Rainfed rice - IRRI books - International Rice Research Institute

Rat Population Dynamics
and Management
R
odents are gnawing animals and include rats, mice, squirrels,
porcupines, hares, hedgehogs, etc. Of these, rats are a major problem
to farmers and their crops.
Among mammals, rats are highly adjustable and can adapt themselves to
new environments and new foods and can mix with the new members of a
community with remarkable swiftness.
In some regions of India, useful
studies on the population density of
rats in an ecological zone have been
carried out. These studies were
conducted for brief periods of one or
two years, however, and more work
is required to determine population
cycles, food habits, reproduction,
home range, activity, behaviour
patterns, adaptability, etc., before
scientists can suggest sound
strategies for rat management.
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Rats attack crops at night