Patterns of distribution, diversity and endemism of larger African Mammals

Abstract

Patterns of distribution and diversity (= species richness) of larger African mammals, and three subsets thereof (ungulates, carnivores and primates), are identified and analysed quantitatively. Distributional patterns generally correspond well with those of present-day vegetation types and of resident non-aquatic birds. However, the precise locations of zonal boundaries and the degree of zonation differ between groups, primarily reflecting their different ecological requirements. Large mammal diversity increases towards the equator, but diversity patterns differ substantially between the groups. Diversity is positively correlated with vegetation type diversity, and vegetation types analysed as separate units explain over 85% of the variance in the diversity of the mammal groups investigated. In addition, both distributional and diversity patterns appear to have been affected by past environmental factors.