Small rodents in the crop ecosystem of Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan

• DOI: 10.1071/wr01025
• Publication Date: 2003-08-20T07:07:58Z
• Authors: I. Hussain; A. M. Cheema; A. A. Khan
• Keywords: Wet season; Dominance (genetics); Dry season

In a 16-month study on rodent-infestation patterns in crop fields the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan, five rodent species were found to occur following order of dominance: Tatera indica, Bandicota bengalensis, Mus spp., Golunda ellioti and Nesokia indica. On basis trapping data, first three considered have pest status their relative abundance changed from season season. During spring, T. indica B.�bengalensis dominant species. B. bengalensis became summer. The proportion increased during monsoon autumn (58.5%) reached almost 95% winter. more common than post-summer autumn. G. N. captured occasionally, showed no seasonal preference. As is highly fossorial species, surface believed underestimated its prevalence. Unlike other population was stable all over seasons; this appeared be linked use wild vegetation field boundaries. This preliminary information highlights need for further studies explore life-history traits habitats these