Diversity and distribution of rodent community in cold arid ecosystem of Leh, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

Present investigation is the first systematic study to assess the diversity of rodents across the altitude in different habitats in Leh district (Jammu & Kashmir). A total of 132 individuals belonging to three families and five species were collected during 2015-16 (June to September). The distribution and diversity of rodent fauna was significantly different (X2= 85.18; df =5; p<0.01) across the study habitats. The Little Indian filed mouse, Mus booduga was the most abundant (66.67%) and widely distributed species recorded from five habitats followed by Turkish rat, Rattus turkestanicus (18.94%). The collection of individuals during different months was also significantly different (X2= 43.09; df=3; p<0.01) as it was maximum in September (25.42%) at the time of crop harvesting, followed by June (11.25%). Diversity of species was influenced by vegetation, availability of food, shelter and extent of human interference. Diversity was highest in the habitat, like grass land and barren lands at foothills (0.69) and lowest in crop fields and horticulture plantations (0.25). The species richness was highest in crop fields and horticulture plantations as compared to other habitats as conducive climate and green vegetation sustained more individuals at a time.