DOCSLIB.ORG

The Field Rats and Field Mouse in Malaysia and Southeast Asia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Field Rats and Field Mouse in Malaysia and Southeast Asia Agriculture Science Journal The field rats and field mouse in Malaysia and Southeast Asia For at least as long as man has attempted to cultivate crops, rats have competed for a share of the products. Five species of field rats have been identified as serious pests of ricefields, oil palm plantations and other field crops in Malaysia. By Lim Boo Liat T he rice-field rat, the Malayan wood rat, the greater bandicoot, the lesser bandicoot and the rice-field mouse are serious pests of ricefields, oil palm plantations and other field crops in Malaysia. These same five species are distributed throughout Southeast Asia. The ricefield rat and the Malaysian wood rat used to be treated as subspecies of Rattus rattus and were known as Rattus rattus argentiventer and Rattus rattus jalorensis . They are now recognized The ricefield rat Photo: Boonsong Lekagul as separate species—Rattus argentiventer and characters is found in the pads on the soles of Rattus tiomanensis respectively. the hind feet (HF). Those of R. argentiventer are generally smaller and only slightly raised above The bandicoots are large ground rats that the surrounding surface and the lamellae on the build extensive burrows. In Malaysia two plantar pads are weakly developed in constrast species occur—they are the greater bandicoot to those of R. tiomanicus . These differences (Bandicota indica ) and the lesser bandicoot ( B. are presumably associated with the original bengalensis ). habitats: grassland for R. argentiventer and scrub and plantation forest for R. tiomanicus . R. The fifth species is the field mouse ( Mus caroli ) argentiventer has larger HF and 12 mammary similar to the house mouse ( Mus musculus ) in tits. size. Distribution and status: The ricefield rat is The ricefield rat ( Rattus argentiventer ) widespread throughout Malaysia and present in A medium sized rat with head and body (HB) all Southeast Asian countries except Singapore 140–220 mm, hindfoot (HF) 35–38 mm, tail (T) where it has yet to be discovered. 130–220 mm and uniformly dark. Its fur is coarse but not rough. Upperparts (dorsum) olive brown Ecology and habitat: R. argentiventer is with black hairs intermixed among the brown; confined to grassland and rice fields. Before the underparts (belly) silvery grey with or without 1960s, lalang ( Imperata cylindrica ) fields large a darker streak in the middle. One of the best and small, and rice fields were common sights FIELD RATS AND FIELD MOUSE 35 Agriculture Science Journal The ricefield rat throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The country Nocturnal, terrestrial and omnivorous, with a was then self-sufficient in food-production for natural diet of insects (termites and grasshoppers) a population of about seven million people In in the lalang habitat, it caused tremendous the early 1950s, the Scrub Typhus Team at the damage by feeding on young rice plants in rice Institute of Medical Research (IMR) Kuala fields. In oil palm estates it feeds on insects, Lumpur, were trapping commensal rodents snails and slugs and young oil palm. It nests by (field rats) in lalang, scrub, oil palm plantations digging burrows in well-drained soil or in the and secondary forest habitats in Selangor and the bunds between flooded puddles in rice fields. nearby states of Negri Sembilan and Malacca for the recovery of the vector mites ( Leptotrombidum The Malaysian wood rat ( Rattus tiomanicus ) spp.), the causative agents of the scrub typhus This is slightly smaller than the ricefield rat. The disease. Our trapping results revealed that head and body length is 80–160 mm, Tail 85– Rattus argentiventer was the predominant rat 170 mm and uniformly dark, HF 27–34 mm and species in both lalang and rice field habitats. By uniformly dark. Upperparts olive brown; hairs 1965, the lalang habitat was reduced to scattered smooth intermixed with spines which are not small plots due to development of highways and prominent. In the underparts it is usually pure introduction of agricultural cash crops such as white with occasional specimens dull white or tapioca, sugar cane and banana that resulted in yellowish white. It is distinguished from the the mass migration of the rats to rice fields, rice ricefield rat by coloration of the silvery grey itself being a grass. belly, shorter hindfoot length and 10 mammary tits. 36 UTAR AGRICULTURE SCIENCE JOURNAL ● VOL. 1 NO. 3 JULY 2015 Agriculture Science Journal Rice field Distribution and status: Widespread throughout The greater bandicoot ( Bandicota indica ) Malaysia. It is also found in Thailand, Indonesia, This is a very large rat with HB length 200– Philippines and Singapore. 