Rattus Meltada Research Articles

Pattern of Damage by Rodent (Rodentia: Muridae) Pests in Wheat in Conjunction with Their Comparative Densities throughout Growth Phase of Crop

Rodents are one of the most important vertebrate pests which directly and indirectly distress to the production of crops and storage of grains. Rodents especially under the Family Muridae can cause serious damage to cereal crops of all kinds including wheat. The present investigation was conducted to observe the pattern of damage by rodent (Rrodentia: Muridae) pests in wheat in conjunction with their comparative densities throughout growth phase of crop i.e., from seedling to mature grain stage. During the crop growing season, several rodent species were involved in damaging to wheat, but variations in their predominance were detected. Of the trapped and identified pests, the lesser bandicoot rat Bandicota bengalensis Gray was the mainly prime species in the wheat fields approached by Indian gerbil Tatera indica Hardwicke, house mouse Mus musculus L., soft-furred field rat Rattus meltada Gray and short tailed mole rat Nesokia indica Gray & Hardwicke. These different rodent pests began to raid and damage the wheat crop right from sowing and continued up to the time of harvesting. Such descriptions of damage are influenced by a number of factors, for instance, relative abundance of different growth stages of crop and their relative nutritional contents, palatability, tastes, and the availability of other food in the locality. The trends of different levels of damage through wheat stem cuttings at various growth stages served primarily as an indication that rats and mice are opportunistic foragers, adjusting their preferences according to availability of food resources. This information of food habits by specific rodents is a basis for the management of their populations and to reduce the damage in the wheat fields thereby increasing the grain yield.

Surveillance of Scrub Typhus in the fringe areas around Pune : Potential for Transmission does exist.

A field based epidemiological study was undertaken to assess the potential of transmission of scrub typhus in the sylvatic and transitional (fringe) areas at ten different locations around Pune. Parameters studied included rodent trapping and identification, entomological parameters, immunological studies on rodent sera, and rodent organ impression smears. The study revealed that Rattus r rufescence, Rattus meltada, Suncus murinus and Rattus blanfordi were the predominant sylvatic rodent species. All the species showed mild to moderate infestation with trombiculid mite larvae, with Rr rufescence and S murinus showing even higher levels of infestation. Pooled rodent sera showed mild rise of OX2 in 13.9%, OX19 in 5.6% and OXK in 9.8% of the pooled sera. The rise in titres was appreciable among rodents from Lonavala, Khadakvasla, Panchet, Singhgadh and Kondhwa areas. Based on the findings of the study, certain recommendations on prevention, surveillance and epidemic investigations of scrub typhus in the Armed Forces have been submitted.

Rodent control in India

Eighteen species of rodents are pests in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, animal and human dwellings and rural and urban storage facilities in India. Their habitat, distribution, abundance and economic significance varies in different crops, seasons and geographical regions of the country. Of these, Bandicota bengalensis is the most predominant and widespread pest of agriculture in wet and irrigated soils and has also established in houses and godowns in metropolitan cities like Bombay, Delhi and Calcutta. In dryland agriculture Tatera indica and Meriones hurrianae are the predominant rodent pests. Some species like Rattus meltada, Mus musculus and M. booduga occur in both wet and dry lands. Species like R. nitidus in north-eastern hill region and Gerbillus gleadowi in the Indian desert are important locally. The common commensal pests are Rattus rattus and M. musculus throughout the country including the islands. R. rattus along with squirrels Funambulus palmarum and F. tristriatus are serious pests of plantation crops such as coconut and oil palm in the southern peninsula. F. pennanti is abundant in orchards and gardens in the north and central plains and sub-mountain regions. Analysis of the information available on the damage and economic losses caused by rodents in rice, wheat, sugarcane, maize, pearl millet, sorghum, oil seed, legume and vegetable crop fields, horticulture and forestry, poultry farms, and rural and urban dwellings and storage facilities clearly shows that chronic damage ranging from 2% to 15% persists throughout the country and severe damage, sometimes even up to 100% loss of the field crop, is not rare. Several traditional and modern approaches and methods of rodent control are being used. The existing knowledge of the environmental, cultural, biological, mechanical and chemical methods of rodent control in India is reviewed. Considerable variations exist in the susceptibility of the pest species to different methods, particularly to rodenticides and trapping, their field applicability, efficacy and economics in different crops, seasons and geographical regions, behavioural responses of the pest species to these methods in different ecological conditions and their adoption by farmers in different regions of India. Environmental and cultural techniques, such as clean cultivation, proper soil tillage and crop scheduling, barriers, repellents and proofing which may reduce rodent harbourage, food sources and immigration have long lasting effects but are seldom adopted. However, their significance in relation to normal agricultural practices, intensification and diversification are discussed. Rodenticides, which provide an immediate solution to the rodent problem, form the major component of rodent control strategies in India. Poison baiting of rodents with zinc phosphide and burrow fumigation with aluminium phosphide are common in agricultural fields and recently Racumin (coumatetralyl) and bromadiolone have been introduced for the control of both agricultural and commensal rodent pests in India. Methods and timings of campaigns and successes and problems in implementation of rodent control are also reviewed.

