Comprehensive review of milk fat globule membrane proteins across mammals and lactation periods in health and disease.

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a three-layer membrane-like structure encasing natural milk fat globules (MFGs). MFGM holds promise as a nutritional supplement because of the numerous physiological functions of its constituent protein. This review summarizes and compares the differences in MFGM protein composition across various species, including bovines, goats, camels, mares, and donkeys, and different lactation periods, such as colostrum and mature milk, as assessed by techniques such as proteomics and mass spectrometry. We also discuss the health benefits of MFGM proteins throughout life. MFGM proteins promote intestinal development, neurodevelopment, and glucose and lipid metabolism by upregulating tight junction protein expression, brain function-related genes, and glucose and fatty acid biosynthesis processes. We focus on the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of MFGM proteins. MFGM proteins activate key substances in in signaling pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and myosin light chain kinase signaling pathways. Overall, the consumption of MFGM proteins plays an essential role in conferring health benefits, some of which are important throughout the mammalian life cycle.

Types and amounts of MFGM proteins in mammals, as assessed by proteomic and mass spectrometry analysis, are summarized.Colostrum MFGM contains more acute phase proteins, whereas mature milk has higher levels of mucins (1 and 15), ADPH, XDH, and FABP.Health benefits of MFGM proteins, including intestinal development, neurodevelopment, and immune activity enhancement, are summarized.MFGM proteins have been shown to significantly activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, promoting cell proliferation and glycolipid metabolism.

Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathological Change in Aged Non-Primate Mammals.

Human brain aging is characterized by the production and deposition of ß-amyloid (Aß) in the form of senile plaques and cerebral amyloid angiopathy and the intracellular accumulation of hyper-phosphorylated tau (Hp-tau) to form neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and dystrophic neurites of senile plaques. The process progresses for years and eventually manifests as cognitive impairment and dementia in a subgroup of aged individuals. Aß is produced and deposited first in the neocortex in most aged mammals, including humans; it is usually not accompanied by altered behavior and cognitive impairment. Hp-tau is less frequent than Aß pathology, and NFTs are rare in most mammals. In contrast, NFTs are familiar from middle age onward in humans; NFTs first appear in the paleocortex and selected brain stem nuclei. NFTs precede for decades or years Aß deposition and correlate with dementia in about 5% of individuals at the age of 65 and 25% at the age of 85. Based on these comparative data, (a) Aß deposition is the most common Alzheimer's disease neuropathological change (ADNC) in the brain of aged mammals; (b) Hp-tau is less common, and NFTs are rare in most aged mammals; however, NFTs are the principal cytoskeletal pathology in aged humans; (c) NFT in aged humans starts in selected nuclei of the brain stem and paleocortical brain regions progressing to the most parts of the neocortex and other regions of the telencephalon; (d) human brain aging is unique among mammalian species due to the early appearance and dramatic progression of NFTs from middle age onward, matching with cognitive impairment and dementia in advanced cases; (e) neither mammalian nor human brain aging supports the concept of the amyloid cascade hypothesis.

Lactating striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) do not decrease the thermogenic capacity to cope with extreme cold temperature.

For small non-hibernating mammals, a high thermogenic capacity is important to increase activity levels in the cold. It has been previously reported that lactating females decrease their thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT), whereas their capacity to cope with extreme cold remains uncertain. In this study we examined food intake, body temperature and locomotor behavior, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, and cytochrome c oxidase activity, and the rate of state 4 respiration of liver, skeletal muscle, and BAT in striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis) at peak lactation and non- breeding hamsters (controls). The lactating hamsters and non- breeding controls were acutely exposed to -15°C, and several markers indicative of thermogenic capacity were examined. In comparison to non-breeding females, lactating hamsters significantly increased food intake and body temperature, but decreased locomotor behavior, and the BAT mass, indicative of decreased BAT thermogenesis at peak lactation. Unexpectedly, lactating hamsters showed similar body temperature, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis with non-breeding females after acute exposure to -15°C. Furthermore, cytochrome c oxidase activity of liver, skeletal muscle and BAT, and serum thyroid hormone concentration, and BAT uncoupling protein 1 expression, in lactating hamsters were similar with that in non-breeding hamsters after acute extreme cold exposure. This suggests that lactating females have the same thermogenic capacity to survive cold temperatures compared to non-breeding animals. This is particularly important for females in the field to cope with cold environments during the period of reproduction. Our findings indicate that the females during lactation, one of the highest energy requirement periods, do not impair their thermogenic capacity in response to acute cold exposure.

