The non-volant mammals of Bega Watershed, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Philippines

While information on Philippine non-volant mammalian fauna is increasing, there is still lack of knowledge on the non-volant mammals in Mindanao particularly in Bega Watershed, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. This study was conducted to determine species composition, conservation status, and distribution status of non-volant mammals in Bega Watershed. Sampling was done on May 8-17, 2014 using live traps and indigenous traps in the five sampling sites of Bega Watershed. Nine non-volant mammalian species were documented, of which six are endemic with one species under the vulnerable status. The Philippine endemic, Rattus everetti and the Mindanao Faunal Region endemic, Bullimus bagobus were the only rodents captured. The other seven species, four of which are endemic, were documented through key informant interview. Bega Watershed has low species richness of non-volant mammals with high endemism. Hunting for food was the major threat to the non-volant mammals in Bega watershed. The presence of endemic and vulnerable species in Bega watershed indicates the need to protect the non-volant mammals through conservation and protection of habitats.