Rodents in cauliflower and cabbage: Population, damage and control

Mus musculus, Bandicota bengalensis, Rattus meltada and M. booduga were the major rodent species in the cauliflower fields, comprising 26 .87, 23.47, 16.40 and 13.23%, respectively, of the total rodent population in the curd crop and 27 .09, 22.96, 18.12 and 13.98%, respectively, in the seed crop. These fields supported 53 to 57 active rodent burrows per hectare. Rodent damage occurred from the curd formation stage onwards and varied from4 .44 to 11.37% in the curd crop and 8.36 to 13.94% in the seed crop. B. bengalensis and R. meltada appeared to be the most damaging species as their burrows were located in the fields either at the base or in the near vicinity of the plants, whereas burrows of mice were at the periphery of the fields. Burrowbaiting with 0 .005% flocoumafen and 0 .005% bromadiolone yielded 76 .9 and 76.1% control success, respectively. Pulsed-baiting with 2 .5% zinc phosphide applied in burrows, followed by bromadiolone provided 83 .4% control success. Such a treatment (pulsed-baiting) resulted in a saving of up to 1080 kg curd and up to 25 .028 kg seed/ha in cauliflower curd and seed crop, respectively.

Field evaluation of alpha‐chlorohydrin against the Indian mole rat: studies on toxic and antifertility effects

SummaryField acceptance and efficacy of a toxicant‐sterilant, alpha‐chlorohydrin (α‐CH), at its 0.5% concentration in bait were evaluated against rodents in sugarcane fields which harboured high populations of the Indian mole rat Bandicota bengalensis (Trap Index (TI) = 53.6 rats/100 traps/24 h) followed by that of the Indian bush rat Golunda ellioti (TI = 28.6) and soft‐furred field rat Rattus meltada (TI = 1.8). Acceptance of the α‐CH bait by rodents in the fields was evident from complete consumption of the offered bait at most of the baiting points. The treatment (72 h exposure to the poison bait) resulted in 63.7% to 82.9% rodent mortality. Survey of the mature sugarcane crop revealed that the percentage of rodent cut canes in the treated fields (7.6% to 16.2%) was significantly less than that of the reference fields (26.3%). Most of the surviving male B. bengalensis, captured after 15 days of the treatment, had developed sterility as revealed by the functional abnormalities in their testes and epid‐idymides. They showed decreased thickness of the seminiferous tubules, lower population of spermatogenic cells, cauda epididymal sperm concentration, live sperm and sperm mortality. A nonsignificant positive correlation between the testicular weight and sperm motility in males from treated fields indicated the effect of α‐CH at maturation level in the cauda epididymides. Overall, it was evident that a significant proportion of the surviving B. bengalensis had become permanently sterile as a consequence to the development of spermatocoeles in the caput epididymides and the remaining had significantly low numbers (< 30%) of motile sperm in their cauda epididymides which was, obviously, a handicap for successful fertilisation.