Characterization of sperm morphology in two species of Neotropical bats: Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos (Phyllostomidae, Chiroptera).

Sperm morphology is considered the best indicator of male fertility. In Neotropical bats, important aspects of sperm morphology have been scantly studied. The aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos. A total of 11 specimens were analyzed from the Colección de Mamíferos Lillo: five A. planirostris and six S. erythromos. The fixed epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by the routine cytological procedure with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscope. A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The percentage of normal/abnormal spermatozoa was estimated and the sperm abnormalities were classified. Both species showed morphologically simple spermatozoa with a spatulate head, a short neck, a helical midpiece and a tail that tapers at the final end, similar to other species of Phyllostomidae. The differences observed were: apex of the head was conical in A. planirostris and was oval in S. erythromos; longer head and midpiece in S. erythomos and longer sperm in A. planirostris. Both species showed a high percentage of sperm with normal appearance: 65% for A. planirostris and 72% for S. erythromos. The main sperm abnormalities were: scattered tails and heads, coiled tails, folded midpieces and presence of cytoplasmic droplets. The present work will improve the understanding of their reproductive biology. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Morphological descriptions and morphometric analyses of the sperm of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos were carried out with optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.

Persistent plastic: Insights from seawater weathering and simulated whale gut.

Single-use plastics make up 60-95 % of marine plastic pollution, including common commodity films used for packaging and bags. Plastic film breaks down as a function of environmental variables like wave action, wind, temperature, and UV radiation. Here, we focus on how films degrade in cold waters across depths, time, and simulated mammal digestion. Five types of single-use film plastics (HDPE thin & thick, LDPE, PP, PE) were weathered for eight months in temperate waters at surface and depth in the Salish Sea, WA, USA, and subsequently exposed to a laboratory-simulated gray whale stomach. None of the types of plastics examined here fully degraded during the course of this 8 months study. Weathering time and depth significantly impacted many of the physical attributes of plastics, while exposure to a simulated whale gut did not. If unable to degrade plastics through digestion, whales risk long-term exposure to physical and chemical attributes of plastics.

Compensation of gene dosage on the mammalian X.

Changes in gene dosage can have tremendous evolutionary potential (e.g. whole-genome duplications), but without compensatory mechanisms, they can also lead to gene dysregulation and pathologies. Sex chromosomes are a paradigmatic example of naturally occurring gene dosage differences and their compensation. In species with chromosome-based sex determination, individuals within the same population necessarily show 'natural' differences in gene dosage for the sex chromosomes. In this Review, we focus on the mammalian X chromosome and discuss recent new insights into the dosage-compensation mechanisms that evolved along with the emergence of sex chromosomes, namely X-inactivation and X-upregulation. We also discuss the evolution of the genetic loci and molecular players involved, as well as the regulatory diversity and potentially different requirements for dosage compensation across mammalian species.

Unveiling the Biodiversity and Conservation Significance of Medog: A Camera-Trapping Survey on Mammals in the Southeastern Tibetan Mountains.

