Abstract
We conducted a survey of small mammals in Okayama prefecture from October 2010 to December 2011 using Sherman trapping. We captured a total 130 individuals consisting of six species from the Order Rodentia and two species from the Order Soricomorpha. The densities for all species of small mammals were low. Apodemus speciosus was the dominant species and was captured in several types of habitats across Okayama Prefecture, while other species preferred certain habitats defined by elevation or vegetation. The abundance of A. speciosus was primary affected by biannual reproduction, not habitat selection. In Okayama prefecture, the number of small mammals may be declining, especially A. argenteus and Microtus montebelli, as previously known common species may face local extinction. We need to re-evaluate the density of small mammals including so-called common species in other prefectures.
