Patterns of distribution, diversity and endemism of larger African mammals

Abstract

Patterns of distribution and species richness of larger African mammals, and three subsets thereof (ungulates, carnivores and primates), are analysed. Distributional patterns generally correspond well with those of present-day vegetation types and of resident non-aquatic birds. However, the precise locations of zonal boundaries and the degree of zonation differ between groups, primarily reflecting their different ecological requirements. Large mammal diversity increases towards the equator, but diversity patterns differ substantially between the groups. Diversity is positively correlated with vegetation type diversity; vegetation types analysed as separate units explain >85% of the variance in the diversity of the mammal groups. Both distributional and diversity patterns appear to have been affected by past environmental factors. -Authors