Afework BekeleKabeta Legese2025-08-312025-08-312024-02https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/7201The study of small mammals has paramount implications. Studies were carried out in Wenchi district of Southwest Shewa zone, Oromia regional state from August 2019 to January 2021 to explore the ecology and conservation of non-volant small mammals. Non-volant small mammals were trapped using Sherman and snap traps in standard trapping grids. Major conservation challenges and opportunities, and the knowledge and attitudes of local community on rodent damage and their management practices were collected through semi−structured questionnaires and focus group discussion. Diversity indices, descriptive statistics and Chi−square tests were used for data analysis. A total of 935 rodents belonging to 12 species, and 24 insectivores belonging to 3 species were trapped. These included Arvicanthis abyssinicus, Dendromus lovati, Desmomys yaldeni, Graphirius murinus, Lophiomys imhausi, Lophuromys brevicaudus, L. chrysopus, L. flavopunctatus, Mastomys natalensis, M. awashensis, Stenocephalemys albipes, Crocidura bailey, C. fumosa, C. olivieri and one unidentified murid rodent. Hystrix cristata and Tachyoryctes splendens were recorded through indirect evidence. About 52.9% of the identified small mammals were endemic to Ethiopia. Mastomys natalensis (30.86%) and S. albipes (27.53%) were the two most abundant species, whereas L. imhausi (0.1%) was the least. Small mammals showed spatiotemporal variations in abundance, density and trap success. The topmost species diversity (H’=1.74) was registered from Albesa Forest, while Qibate Forest had the least (H’=1.43). More individuals were recorded during the dry season (58.29%) than wet season (41.71%). The highest number of individuals were trapped from Lakeshore (27.73%), whereas the least was in Erica Forest (4.27%) in both seasons. Higher number of small mammals was trapped in the morning (84.98%) than evening traps. Seasonal differences in sexes and age groups were non−significant. Small mammals had higher density during the dry (83.33 ha-1) than wet (59.35 ha-1) seasons. Except, Lophuromys assemblages, rodents had omnivorous feeding habits with seasonally varying food items. Farmers identified rodents as major pests, and perceived them negatively. Crop damage (38.7%) and damage to human properties (27.9%) were the two predominant rodent related problems. Barley was the most susceptible crop type to rodent attacks (57.5%), and farmers mainly used cats as natural enemies (53.73%) and trapping (22.64%) to control rodents in storage. Overgrazing, firewood collection, land–use changes, exotic plantations, soil erosion, land grabbing and burning of the ericaceous belts were the major conservation challenges in the area. Of these, overgrazing, firewood collection and land–use changes were the most serious biodiversity threats. A unique topographic beauty, rich flora and fauna, recent global and regional recognitions, positive attitudes of the local people and an ongoing ecotourism development project in the area are the main potential opportunities for biodiversity conservation. Wenchi highlands are one of the small mammal diversity hotspots that face severe conservation challenges and need urgent conservation priorities.en-USAbundanceConservation ChallengesConservation OpportunitiesCrop DamageDiversityMontane ForestSpatiotemporal VariationsSmall MammalsWenchi HighlandsThesis