350 mm, T 180–290 mm, and dark brown with relatively large scales. HF 40–60 mm, blackish Ecology and habitat: Nocturnal and semi- with long whitish claws. Weight (Wt) 350–600 arboreal. On the mainland in Malaysia, this rat g. Upperparts blackish-brown with long black is found more in oil palm plantations. It is also guard hairs. Underparts dark brownish grey, found in scattered communities in other habitats giving a shaggy appearance. Mammary tits 12. ranging from grassland, gardens, orchards to scrub and disturbed secondary forest, but not Distribution and status: In Malaysia, this rat was in primary forest. On some islands (e.g. Pulau first recorded as pests in rice fields of Kedah and Tioman) it ranges from lowland to hill forests. Perlis in 1946. In Southeast Asian countries it It climbs well and being semi-arboreal spends is found in Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Loas, much of time in trees during the day and on Cambodia, Indonesia (Java, Sumatra) and the the ground at night. In oil palm plantations it Philippines. The species was introduced to shelters in piles of cut palm fronds and in the Southeast Asia from East Asia. crowns of palms. In scrub and woodland forest, its nest is built in holes in tree stumps, fallen logs Ecology and Habitat: Nocturnal, terrestrial and and in thick bushes. It is omnivorous and its diet omnivorous. The natural diet is plant material, generally includes insects, land molluscs, roots, insects, earthworms, mollusks and crustaceans. and fruits. It has become a very serious pest in Some individuals have been found with oil palm estates. remnants of skeletons, probably tiny lizards, FIELD RATS AND FIELD MOUSE 37 Agriculture Science Journal Grassland and scales of fish. It builds extensive burrows, Distribution and status: In Malaysia, the lesser leaving piles of earth mounds on the surface. bandicoot rat is found in Penang island. It is also Sometimes, the burrow is occupied by several present in Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia. pairs of adults and young together. Nests have The species was introduced into the Southeast also been found in termite moulds. It has a habit Asian countries from East Asia. of a hoarder, storing young rice plants and other food materials inside its burrows. It lives near Ecology and habitat: Nocturnal, terrestrial and human activity and swims well. omnivorous. In Penang, this rat is associated with human surroundings and is found as an outdoor The lesser bandicoot ( Bandicota bengalensis ) resident in towns and villages. It is a scavenger This is a medium sized rat with HB 150–210 mm, like the Norway rat ( Rattus novegicus ) wherever T 110–160 mm uniformly brownish, HF 34–38 food is available. It builds an extensive burrow mm brownish, Weight 200–350 g. Upperparts system like the greater bandicoot rat, sometimes of body brown intermixed with long dark guard with large families living together and it often hairs, giving a shaggy appearance. Underparts stores food. It lives outdoors probably because of grayish-white to brownish. The mammary tits competition with the common house rat ( Rattus vary from 12–20, arranged in a continuous row rattus diardii ) which dominates indoors. down each side of the body, and not always the same number on each side. The description of this rat is based on specimens collected in Penang island. 38 UTAR AGRICULTURE SCIENCE JOURNAL ● VOL. 1 NO. 3 JULY 2015 Agriculture Science Journal Oil palm estate The ricefield mouse ( Mus caroli ) Reproductive capacity This is a tiny mouse with HB 60–85 mm, HF In Selangor and Negri Sembilan, in the period 15–19 mm, T 60–95 mm, Weight 8–15 g. Hairs 1948–1952, 250 mature females of the ricefield short and smooth. The tail is bicolored, dark gray rat and the Malaysian wood rats were examined. above and whitish below. Upperparts of body Pregnant females made up 14% of the ricefield brownish gray with the underparts whitish. Feet rat and 12.5% of the Malaysian wood rat. in all dark gray to whitish. In size and structure, it is quarters of the year, without significant seasonal similar to the house mouse ( Mus musculus ), but variation in number. Litter size was 5–8, mean 7 differs by coloration. Mammary tits 10. for the ricefield rats, and 4–10, mean 6 for the Malaysian wood rat. Similar to the house rats Distribution and status: In Malaysia, it is an (Rattus rattus diardii, R. norvegicus, R. exulans ) introduced species found in rice fields in Kedah. sexual maturity of young ricefield and Malaysian Among the Southeast Asian countries, the wood rat is reached in about 90 days of age, and species is known in Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, the rats are reproductive by the fourth month. Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia. The species Studies by Harrison indicated a mean length of is common in East Asia. life in the wild for R. argentiventer of 6.2 months and for R. tiomanicus of 3.6 months. Ecology and habitat: Nocturnal and terrestrial. It inhabits rice fields and grasslands adjacent to Pregnant females of Bandicoota indica from rice fields. It digs small holes in mud banks for Kedah and Perlis (three instances), were found nests.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Evolutionary Biology of the Genus Rattus: Profile of an Archetypal Rodent Pest
    Bromadiolone resistance does not respond to absence of anticoagulants in experimental populations of Norway rats. Heiberg, A.C.; Leirs, H.; Siegismund, Hans Redlef Published in: <em>Rats, Mice and People: Rodent Biology and Management</em> Publication date: 2003 Document version Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Citation for published version (APA): Heiberg, A. C., Leirs, H., & Siegismund, H. R. (2003). Bromadiolone resistance does not respond to absence of anticoagulants in experimental populations of Norway rats. In G. R. Singleton, L. A. Hinds, C. J. Krebs, & D. M. Spratt (Eds.), Rats, Mice and People: Rodent Biology and Management (Vol. 96, pp. 461-464). Download date: 27. Sep. 2021 SYMPOSIUM 7: MANAGEMENT—URBAN RODENTS AND RODENTICIDE RESISTANCE This file forms part of ACIAR Monograph 96, Rats, mice and people: rodent biology and management. The other parts of Monograph 96 can be downloaded from <www.aciar.gov.au>. © Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research 2003 Grant R. Singleton, Lyn A. Hinds, Charles J. Krebs and Dave M. Spratt, 2003. Rats, mice and people: rodent biology and management. ACIAR Monograph No. 96, 564p. ISBN 1 86320 357 5 [electronic version] ISSN 1447-090X [electronic version] Technical editing and production by Clarus Design, Canberra 431 Ecological perspectives on the management of commensal rodents David P. Cowan, Roger J. Quy* and Mark S. Lambert Central Science Laboratory, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, UNITED KINGDOM *Corresponding author, email: [email protected] Abstract. The need to control Norway rats in the United Kingdom has led to heavy reliance on rodenticides, particu- larly because alternative methods do not reduce rat numbers as quickly or as efficiently.
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist of the Mammals of Indonesia
    CHECKLIST OF THE MAMMALS OF INDONESIA Scientific, English, Indonesia Name and Distribution Area Table in Indonesia Including CITES, IUCN and Indonesian Category for Conservation i ii CHECKLIST OF THE MAMMALS OF INDONESIA Scientific, English, Indonesia Name and Distribution Area Table in Indonesia Including CITES, IUCN and Indonesian Category for Conservation By Ibnu Maryanto Maharadatunkamsi Anang Setiawan Achmadi Sigit Wiantoro Eko Sulistyadi Masaaki Yoneda Agustinus Suyanto Jito Sugardjito RESEARCH CENTER FOR BIOLOGY INDONESIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES (LIPI) iii © 2019 RESEARCH CENTER FOR BIOLOGY, INDONESIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES (LIPI) Cataloging in Publication Data. CHECKLIST OF THE MAMMALS OF INDONESIA: Scientific, English, Indonesia Name and Distribution Area Table in Indonesia Including CITES, IUCN and Indonesian Category for Conservation/ Ibnu Maryanto, Maharadatunkamsi, Anang Setiawan Achmadi, Sigit Wiantoro, Eko Sulistyadi, Masaaki Yoneda, Agustinus Suyanto, & Jito Sugardjito. ix+ 66 pp; 21 x 29,7 cm ISBN: 978-979-579-108-9 1. Checklist of mammals 2. Indonesia Cover Desain : Eko Harsono Photo : I. Maryanto Third Edition : December 2019 Published by: RESEARCH CENTER FOR BIOLOGY, INDONESIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES (LIPI). Jl Raya Jakarta-Bogor, Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor, Jawa Barat 16911 Telp: 021-87907604/87907636; Fax: 021-87907612 Email: [email protected] . iv PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION This book is a third edition of checklist of the Mammals of Indonesia. The new edition provides remarkable information in several ways compare to the first and second editions, the remarks column contain the abbreviation of the specific island distributions, synonym and specific location. Thus, in this edition we are also corrected the distribution of some species including some new additional species in accordance with the discovery of new species in Indonesia.
