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Understanding ecosystems within and surrounding airports can help to determine the causes and possible mitigation measures for collisions between aircraft and wildlife,a serious safety concern for the global aviation industry.Small mammal communities are an important component of the semi arid savanna ecosystems of Namibia,its productivity and its ecosystem integrity.This study compared the abundance and diversity of small mammals between Namibias two main airport properties,and between various land uses surrounding the airports.A total of 2150 small mammals (11 species) were captured at the end of two growing and two non-growing seasons; 1570 at rural Hosea Kutako International Airport and 580 at urban Eros Airport.Small mammal abundance was significantly higher at the end of the growing season than the non-growing season.Small mammal numbers were also significantly higher at Hosea Kutako airport compared to the cattle and game farming areas around the airport,while no differences in density or diversity was found in different land uses at Eros.The study suggests that the fence around Hosea Kutako provides a refuge for small mammals from most flightless predators,resulting in higher densities of small mammal prey species for raptors.It also indicates that surrounding land use results in altered ecosystem function and productivity,an important consideration when identifying wildlife attractants to airports.