Efficacy of live‐trapping as a rodent control technique in vegetable crops

Abstract Three days trapping of rodents every month for 1 year effectively controlled rodent population and activity in vegetable crops. Trapping indices of native field species, viz. Bandicota bengalensis, Rattus meltada, Golunda ellioti, Mus booduga and M. platythrix as well as the species inhabiting both fields and houses, viz. ft rattus and M. musculus decreased significantly. Live‐burrow count of B. bengalensis other rat species and mice reduced by 90.3%, 90.3% and 85.8% respectively. Even 6 months after the last trapping in the fields (recovery period), the live‐burrow count was 76.3%, 79.0% and 73.2% lower than the corresponding initial count for the three categories of rodent burrows respectively.

Laboratory and field evaluation of flocoumafen for rodent control

A new anticoagulant rodenticide, flocoumafen, at a concentration of 0·005% in the bait in 24 h no-choice and 48 h choice laboratory feeding tests was found to cause 100% mortality of the Indian bush rat Golunda ellioti, the Indian gerbil Tatera indica and the soft-furred field rat Rattus meltada. In field trials in sugar cane and wheat, where these species and the Indian mole rat Bandicota bengalensis and Mus spp. were present, about 65% rodent control was obtained with a single treatment with 0·005% flucoumafen bait at the rate of 1 kg/ha. The performance of a single treatment with flocoumafen was comparable with that of 2·4% zinc phosphide, a conventional acute rodenticide. Unlike zinc phosphide, however, two treatments with a 10-day interval with flocoumafen resulted in significantly higher rodent control compared with the single treatment, indicating the superiority of flocoumafen over zinc phosphide in repeat baiting treatments.

Pokarm myszy polnej z obszarów o różnym stopniu urbanizacji

Idris M. & Prakash I., 1987: Scent marking behaviour and social organization in the Indian soft-furred field-rat. Acta theriol., 32, 19: 315—325, [With 3 Tables & 1 Fig.] Social behaviour of soft-furred field-rat. Rattus meltada pallidior (Ryley, 1914) was studied in seminatural condition of a large rattery (13X7 m). Hourly observations, continued for 30 evenings, revealed that the male metads were more active and performed all the aggressive acts like fighting and chasing at a significantly higher frequency than the females. But dominant females were found to be as aggressive as the dominant males, indicating that social organisation of metads is based on multi-dominance of animals of both sexes. The metads deposit two types of scent in the area of their movement: that of the sebum of the mid abdominal gland (only males) and of urine. The former activity is performed by the dominant males only but all females mark with urine and the dominant ones do so at a higher frequency. It is revealed that the scent marking and urine marking have an important role in displaying the dominant status of the animals in the territory and in reproduction of metads. [Cordinating & Monitoring Centre for Rodent Research and Training, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur 342 003, India]

Znakowanie terenu i struktura socjalna u Rattus meltada pallidior

Social behaviour of soft-furred field-rat. Rattus meltada pallidior (Reyley, 1914) was studied in seminatural condition of a large rattery (13x7m). Hourly observations, continued for 30 evenings, revealed that the male metads were more active and performed all the aggressive acts like fighting and chasing at a significantly higher frequency than the females.

Effect of conspecific urine odour on behaviour of soft-furred field-rat, Rattus meltada

Given a choice to feed on millet in two separate food baskets placed on two sides of the cage, the soft-furred field-rat, Rattus meltada pallidior preferred millet in which 1% conspecific urine, either of male or female, was added indicating the conspecific urine or its odour functions as phagostimulant for this rodent. Evaluation of the responses of male and female metads towards the urine odour of the either sex revealed that they prefer uni-sex odour. Both the sexes of field rat stayed in the urine side of the cage for a longer duration (P < 0.001) and the males sebum-marked and the females urine-marked with a higher frequency in the urine environment as compared to the other side of the cage.

