Habitat occurrence and feeding ecology of Crocidura montis and Lophuromys flavopunctatus on Mt. Elgon, Uganda

Abstract

The distribution, habitat occurrence and feeding ecology of Crocidura montis and Lophuromys flavopunctatus coexisting in the afro-alpine zone on Mr. Elgon, Uganda, are described. Crocidura montis was the only shrew species occupying the afro-alpine zone, but was not found in forested habitats below 3200 m. While there was considerable overlap in habitat occurrence between the two species, C. montis was most abundant in the montane grassland and in drier sites while L. flavopunctatus occupied a wider range of habitats and wetter sites. C. montis ate a diversity of invertebrates, the most important being Coleoptera, Araneae and Lumbricidae. Invertebrates, mostly Diptera larvae, Lumbricidae and Coleoptera, formed a major component of the L. flavopunctatus diets, plus plant material (particularly Hepaticae and monocots). The arthropod components of the diets reflected their abundance in pitfall samples.