threats are suspected to cause substantial population decline, as their rocky habitats are largely unsuitable for agriculture, diamond mining and the resulting environmental transformation along the West Coast of South Africa could result in significant habitat degradation. Small-scale mining companies in the area often do not engage in environmental rehabilitation practices, thus further aggravating the problem.

Expanding anthropogenic development, including the construction of a large-scale water pipeline, threatens to affect the movements of this species, as well as the suitability of habitat across its range. Finally, climate change is predicted to have a severe impact on the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Africa through increased frequency and duration of drought (Boko et al. 2007), possibly leading to exacerbated habitat degradation and range contraction or shifts (sensu Foden et al. 2007).

Uses and trade

This species is not known to be traded or utilised in any form. Its limited distributional range and low population numbers would make it unsuitable for the pet trade.

Conservation

The Stone Dormouse occurs within the protected areas of Namaqua National Park and Kleinzee Conservation Area, although its current occupancy in protected areas remains to be verified. This species would be expected to benefit from the effective rehabilitation of mining areas, as well as the implementation and regulation of environmental policies relating to the mining industry. Additional research into the distribution, abundance, general ecology and threats relating to this cryptic species is urgently necessary before species-specific conservation initiatives can be designed.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • Rehabilitation of areas of suitable habitat (such as rocky areas), as well as corridors between suitable habitats that this species may utilise for dispersal.
Research priorities:
  • Field surveys to determine the distributional range of this species.
  • Genetic studies to determine range boundaries or overlaps and possibly hybridization with G. platyops.
  • Quantifying the severity of threats facing this species.
  • Continued research into the general ecology, habitat preferences and population dynamics of this species.
Encouraged citizen actions:
  •  Report sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP), especially outside protected areas.
  • Stronger laws and public pressure to enforce rehabilitation of areas mined and those to be mined.
  • Development or protection of corridors of suitable habitat to allow for dispersal and gene flow between populations.

References 

[@inbook{1087,
 address = {Baltimore, MD, USA},
 author = {},
 booktitle = {Order Afrosoricida},
 editor = {Bronner, G.N. and Jenkins, P.D.},
 pages = {70--81},
 publisher = {The Johns Hopkins University Press},
 title = {Mammal Species of the World},
 year = {2005}
}
,@inbook{7136,
 address = {Cambridge, UK},
 author = {},
 booktitle = {Macroscelidea},
 editor = {Rathbun, G.B. (subeditor)},
 pages = {22--34},
 publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
 title = {The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion, 3rd edition},
 year = {2005}
}
,@book{9492,
 address = {London, UK},
 author = {Shortridge, G.C.},
 publisher = {Heinemann},
 title = {The mammals of South West Africa: a biological account of the forms occurring in that region},
 year = {1934}
}
,]
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