Rodent Damage and Control in Peanut Fields in India

Abstract Studies were made on the identification, damage and chemical methods of control of rodent pests in irrigated and nonirrigated fields of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) at Ludhiana, India. Peanut fields were infested with Bandicota bengalensis, Tatera indica, Rattus meltada and Mus spp., except that B. bengalensis was absent in nonirrigated fields. These rodents reduced peanut yield by an average 3.86%, a loss of 190.18 rupees/ha ($15.12 US). Severe rodent damage was sporadic with a maximum of 18.97% reduction in peanut yield. Rodents inflicted more damage between 80 to 120 days after planting, i. e. during the pod fill stage of crop growth. A single treatment with poison bait at 80 to 90 days after planting with 2.4% zinc phosphide, 0.005% brodifacoum and 0.005% bromadiolone in cereal baits at the rate of 1 kg/ha resulted in 58.07%, 42.26% and 40.88% rodent control, respectively, in nonirrigated fields. In irrigated fields, 58.70% and 67.02% rodent control was achieved with zinc phosphide and brodifacoum baits respectively. Significantly higher rodent control was obtained with 2 treatments of either brodifacoum or bromadiolone than with a single treatment of any rodenticide. Wax blocks containing 0.005% brodifacoum were less effective than cereal baits containing the same rodenticide. Two applications at 10 day interval of either 0.005% brodifacoum or bromadiolone between 80–100 days after planting is suggested for rodent control in peanut fields.

Effects of ecological factors on the performance of rodenticides in sugar cane

The sugar cane fields located near river Sutlej at Ladhowal (Lat. 30° 56’N, Long. 75° 52’E) were found infested with 4 rodent species namely,Bandicota bengalensis, Rattus meltada, Tatera indica andMus spp. Of these,B. bengalensis was most predominant. Compared to the adjoining wheat, paddy and mung crops the sugar cane fields at growth and maturity stages harboured high rodent population due to frequent waves of rodent immigration as a result of heavy rainfall and flooding of paddy fields in August and September and agronomic operations related to paddy-wheat rotation in most of the fields. Multiple poison baiting of rodents with brodifacoum (0·005%) and zinc phosphide (2·4%) in different fields of sugar cane resulted in significant differences in their performance within and between the fields. With these poisons the rodent control success ranged from 23·0–45·6% in the months of August and September and 68·1–93·4% in October to December. Overall reduction in post-control activity of rodents ranged from 47·2–96·1% in different fields with different poison combinations. The rodent control success seemed to be related to the differences in rodent populations, post-control reinfestation rates, timings of poison baiting, stage of crop development, weather conditions and sowing and harvesting operations in the adjoining crop fields. The environmental factors particularly affected the post-control reinfestation of rodents which as compared to the reference fields (0·35 rodents/100 traps/day) was significantly higher in the treated fields (0·56–2·33 rodents/100 traps/day).

Rodent populations in the rocky and piedmont habitats of the Indian desert and their control

Abstract Studies on rodents in eight crop seasons of 4 years in the rocky and piedmont habitats of the Indian desert revealed a predominance of gerbils over murids and sclurids. Meriones hurrianae Jerdon was the predominant rodent followed by Tatera indica indica Hardwicke. In the summer season, M. hurrianae was collected in highest relative abundance, whereas T. indica was predominant during winter months. The small mammal fauna in summer was more diversified (12 species) than in the winter season (eight species). Funambulus pennanti Wroughton, Rattus meltada pallidior (Ryley) and T. indica infested rocky and piedmont habitats in higher numbers in winter season, whereas Rattus gleadowi (Murray), Gerbillus nanus indus (Thomas), Mus platythrix sadhu (Bennett), Rattus rattus rufescens Gray, Golunda ellioti gujerati Thomas, M. hurrianae and Suncus murinus sindensis Anderson were represented in higher numbers in summer months. Prevalence of pregnancy among rodents ranged from 31.25 to 75.0%. The mean number of implanted embryos per pregnant female varied from 2.0 to 6.5. Zinc phosphide (2%) treatment provided about 88% rodent control success, ranging from 80 to 100% for different rodent species.