The Medog in southeastern Tibet is home to a diverse range of wild animals. However, research on these mammals' species directories, distribution, and conservation status remains insufficient, despite their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The study carried out a camera-trapping survey to assess mammal biodiversity and the significance of mammal protection in their natural habitats in Gedang, Medog. Future directions and application prospects of the study for wildlife conservation in the southeastern Tibetan mountains were also discussed. The survey, spanning from April 2023 to May 2024, with 19,754 camera trap days, revealed 25 mammalian species across five orders and 14 families. Among these, four classified as Endangered, five as Vulnerable, two as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, nine were categorized as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the Red List of China's Vertebrates, and seven were China's national first-class key protected wildlife. The order Carnivora exhibited the highest diversity, comprising 12 species. Furthermore, the study filled the knowledge gap regarding the underrepresentation of Gongshan muntjac Muntiacus gongshanensis in IUCN and provided new insights into the recorded coexistence of the Himalayan red panda Ailurus fulgens and Chinese red panda Ailurus styani along the Yarlung Zangbo River for the first time, and also documented new upper elevation limits for four large to medium-sized species. Regarding the relative abundance indices (RAI) captured by camera traps, the most prevalent species identified was the White-cheeked macaque Macaca leucogenys, followed by the Gongshan muntjac and Himalayan serow Capricornis thar. The monitoring also captured a number of domestic dogs and livestock, as well as human disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of conserving these mammals and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and reduce human activities that threaten their survival, thereby maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Additionally, the research highlighted Gedang's significance to global conservation efforts for mammalian diversity, providing essential data for effective wildlife conservation strategies.

First record of Orthohalarachneattenuata in Arctocephalusaustralis in mainland Argentina (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata, Dermanyssoidea, Halarachnidae) with observations on its ambulacral morphology.

Pinniped respiratory mites of the species Orthohalarachneattenuata have been recorded from various locations around the world but not from continental Argentina. In the present work, we document for the first time the presence of O.attenuata on Arctocephalusaustralis on the Argentine mainland. A total of 23 adult and 381 immature mites were collected from the nose and nasopharyngeal cavity during a necropsy. The mite ambulacrum is described in adults and larvae. This structure consists of a pretarsus, an extensible pulvillum, a pair of claws and paradactyli (pretarsus opercula). The ambulacral structures also have some peculiarities, such as the presence of longitudinal furrows in the claws, straight claws in legs II and III (as opposed to curved in legs I and IV), and the fin-shaped paradactyli. The morphology of the ambulacrum of this mite is interpreted as an adaptation for anchoring to different surfaces of the host, and the protective structures present in the larvae as an adaptation for the dispersal phase in the external environment.

On the host specificity and genetic diversity of Iodamoeba bütschlii: Observations from short amplicon-based next-generation sequencing.

Iodamoeba is a single-celled intestinal parasite, which is common in humans in certain parts of the world, and also in pigs. For the first time, we provide DNA-based evidence of goat, dromedary, fallow deer, and donkey as hosts of Iodamoeba and show that Iodamoeba-specific nucleotide sequences from these four hosts do not appear to overlap with those of humans, unlike those from pigs. We moreover show that similar strains of Iodamoeba can be found in Madagascar, Western Sahara, and Ecuador and that intra-sample diversity is typically extensive across even small fragments of DNA in both human and non-human hosts.

eDNA-based survey of the marine vertebrate biodiversity off the west coast of Guadeloupe (French West Indies).

Background: In the marine environment, knowledge of biodiversity remains incomplete for many taxa, requiring assessments to understand and monitor biodiversity loss. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a powerful tool for monitoring marine biodiversity, as it enables several taxa to be characterised simultaneously in a single sample. However, the data generated by environmental DNA metabarcoding are often not easily reusable. Implementing FAIR principles and standards for eDNA-derived data can facilitate data-sharing within the scientific community. New information: This study focuses on the detection of marine vertebrate biodiversity using eDNA metabarcoding on the leeward coast of Guadeloupe, a known hotspot for marine biodiversity in the French West Indies. Occurrences and DNA-derived data are shared here using DarwinCore standards combined with MIMARKS standards.

Variation and convergence in the morpho-functional properties of the mammalian neocortex.

Man's natural inclination to classify and hierarchize the living world has prompted neurophysiologists to explore possible differences in brain organisation between mammals, with the aim of understanding the diversity of their behavioural repertoires. But what really distinguishes the human brain from that of a platypus, an opossum or a rodent? In this review, we compare the structural and electrical properties of neocortical neurons in the main mammalian radiations and examine their impact on the functioning of the networks they form. We discuss variations in overall brain size, number of neurons, length of their dendritic trees and density of spines, acknowledging their increase in humans as in most large-brained species. Our comparative analysis also highlights a remarkable consistency, particularly pronounced in marsupial and placental mammals, in the cell typology, intrinsic and synaptic electrical properties of pyramidal neuron subtypes, and in their organisation into functional circuits. These shared cellular and network characteristics contribute to the emergence of strikingly similar large-scale physiological and pathological brain dynamics across a wide range of species. These findings support the existence of a core set of neural principles and processes conserved throughout mammalian evolution, from which a number of species-specific adaptations appear, likely allowing distinct functional needs to be met in a variety of environmental contexts.

