A biogeographical regionalization of Angolan mammals

Abstract We developed a biogeographical regionalization of Angolan mammals based on data collected before major declines occurred during the civil war (1975–2002). In terms of its biodiversity, Angola is one of the least known of all African countries. We used 9880 grid records of 140 species (rodents, ungulates and carnivores) collected mainly in 1930–80, at a quarter degree cell resolution. Biogeographical regions were identified by using cluster analysis, based on βsim dissimilarity matrices and a hierarchical classification using Ward's method. An indicator value analysis was used to identify species characterizing each region. Distance‐based redundancy analysis was used to investigate the environmental correlates of mammalian assemblages. Four biogeographical subdivisions emerged from ungulate distributions, while rodent and carnivore data were largely uninformative. In the north, the Zaire‐Lunda‐Cuanza region was mainly characterized by ungulate species associated with Congolian forests. In the south, the Namibe and Cunene‐Cuando Cubango regions were mainly characterized by ungulates widespread in south‐western and southern Africa. In between these regions, the Central Plateau region was mainly characterized by a few widespread ungulate species that are relatively common in dense miombo woodlands. Biogeographical patterns were significantly associated with a dominant north–south gradient of decreasing humidity and increasing temperature, and with a con...
Source: Mammal Review - Category: Zoology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research