Lemniscomys rosalia – Single-striped Grass Mouse Assessment Rationale Angelique Lazarus Regional Red List status (2016) Least Concern Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution within the assessment region (occupying an array of grassland habitats), its occurrence in many protected areas (including Kruger National Park), its potential range expansion in North West Province, its tolerance of habitat modification, and because there are no major threats that could cause population decline. Research has shown that its diet consists of the most abundant grass species occurring in a particular habitat, not necessarily the most nutritious, and thus food resources may not be a limiting factor in its distribution. However, land managers should employ ecological stocking levels to avoid overgrazing and thus sustain tall grasses. Prudent fire management is recommended too. Regional population effects: As suitable habitats are suspected to be largely connected along the northern border of South Africa with Botswana, and through Mozambique and Zimbabwe through the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, as well as between Mozambique and northern KwaZulu-Natal Province, rescue effects may be possible. National Red List status (2004) Data Deficient Reasons for change Non-genuine: change in risk tolerance Global Red List status (2016) Least Concern TOPS listing (NEMBA) (2007) None CITES listing None Distribution Endemic No This species is widely distributed across the savannah regions of Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, central and northern Botswana, Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and southern Kenya (Monadjem et al. 2015). Within the assessment region, it occurs in the Savannah Biome in landscapes with tall, dense grass, including agricultural landscapes, distributed across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Limpopo provinces. This species feeds on the most abundant grass species of a habitat, and thus is not reliant on high-quality grasses, and it is found both in experimentally herbivore-dominated and herbivoreexcluded plots (Hagenah et al. 2009). Taxonomy Lemniscomys rosalia (Thomas 1904) ANIMALIA - CHORDATA - MAMMALIA - RODENTIA MURIDAE - Lemniscomys - rosalia Common names: Single-striped Grass Mouse, Zebra Mouse (English), Eenstreepmuis (Afrikaans) Taxonomic status: Species Taxonomic notes: Meester et al. (1986) listed four subspecies of which only one, Lemniscomys r. spinalis (Thomas 1916) occurs in the assessment region: KwaZuluNatal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng and North West provinces, as well as Swaziland and western Zimbabwe. Van der Straeten et al. (2008) note that L. rosalia may represent a complex of species. However, as only one subspecies is listed for the assessment region, and due to the lack of either morphometric or genetic data, we treat it as a single species for this assessment. Power (2014) presents evidence for a possible range expansion in North West Province: aside from being recorded throughout the mesic savannah regions, it was captured on one particular site on Khamab Kalahari Reserve in the Molopo Plains Sandy Bushveld vegetation type, which expands the range by 250 km and represents South Africa’s westernmost record (Figure 1). This may be a genuine range expansion linking to Botswana’s Kalahari population (Smithers 1971), due to the high intensity of small mammal surveying in the Molopo region (Newbery 1996). Population The Single-striped Grass Mouse is relatively common to very common across its range. For example, it was the most frequently encountered species in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal Province, representing 75% of all small mammal samples (Hagenah et al. 2009). In contrast, it was one of the least abundant murids captured at uMkuze Game Reserve, Kube Yini Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal (Delcros et al. 2015; Rautenbach et al. 2014). It occurs in high densities in suitable habitat. For example, in an ungrazed Recommended citation: Monadjem A, Schoeman C, Child MF. 2016. A conservation assessment of Lemniscomys rosalia. In Child MF, Roxburgh L, Do Linh San E, Raimondo D, Davies-Mostert HT, editors. