Why Tanzania?
The East African Acacia Savannas, Eastern Arc Montane Forests, Central and Eastern Miombo Woodlands, and East African Coastal Forests are priority regions for Eulipotyphla. Phillip's Congo Shrew (listed as Critically Endangered), and Kihaule's Mouse Shrew (Endangered) are both known from a single location (Udzungwa Mountains), where there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of montane forest habitat.
Challenges
There is likely to be some habitat loss taking place, presumably through logging and conversion of land to agricultural use. Little knowledge of Tanzania’s small mammal species also hinders conservation planning.
Solutions
Since our knowledge of Tanzania’s small mammal fauna is very limited, fieldwork is still desperately needed to understand the ecology of these species. Three globally threatened species occur in this Key Region.
Future Plans
While the SMSG is not currently active in Tanzania, we plan to turn our attention to this important region as soon as possible. We will continue to monitor the state of this region’s small mammals through the international scientific literature and IUCN Red List.
If you are a professional small mammal ecologist, taxonomist or conservationist working in Tanzania, please do contact us to discuss your work and how the SMSG might help.
