| Citation |
Aplin, K., Rueda, L. & Molur, S. 2016. Leopoldamys sabanus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T11520A22434377. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T11520A22434377.en. Downloaded on 12 September 2019. |
Description |
RANGE DESCRIPTION
This species is present in northeastern South Asia, and is widespread in Southeast Asia. In South Asia, it has been reported from only two locations, one each from Bangladesh (exact location unknown) and India (Gandhigram in Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh) at about 300 m elevation (Molur et al. 2005). In Southeast Asia, the species has been recorded from Thailand, northern Viet Nam, Lao PDR, southern and south-western Cambodia, southern Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, and smaller islands off the Sunda Shelf [except Bali]) and the island of Borneo (Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia) (Musser and Carleton 2005). It can be found up to 3,100 m asl on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia.
DESCRIPTION
This is generally a common species over most of its range. Md Nor et al. (2001) recorded 103 specimens between 500 and 1,350 m on Mount Nuang, Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia, making it by far the most abundant species found during the survey.
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
This species is generally found in lowland forest habitats (infrequently in montane habitats), and probably at lower altitudes than L. edwardsi (Corbet and Hill 1992). It is similar to L. edwardsi in ecology, being semi-arboreal (Gorog et al. 2004), and foraging on the ground as well as in the canopy (Wells et al. 2004). The diet consists of insects, fruit, and other vegetable matter (as well as snails) (Lim 1970). In South Asia, it is a nocturnal and subterranean species, which occurs in tropical, subtropical, wet montane temperate forests (Molur et al. 2005).
THREATS
In Southeast Asia, There are no major threats, although it may be susceptible to forest loss in some parts of its range. It is also hunted, and is one of the most common murids in markets in Lao PDR. In South Asia, the species could be affected by habitat loss and degradation due to shifting agriculture, small-scale logging and harvest for local consumption (Molur et al. 2005).
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
This species is found in several protected areas across its range. There is a need for further research to elucidate the taxonomic status of this species complex. It is listed in the Schedule V (considered as vermin) of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In South Asia, it is not known from any of the protected areas and surveys and monitoring are recommended for this species (Molur et al. 2005). |