Reakcja Rattus meltada na nowe rekwizyty i miejsca

The behaviour of the soft-furred field rat, Rattus meltada (Gray), was studied in an artificial environment, a "plus" maze. The maze consisted of a central nest box and four arms. Food and water were placed in different arms. A detailed analysis of habituation to the artificial environment, and of reactions towards novelty was made. The rats usually avoided new objects placed in a familiar place but showed little hesitation to explore a previously inaccessible area. The rats generally stopped avoiding strange objects placed near food within 2 to 3 days even when an alternative source of food was available elsewhere.

Gruczoły brzuszne u Tatera indica i Rattus meltada

Kumari S. & Prakash I., 1983: The mid-ventral gland of the Indian gerbil, Tatera indica and soft-furred field rat, Rattus meltada. Acta theriol., 28, 28: 425—438 [With 3 Tables, 2 Figs. & Plates XIV—XV] The ventral scent marking gland occurs in about 91 and 72 per cent male Tatera indica and Rattus meltada respectively. It is absent in the females of the latter species but is present in about 5.8 per cent female T. indica residing in urban areas and 10.3 per cent female residing in desert grasslands. The gland size is positively and significantly correlated with body weight. The growth of the gland is a continuous process throughout the life of the rodents. No relationship has been found between the gland size and the home range of the rodents. The sebaceous alveoli in the gland of both the species are of typical holocrine type and the epidermal stratified epithelium in T. indica is smooth whereas in R. m. pallidior it is papillaeform. [Coordinating & Monitoring Centre for Rodent Research and Training, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342 003, India]

Seasonal variation in the dimension of scent-marking gland of three desert rodents and its possible relationship with their reproductive performance

The two gerbils,Tatera indica andMeriones hurrianae, and the metad,Rattus meltada pallidior exhibit significant monthly variations in the dimension (maximum length X maximum breadth) of the ventral scent marking gland. Peaks in gland size occur late in winter and monsoon which generally correspond to the maximum breeding activity of these rodents during the year. However, the monthly averages of gland area and incidence of pregnancy in the three species do not follow the same trend. It is difficult, therefore, to conclude if the scent-marking behaviour and the breeding performance of the rodents are inter-related.

The functional demography of adrenal glands inRattus meltada pallidior in Indian desert

In this paper, the seasonal fluctuations in adrenal glands and its relationship with their body weights, reproduction activity and population density of soft-furred field rat,Rattus meltada pallidior in the Indian desert has been discussed. Results of the present study revealed that the left adrenal gland in both the sexes of rodents was found to be significantly heavier (P<0·01) than the right one. The paired adrenal of female rats was significantly heavier (F<0·001) than those of males. The seasonal variations in adrenal weights of pregnant females were found to be significantly heavier (P<0·01) than those of nonparous females. The adrenal weights of male, pregnant and non-pregnant female rats were found to be significantly correlated with their body weights. Results of this study further revealed that changes in adrenal weights inRattus m. pallidior are functions of body weights which are regulated by the availability of food and its nutritional level.

Skład pokarmu Rattus meltada pallidior

Seasonal fluctuactions in the stomach contents of the Soft-furred field rat, Rattus meltada pallidior (Reyley, 1914), collected from range-lands and crop fields at Bisalpur, India, reveal that it is primarily a herbivore.

Significance of body fat in relation to basal metabolic rate in some Indian desert rodents

Four species of Indian desert rodents, viz. Tatera indica, Meriones hurrianae, Rattus meltada and Golunda ellioti have been found to have basal metabolic rates (BMR) lower than the values expected from the metabolic rate-body weight relationship for mammals. The low BMR in these species is evidently not due to any large accumulation of body fats, but is probably related to niche utilization. Of the four species examined, only T. indica and M. hurrianae have any appreciable body fat, presumably for use during summer when scarcity of both food and water prevail.