A morphometric comparison of the ductus reuniens in humans and guinea pigs, with a note on its evolutionary importance.

The mammalian inner ear contains the sensory organs responsible for balance (semicircular canals, utricle, and saccule) and hearing (cochlea). While these organs are functionally distinct, there exists a critical structural connection between the two: the ductus reuniens (DR). Despite its functional importance, comparative descriptions of DR morphology are limited, hindering our understanding of the evolutionary diversification of hearing and balance systems among mammals. Using virtual 3D models derived from micro-CT, we examine the morphology of the DR and its relationship to the bony labyrinth in humans compared to that in a commonly used animal model, the guinea pig. Anatomical reconstructions and univariate measurements were carried out in the software 3D Slicer. Data indicate similarities in DR morphology between humans and guinea pigs in terms of overall shape. However, there are considerable differences in relative DR length and width between humans and guinea pigs. Humans possess a relatively shorter and narrower DR but with wider openings to the saccule and cochlear duct. This results in a relatively more constricted DR lumen in humans which may differentially limit fluid transfer between the saccule and cochlea. Our results reveal previously hidden morphological diversity in the communication between the hearing and balance systems of the mammalian inner ear which may indicate alternative strategies for isolating the Organ of Corti from the peripheral vestibular system throughout mammalian evolution.

Combined effects of climate and land-use changes on the alpha and beta functional diversities of terrestrial mammals in China.

Climate and land-use changes are predicted to impact biodiversity, threatening ecosystem services and functions. However, their combined effects on the functional diversity of mammals at the regional scale remain unclear, especially at the beta level. Here, we use projected climate and land-use changes in China to investigate their potential effects on the alpha and beta functional diversities of terrestrial mammals under low- and high-emission scenarios. In the current projection, we showed strong positive spatial correlations between functional richness and species richness. Functional evenness (FEve), functional specialization (FSpe), and functional originality (FOri) decreased with species richness, and functional divergence (FDiv) increased first and then plateaued. Functional beta diversity was dominated by its nestedness component, in contrast to the taxonomic facet. Potential changes in species richness are more strongly influenced by land-use change under the low-emission scenario, while under the high-emission scenario, they are more strongly influenced by climate change. Changes in functional richness (FRic) were inconsistent with those in species richness, with a magnitude of decreases greater than predicted from species richness. Moreover, mammal assemblages showed potential functional differentiation (FD) across the country, and the trends exceeded those towards taxonomic differentiation (TD). Our findings help us understand the processes underlying biodiversity responses to global changes on multiple facets and provide new insight for conservation plans.

Patterns of Genetic Diversity and Gene Flow Associated With an Aridity Gradient in Populations of Common Mole-rats, Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus.

Genetic adaptation is the change of a population toward a phenotype that best fits the present ecological conditions of the environment it inhabits. As environmental conditions change, allele frequencies shift, resulting in different populations of the same species possessing genetic variation and divergent phenotypes. Cooperatively breeding common mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus hottentotus) inhabit environments along an aridity gradient in South Africa, which provides an opportunity for local genetic adaptations to occur. Using one mitochondrial gene (cytochrome b) and 3,540 SNP loci across the whole genome, we determined the phylogenetic relationship, population structure and genetic diversity of five populations of C. h. hottentotus located along an aridity gradient. Mitochondrial data identified population-specific clades that were less distinct in the two mesic populations, potentially indicating historical or recent gene flow, or the retention of ancestral haplotypes. Arid and semi-arid populations formed a distinct cluster from the non-arid populations. Genetic diversity and gene flow were higher in arid-dwelling individuals, suggesting greater connectivity and interactions between colonies in arid regions in comparison to mesic ones. Using an Aridity Index, we determined that isolation by environment, rather than isolation by geographical distance, best explains the genetic distance between the populations. Further analyses using target loci may determine if there are differing underlying genetic adaptations among populations of C. h. hottentotus. These analyses could help unravel population differences in response to environmental factors within a subspecies of bathyergid mole-rat and determine the adaptive capacity of this small nonmigratory subterranean rodent species in response to aridification in the face of climate change.