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Lemniscomys rosalia | 1 Figure 1. Distribution records for Single-striped Grass Mouse (Lemniscomys rosalia) within the assessment region Table 1. Countries of occurrence within southern Africa Habitats and Ecology Country Presence Origin Botswana Extant Native Lesotho Absent - Mozambique Extant Native Namibia Extant Native South Africa Extant Native Swaziland Extant Native Zimbabwe Extant Native This species tolerates a wide range of savannah habitats, including savannah woodland, dry grassland at the ecotone between vleis and woodland (for example, Fuller & Perrin 2001), and scrub savannah of the Kalahari, but the common factor to all habitats is tall grassland areas (Kern 1981; Bowland & Perrin 1988; Monadjem 1997a; Skinner & Chimimba 2005; van der Straeten et al. 2008; Rautenbach et al. 2014). It was sampled in tall closed grassland, low open rocky woodland, cultivated areas and open woodland in the Maguga Dam area, Swaziland (Avenant & Kuyler 2002). It is known to inhabit the tall grasses surrounding agricultural lands, especially fallow fields, and also occupies suburban gardens in KwaZuluNatal (Taylor 1998; Skinner & Chimimba 2005). It prefers areas where there is a good cover of grass, herbs or reeds and avoids areas where vegetation cover is short or absent (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). It vacates recently burnt areas, but returns as soon as the grass recovers (Monadjem & Perrin 1997). It has not been recorded from montane grasslands, forests and riverine woodlands (Monadjem 1999; Delcros et al. 2015). subtropical grassland near Matsapha, Swaziland, densities ranged from 4.4 ± 0.8 to 8.2 ± 1.0 individuals / ha from 1995 to 1998 (Monadjem & Perrin 2003). Although its abundance fluctuates widely, it is more numerous in dry winter months (Monadjem & Perrin 2003). Current population trend: Stable, inferred from stable savannah habitat. Continuing decline in mature individuals: No Number of mature individuals in population: Unknown Number of mature individuals in largest subpopulation: Unknown Number of subpopulations: Unknown Severely fragmented: No. Can utilise transformed and agricultural landscapes. Lemniscomys rosalia | 2 It is predominantly crepuscular but can be diurnal (Perrin 1981) and terrestrial; burrows are excavated where there is overhead cover of matted grass and form runs from burrow entrances to foraging areas (Skinner & Chimimba 2005). In a study in Kruger National Park, stomach content analysis revealed a diet comprised of 50% seeds, 48% herbaceous material and 2% insects (Watson 1987). Similarly, in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, grass leaves and stems took up 65% of the diet while seeds (25%) and arthropods (3%) comprised the bulk of the The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Table 2. Threats to the Single-striped Grass Mouse (Lemniscomys rosalia) ranked in order of severity with corresponding evidence (based on IUCN threat categories, with regional context) Evidence in the scientific literature Data quality Scale of study Rank Threat description 1 2.3.2 Livestock Farming & Ranching: reduction of grassland height. Bowland & Perrin 1989 Empirical Local Possibly increasing with human settlement expansion and intensification of wildlife farming. 2 7.1.1 Increase in Fire Frequency/Intensity: reduction of grassland height. Kern 1981 Empirical Local L. rosalia was not recorded in burn plots. Bowland & Perrin 1988 Empirical Local L. rosalia survival higher in non-burn plots. remaining food items (Hagenah et al. 2009). In Swaziland, herbaceous material comprised 84.6 ± 9.2% of the diet, and seeds comprised 15.4 ± 9.2% (Monadjem 1997b). Hagenah et al. (2009) demonstrated that it prefers the most abundant grass species occurring in its habitat and not necessarily the highest quality species, and suggested that the arthropod component of the diet may contribute significantly to meet the nutritional requirements of the species. In Hluhluwe, it mostly fed on two low-quality bunch grass species, Sporobolus africanus (69%), and Eragrostis curvula (21%), whereas, in iMfolozi, it predominantly fed on the high-quality lawn grass species Urochloa mosambicensis (77%) and Themeda triandra, a lower-quality bunch grass species, comprised the remainder of its diet (13%). Grass species composition is therefore unlikely to be a limiting factor in the diet of this species. Its most important habitat requirement is probably dense ground cover of long grass as it breeds in surface grass nests (Monadjem 1997a, 2013; Taylor 1998). Ecosystem and cultural services: Preyed on by Blackshouldered Kites (Elanus caeruleus) and Barn Owls (Tyto alba) (Monadjem 