Red List of South African Species

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Least Concern (LC)
Assessors: Duncan MacFadyen Johan Watson Janice Britton-Davidian Terry Robinson Leigh Rosanne Richards
Contributors: Claire Relton Matthew Child Nico Avenant Margaret Avery Rod Baxter Ara Monadjem Guy Palmer Peter Taylor Beryl Wilson
Reviewers: Duncan MacFadyen Johan Watson Janice Britton-Davidian Terry Robinson Leigh Rosanne Richards

Rationale

Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution within the assessment region, including many protected areas, as well as being able to survive in modified and agricultural landscapes. Additionally, this species is connected to its extensive range throughout West, East and southern Africa, and there are no major threats within the assessment region that could cause population decline. Further research is necessary to define its geographical distribution more accurately and to resolve the potential species complex.

Regional population effects: Based on recent molecular studies, the species range is believed to be continuous throughout eastern Africa (Eastern Clade) and the western and central regions of southern Africa (Southern Clade) (Chevret et al. 2014) (see Distribution). There is possible migration between South Africa’s northern border regions, especially through the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA), and northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa where it occurs in a wide variety of savannah and grassland habitats (Monadjem et al. 2015). Based on molecular and chromosomal data (see Monadjem et al. 2015), its distribution is more extensive than previously thought; for example, it is now thought to occur in the arid regions of southern Africa in sympatry with M. indutus (Monadjem et al. 2015). Until recently, M. minutoides was restricted to southern Africa, the northern limits of its range remaining unknown. Through molecular phylogeny and cytogenetic data, its northern distribution limits have been extended to Kenya–Tanzania in East Africa, and Guinea in West Africa, in sympatry with M. musculoides (Veyrunes et al. 2004, 2005; Monadjem et al. 2015).

Within the assessment region, the species occurs in the Cape Macchia Zone, the savannah grassland and woodland areas to the east and northeast, Highveld grassland, and in areas with a mean annual rainfall from about 100 mm in the southwest to 1,000 mm in the Drakensberg (Skinner & Chimimba 2005), also occurring at higher altitudes in Swaziland (Monadjem 2013). It marginally occurs in the North West Province, and is generally distributed further east of the province (Power 2014). However, it is speculated that misidentifications of this species and Mus spp. juveniles may have taken place, and thus any younger than sub-adult specimens must be examined via the available keys (e.g. de Graaff 1981; Meester et al. 1986), as the past museum records of this species may now be M. indutus. Further research is thus necessary to delimit its distribution more accurately.

Population trend

Trend

Generally, this species is considered abundant to very abundant. Recorded population densities reach 28 individuals / ha and, during favourable environmental conditions, even higher densities are probable (Monadjem 2013). Population sizes are highly variable with peaks and subsequent crashes occurring. Although its abundance fluctuates widely, it is more numerous in dry winter months (Monadjem & Perrin 2003). Although previous literature may refer to this species as uncommon, this is expected to be a result of low capture rates, as it can be difficult to trap. In Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, Pygmy Mice occurred in the greatest number of sampled vegetation types, where abundance was significantly different amongst seasons but not amongst vegetation types (Rautenbach et al. 2014).

Threats

Although no specific threats have been identified, there is some concern surrounding the pet trade. If this species is involved in the pet trade and it is of a different geographical population, genetic pollution of resident populations could take place from escapees or deliberate releases.

Uses and trade

This species is not thought to be traded or utilised in any form. However, closely related species are involved in international pet trade, and this species may be marketed as African Pygmy Mice.

Conservation

This species is widespread across the assessment region and occurs within a number of protected areas, including the Kruger National Park. No conservation interventions are currently necessary.

Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:
  • No management recommendations have been identified.
Research priorities:
  • Taxonomic resolution is necessary.
Encouraged citizen actions:
  • Report sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP), especially outside protected areas. However, due to their morphological similarities, misidentification of this species with M. indutus is common.
  • Citizens can plant indigenous gardens and create corridors of natural vegetation between properties.
  • Reduce the use of pesticides.

References 

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,]
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