Energy Content, Moisture Content, and Energy Assimilation Efficiency by Birds and Mammals of Oil-Containing Seeds and Implications for Seed Treatment Risk Assessments for Birds and Mammals.

Energy content, moisture content, and energy assimilation efficiency are essential parameters in the food intake rate (FIR) and exposure calculations for bird and mammal risk assessments. The updated European Food Safety Authority guidance document on risk assessment for birds and mammals summarizes these parameters for different food items. For seed treatments, values for cereal seeds are proposed as surrogates for other crops. Oil-containing seeds are expected to have a higher energy content than cereal seeds. This would result in lower FIR and, thus, exposure from consuming such seeds. To be able to calculate reliable exposure values for risk-assessment purposes, we conducted a systematic literature review to collect information on these three parameters for oil-containing seeds (sunflower, oilseed rape, soybean, peanut, sesame, safflower, linseed [flax], white mustard, and castor bean). The search yielded 401 papers, of which 151 contained values for at least one of the parameters of the crops in focus. The overall average energy content value of oil-containing seeds was 24.25 kJ/g (n = 124, SD = 3.00), whereas that for moisture content was 6.57% (n = 296, SD = 1.15). Energy assimilation values were only available for peanut, oilseed rape, soy, linseed, and sunflower for a limited number of bird and mammal species. Mean energy assimilation efficiency for mammals was 82.69% (n = 4, SD = 1.55), whereas values for birds were 57.54% (n = 2, SD = 6.77) for Galliformes and 79.25% (n = 2, SD = 1.82) for Passeriformes. The values presented can be used to calculate appropriate FIR values for future bird and mammal risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;00:1-6. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in wild small mammals from South Africa.

Bartonella spp. are intracellular bacteria associated with several re-emerging human diseases. Small mammals play a significant role in the maintenance and spread of Bartonella spp. Despite the high small mammal biodiversity in South Africa, there is limited epidemiological information regarding Bartonella spp. in these mammals. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. from wild small mammals from 15 localities in 8 provinces of South Africa. Small mammals (n = 183) were trapped in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, and Western Cape provinces of South Africa between 2010 and 2018. Heart, kidney, liver, lung, and spleen were harvested for Bartonella DNA screening, and prevalence was determined based on the PCR amplification of partial fragments of the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic spacer (ITS) region, gltA, and rpoB genes. Bartonella DNA was detected in Aethomys chrysophilus, Aethomys ineptus, Gerbillurus spp., Lemniscomys rosalia, Mastomys coucha, Micaelamys namaquensis, Rhabdomys pumilio, and Thallomys paedulcus. An overall prevalence of 16.9% (31/183, 95% CI: 12.2%-23%) was observed. Bartonella elizabethae, Bartonella grahamii, and Bartonella tribocorum were the zoonotic species identified, while the remaining sequences were aligned to uncultured Bartonella spp. with unknown zoonotic potential. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed five distinct Bartonella lineages (I-V), with lineage IV displaying strong M. coucha host specificity. Our results confirm that South African wild small mammals are natural reservoirs of a diverse assemblage of Bartonella spp., including some zoonotic species with high genetic diversity, although prevalence was relatively low.IMPORTANCESmall mammals play a significant role in the maintenance and spread of zoonotic pathogens such as Bartonella spp. Despite the high small mammal biodiversity in southern Africa including South Africa, there is limited epidemiological information regarding Bartonella spp. in these mammals across the country. Results from our study showed the liver and spleen had the highest positive cases for Bartonella spp. DNA among the tested organs. Bartonella elizabethae, B. grahamii, and B. tribocorum were the three zoonotic species identified and five distinct Bartonella lineages (I-V) were confirmed through phylogenetic analyses. To the best of our knowledge, this study presents the first extensive nuclear diversity investigation of Bartonella spp. in South African small mammals in South Africa.

