Despite its small geographical size, Rwanda is home to a diverse mammal fauna.  With a few exceptions, almost all of Rwanda's mammal species are represented in these four areas: Parc National des Volcans, Akagera National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and along the eastern shore of Lake Kivu. A total of 205 species have been identified within these four areas, though the presence of some species may be in doubt, some may become locally extirpated, and a few additional species may be found with more ground surveys.

Recent small mammal specimen collecting fieldwork and training was conducted in 2021 and from 7-20 August 2022. Several sites were visited and sampled within the Nyungwe National Forest including; Kamiranzovu Trail, Rukuzi Trail, Bweyeye Road at Busoro River, Uwasenkoko, Gasare, Ndambarare, Nyabishwati Trail, Uwinka Road, Ndambarare Waterfall, and Uwasenkoko. Specimens were collected in duplicate sets when possible to be deposited into the Research Museum Alexander Koenig (ZFMK), Germany. Specimens deposited in the NHR are planned to be digitized and published online.
Funding was provided by the Volkswagen Foundation.