2013). Current trend overgrazing that reduces tall grass swards (Bowland & Perrin 1989), and overly frequent fire regimes that have the same effect (although it may return after grass has recovered, Monadjem & Perrin 1997). Such management practices will decrease habitat quality and may reduce the area of occupancy. Current habitat trend: Savannah ecosystems are not threatened (Driver et al. 2012), and this species is tolerant of modified landscapes and agricultural areas. Conservation This species is present in many protected areas within the assessment region, including Kruger National Park, uMkuze Game Reserve and Phinda Private Game Reserve. No interventions are necessary at present. The expansion of wildlife ranching may similarly be creating additional habitat for this species, as long as the lands are not overgrazed. No specific conservation interventions are necessary at present. Recommendations for land managers and practitioners:  Landowners and communities should be Use and Trade incentivised to stock livestock or wildlife at ecological carrying capacity as this species needs a tall grass structure for breeding. This species is not known to be traded or utilised in any form.  Similarly, managers are encouraged to maintain an appropriate fire regime for the relevant habitat. Threats Research priorities: There are no major threats to this species that could cause widespread population decline. This species is present even when large herbivores are dominant as it feeds on the most abundant grass species (Hagenah et al. 2009). Thus, livestock and wildlife ranching are not suspected to be a threat as long as tall grass structure is sustained. Similarly, although crop plantations and resultant pesticides were previously listed as a threat (Friedmann & Daly 2004), Single-striped Grass Mice will occur in agricultural landscapes if buffers of rank grass are conserved around field edges. Minor threats include  This species may comprise at least two species based on chromosomal data (Castiglia et al. 2002). Resolving the taxonomy within the broader southern African region may alter this conservation assessment in the future. Encouraged citizen actions:  Report sightings on virtual museum platforms (for example, iSpot and MammalMAP), especially Table 3. Conservation interventions for the Grass Mouse (Lemniscomys rosalia) ranked in order of effectiveness with corresponding evidence (based on IUCN action categories, with regional context) Rank Intervention description 1 2.2 Problematic Species Control: Maintain stocking rates of livestock and wildlife at ecological carrying capacity. Evidence in the scientific literature Data quality Bowland & Perrin Empirical 1989 The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Scale of evidence Local Demonstrated impact Current conservation projects Small mammal diversity and abundance significantly higher after decrease in grazing pressure. Lemniscomys rosalia | 3 outside of protected areas on private or agricultural lands.  Landowners and city planners can conserve corridors of tall grassland on their properties and/or in public spaces. Monadjem A, Perrin M. 2003. Population fluctuations and community structure of small mammals in a Swaziland grassland over a three-year period. African Zoology 38:127–137. Table 4. Information and interpretation qualifiers for the Single-striped Grass Mouse (Lemniscomys rosalia) assessment Field study (literature, unpublished) Data quality (max) Inferred Data quality (min) Inferred Monadjem A, Perrin MR. 1997. Population dynamics of Lemniscomys rosalia (Muridae: Rodentia) in a Swaziland grassland: effects of food and fire. South African Journal of Zoology 32:129–135. Monadjem A, Taylor PJ, Denys C, Cotterill FPD. 2015. Rodents of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Biogeographic and Taxonomic Synthesis. De Gruyter, Berlin, Germany. Uncertainty resolution Expert consensus Risk tolerance Evidentiary Newbery CH. 1996. Inventory - report: Small Mammals: Molopo Nature Reserve. Ecological Support Services, North West Parks Board, Mafikeng. References Perrin MR. 1981. Notes on the activity patterns of 12 species of southern African rodents and a new design of activity monitor. South African Journal of Zoology 16:248–258. Avenant NL, Kuyler P. 2002. Small mammal diversity in the Maguga Dam inundation area, Swaziland. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 32:101–108. Power RJ. 2014. The Distribution and Status of Mammals in the North West Province. Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation & Tourism, North West Provincial Government, Mahikeng. Bowland AE, Perrin MR. 1988. The effect of fire on the small mammal community in Hluhluwe Game Reserve. Mammalian Biology 53:235–244. Rautenbach A, Dickerson T, Schoeman MC. 2014. Diversity of rodent and shrew assemblages in different vegetation types of the savannah biome in South Africa: no evidence for nested subsets or competition. African Journal of Ecology 52:30–40. Bowland AE, Perrin MR. 1989. The effect of overgrazing on the small mammals in Umfolozi Game Reserve. Mammalian Biology 54:251–260. Castiglia R, Fadda C, Corti M, Scanzani A, Verheyen W, Capanna E. 2002. Chromosomal evolution in the African Arvicanthine rats (Murinae, Rodentia): comparative cytogenetics of Lemniscomys (L. zebra, L. rosalia, L. striatus) and Arvicanthis dembeensis. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research 40:223–231. Delcros G, Taylor PJ, Schoeman MC. 2015. Ecological correlates of small mammal assemblage structure at different spatial scales in the savannah biome of South Africa. Mammalia 79:1–14. Driver A, Sink KJ, Nel JN, Holness S, Van Niekerk L, Daniels F, Jonas Z, Majiedt PA, Harris L, Maze K. 2012. National Biodiversity Assessment 2011: An assessment of South Africa’s biodiversity and ecosystems. Synthesis Report. South African National Biodiversity Institute and Department of Environmental Affairs, Pretoria, South Africa. Friedmann Y, Daly B, editors. 2004. Red Data Book of the Mammals of South Africa: A Conservation Assessment. IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group and Endangered Wildlife Trust, South Africa. Skinner JD, Chimimba CT. 2005. The Mammals of the Southern African Subregion. Third edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK. Smithers RH. 1971. The mammals of Botswana. Museum Memoir No. 4. The Trustees of the National Museums of Rhodesia, Salisbury, Rhodesia. Taylor PJ. 1998. The Smaller Mammals of KwaZulu-Natal. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Assessors and Reviewers Ara Monadjem1, Corrie Schoeman2, Matthew F. Child3 1 3 Fuller JA, Perrin MR. 2001. Habitat assessment of small mammals in the Umvoti Vlei Conservancy, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. South African Journal of Wildlife Research 31:1–12. Hagenah N, Prins HH, Olff H. 2009. Effects of large herbivores on murid rodents in a South African savanna. Journal of Tropical Ecology 25:483–492. Kern NG. 1981. The influence of fire on populations of small mammals of the Kruger National Park. Koedoe 24:125–157. Meester JA, Rautenbach IL, Dippenaar NJ, Baker CM. 1986. Classification of southern African mammals. Transvaal Museum Monographs 5:1–359. Monadjem A. 1997a. Habitat preferences and biomasses of small mammals in Swaziland. African Journal of Ecology 35:64–72. Lemniscomys rosalia | 4 Monadjem A. 1999. Geographic distribution patterns of small mammals in Swaziland in relation to abiotic factors and human land-use activity. Biodiversity & Conservation 8:223–237. Monadjem A. 2013. Lemniscomys rosalia. Pages 449–451 in D. Happold, editor. Mammals of Africa Vol. 3. Bloomsbury Publishing, London, UK. Data Sources and Quality Data sources Monadjem A. 1997b. Stomach contents of 19 species of small mammals from Swaziland. South African Journal of Zoology 32:23–26. University of Swaziland, 2University of KwaZulu-Natal, Endangered Wildlife Trust Contributors Lientjie Cohen1, John Power2, Nico L. Avenant3, Margaret Avery4, Rod Baxter5, Duncan MacFadyen6, Guy Palmer7, Peter Taylor5, Beryl Wilson8 1 Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, 2North West Provincial Government, 3National Museum, Bloemfontein, 4Iziko South African Museums, 5University of Venda, 6E Oppenheimer & Son, 7 Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, 8McGregor Museum Details of the methods used to make this assessment can be found in Mammal Red List 2016: Introduction and Methodology. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland van der Straeten E, Monadjem A, Corti M. 2008. Lemniscomys rosalia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2008: e.T11493A3285732. Watson CRB. 1987. The comparative ecology of two small mammal communities in the Kruger National Park. M.Sc. Thesis. University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. The Red List of Mammals of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland Lemniscomys rosalia | 5