Large and Terrestrial Small Mammal Survey Along the Pampana River, Sierra Leone

Abstract

A survey of large and terrestrial small mammals was conducted in 2016 along the Pampana River in
northern Sierra Leone as part of the biodiversity studies for the proposed Betmai Hydroelectric
Project (BHP). Data were collected through direct observations, reconnaissance walks and informal
interviews for large mammals and live traps for terrestrial small mammals. Nine species of large
mammals belonging to 8 families were recorded, including 4 primates, 3 ungulates and 2 carnivores.
Informal interview with local people and guides confirmed another 14 species of large mammals
belonging to 8 families, including 5 primates, 4 ungulates, 3 carnivores and 2 scaly ant eaters. Small
mammals consisted of 1 shrew and 7 rodents belonging to 7 families. Measures to mitigate impacts of
the project activities should, therefore, address the continued existence of the remaining riverine forest
and forest regrowth habitats of the resident large and small mammal communities.