Green spaces contribute to structural resilience of the gut microbiota in urban mammals.

The gut microbiome of wild animals is subject to various environmental influences, including those associated with human-induced alterations to the environment. We investigated how the gut microbiota of a synurbic rodent species, the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), change in cities of varying sizes, seeking the urban microbiota signature for this species. Fecal samples for analysis were collected from animals living in non-urbanized areas and green spaces of different-sized cities (Poland). Metagenomic 16S rRNA gene sequencing and further bioinformatics analyses were conducted. Significant differences in the composition of gut microbiomes among the studied populations were found. However, the observed changes were dependent on local habitat conditions, without strong evidence of a correlation with the size of the urbanized area. The results suggest that ecological detachment from a more natural, non-urban environment does not automatically lead to the development of an "urban microbiome" model in the studied rodent. The exposure to the natural environment in green spaces may serve as a catalyst for microbiome transformations, providing a previously underestimated contribution to the maintenance of native gut microbial communities in urban mammals.

Species Composition of a Small Mammal Community and Prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in the Alpine Pastoral Area of the Eastern Tibetan Plateau.

We aimed to investigate the species composition of a small mammal community and the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. in a typical endemic area of the Tibetan Plateau. One pika and five rodent species were identified based on the morphological characteristics of 1278 small mammal specimens collected during 2014-2019. Detection of Echinococcus DNA in tissue samples from small mammal specimens revealed that Ochotona curzoniae (pika, total prevalence: 6.02%, 26/432), Neodon fuscus (5.91%, 38/643), N. leucurus (2.50%, 3/120), and Alexandromys limnophilus (21.74%, 10/46) were infected by both E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus; Cricetulus longicaudatus (16.67%, 1/6) was infected by E. shiquicus; and no infection was detected in N. irene (0/15). Neodon fuscus and O. curzoniae were the two most abundant small mammal species. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of pika and the overall rodent species assemblage (6.26%, 53/846); however, the larger rodent populations suggested that more attention should be paid to their role in the transmission of echinococcosis in the wildlife reservoir, which has long been underestimated. Moreover, although DNA barcoding provides a more efficient method than traditional morphological methods for identifying large numbers of small mammal samples, commonly used barcodes failed to distinguish the three Neodon species in this study. The close genetic relationships between these species suggest the need to develop more powerful molecular taxonomic tools.

Diversity, distribution, and relative abundance of medium and large-sized mammals in Chukala Mountain Forest, East Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

This study investigates the diversity, distribution, and relative abundance of medium and large-sized mammals in the biodiverse Chukala Mountain Forest of East Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, during March to August 2020. Three distinct habitat types-Montane forest with grassland (Panthera pardus, Papio anubis), woodland (Lepus fagani), and riverine forest (Procavia capensis)-were surveyed using line transects. Over four months, surveys were conducted bi-monthly, focusing on parameters such as species richness, and population distribution. Analysis revealed twelve mammal species spanning five orders and eight families, with olive baboons (Papio anubis) prevailing as the most abundant species, while leopards (Panthera pardus), bush hares (Lepus fagani), and rock hyraxes (Procavia capensis) were less frequently encountered. Woodland habitats exhibited the highest species richness (H = 1.700), followed by montane forest with grassland (H = 1.156) and riverine forest (H = 1.070). Notably, montane forest with grassland and riverine forest habitats shared similar species compositions across seasons (SI = 1). In conclusion, these findings provide valuable insights into the mammalian diversity and ecology of the Chukala Mountain Forest, highlighting the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in the region. Based on the findings, it is recommended to implement conservation measures focusing on preserving and enhancing the habitats of less common species such as the leopard, bush hare, and rock hyrax. Continual monitoring and research are recommended to track population dynamics and guide conservation initiatives for long-term ecosystem preservation. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of proactive conservation measures in maintaining the ecological integrity of this vital ecosystem.