Patterns of distribution and current protection status of the Carnivora, Chiroptera and Insectivora in South Africa

Abstract

Geographic patterns of species richness and endemism were studied in relation to the biomes and existing protected areas of South Africa (including Lesotho and Swaziland). Locality data for 21 500 specimens representing 124 species were analysed. Differences in biome specificity and endemism between these orders reflect not only phylogenetic divergence, but also variation in body size, vagility and life-history strategies. Most of South Africa's endemics are small mammals and many of them are listed in the Red Data Book. Distributions, life-history strategies and trends in habitat degradation were used to re-evaluate the protection status of the 124 species. Several areas which need to be added to the existing protected area system were identified. -from Authors