Small mammal surveys in the region of the Hue City, Central Vietnam

Small mammal surveys were conducted within the globally signifi cant Annamite Range of central Vietnam in 2018 and 2023, in three protected areas -Sao la Hue, Phong Dien, and Bac Hai Van nature reserves (NRs).A total of 38 mammal species were recorded during the surveys, with bats (Chiroptera, 57.85%) and rodents (Rodentia, 28.94%) predominating.Species richness varied considerably across the sites, with the Sao la Hue NR being the most diverse (35 species), followed by Phong Dien NR (19 species) and Bac Hai Van NR (12 species).Nine species represent new distributional records for the region, including: Chimarrogale varennei, Crocidura kegoensis, Crocidura tanakae, Hipposideros gentilis, Hipposideros grandis, Kerivoula kachinensis, Rhinolophus chaseni, Rhinolophus microglobosus, and Dacnomys millardi.The study has also confi rmed the presence of IUCN-listed species, including the Near Threatened black giant squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), as well as VRDB-listed species: the Vulnerable Indian giant fl ying squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) and the particolored fl ying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger).Some abundant species were found in all three of nature reserves studied, including Hipposideros grandis, H. gentilis, Callosciurus erythraeus, Tamiops rodolphii, and Leopoldamys cf.revertens.The varied species composition of these reserves, which likely refl ects differences in their habitat connectivity and ecological conditions, highlights the need for a coordinated landscape-related conservation strategy.This approach should primarily involve creating and maintaining of biological corridors to ensure the long-term conservation of small mammal populations in this biodiversity hotspot.