Small mammals occurrence across Namibia, 2023

A bait mixture of oats and peanut butter was used, and traps were set in the late afternoon between 16:00 and 19:00. Traps were typically placed near shrubs, logs, or shaded microsites to improve capture success. Each Sherman trap was arranged with one end secured and the other open; the capture mechanism was activated when an animal triggered the latch inside the trap.

Traps were checked each morning between 6:00 and 9:00 AM for three consecutive days, and retrieved on the third morning. Captured individuals were identified to species level and assessed for sex and age. Each animal was weighed using a digital scale accurate to the nearest gram and measured for standard body metrics, including body length, tail length, and total length, using a string and ruler.

Sex was determined by observing traits such as teats, a perforated vagina, or a protruding penis. To avoid unnecessary stress or harm, traps were closed during daylight hours. All animals were marked using a black permanent marker for identification and released at the point of capture.

The minimum number of individuals recorded per site was one, and the maximum was three. Sampling encompassed a range of habitats, including dry savanna, semi-arid shrubland, and riparian zones, providing a broad representation of Namibia’s environmental diversity. The dataset includes records from Khomas, Oshikoto, Kunene, Karas, Zambezi, and Hardap regions, although other regions such as Kunene and Khomas were also sampled; however, traps didn’t capture anything.

Taxonomic coverage includes small mammal species from the families Muridae, Nesomyidae, and Macroscelididae. This dataset contributes to the growing body of biodiversity data for Namibia and may support future ecological modelling, conservation prioritisation, and long-term biodiversity assessments in the region