    [Show full text]
  • Gut Analysis of Small Non-Volant Mammals of Mt. Makiling, Luzon Island, Philippines Anna Pauline O
    Journal of Environmental Science and Management 17(2): 63-68 (December 2014) ISSN 0119-1144 Gut Analysis of Small Non-Volant Mammals of Mt. Makiling, Luzon Island, Philippines Anna Pauline O. de Guia1 and Ma. Niña Regina M. Quibod2 ABSTRACT Three non-native species (Rattus exulans, R. tanezumi and Mus musculus) of small non-volant mammals were recorded along various elevational gradients of Mount Makiling. Invertebrate remains and plant matter comprised the bulk of their diets based on the food items identifed. The identifed plant matter were leaves and seeds while invertebrates were easily identifable through body parts such as legs, head and antennae. Other contents identifed including vertebrate remains such as hair/fur, feathers and bones, plastics, rubber, stones, and intestinal worms were noted. Based on the calculated relative abundance of each food type, there is no signifcant difference in the diets of the three non-native rodent species. Preliminary results suggest that introduced rodents in Mt. Makiling have broad diets and there are no indications that their main diet includes native wildlife species. Traces of vertebrate remains, however, may indicate potential predation on wildlife species and further studies are needed to clarify this. Key words: rodents, gut analysis, endemic, non-native, elevational gradient INTRODUCTION The complexity of tropical mountain ecosystems endemic species (Rickart et al. 2007; Ong and Rickart 2008). have long provided haven for various Philippine wildlife R. exulans and R. tanezumi have been recorded at altitudes species. The elevational gradients provide various forest of 725 – 1450 masl on Mt. Isarog (Heaney et al. 1998). S. types while vertical stratifcation of trees offer habitat murinus, R.
    [Show full text]
  • A Comparative Chromosome Study of Rattus Rattus Mindanensis and Rattus Argentiventerl Doris H
    A COMPARATIVE CHROMOSOME STUDY OF RATTUS RATTUS MINDANENSIS AND RATTUS ARGENTIVENTERL DORIS H. WURSTER and GERRY C. ATWELL' Rattus argentiventer and Rattus rattus mindanensis are impor. tant agricultural pest species in the Philippines. Comparative chromo. some studies have been performed on these species to further clarify their taxonomic status and gain insight Into their cytogenic relation­ ship. The two forms can be consistently ldent'f led by differences in their sex chromosomes. Rodents of the genus Rattus have long been a problem in agricultural areas of the Philippines. Damage to rice, corn, coconuts, sweet potatoes, bananas, sugar cane, peanuts, cantelope and watermelons is extensive. Bio­ logists at the Rodent Research Center at the University of the Philippines' College of Agriculture estim'jted the preharvest loss of rice due to rats at $8,000,000 (Swink et ai., 1971). This estinate was based on the nationwide appraisal of rat damage to rice condicted by the Bureau of Plant Industry in 1970. Losses of other crops have not been quantitatively documented but can be extremely high at the local level. Through the late 1960's, investigators workilg in lowland areas in the Philippines did not agree on the taxonomy of the "ricefield" rat. Usually the taxa Rattus rattus umbriventer Kellogg, R. r. mindanensis Mearns and R. r. argentiventer Robinson and Kloss were used synonymously (Sumangil, 1963; 1965). Clark (1968) indicated that at least two of these animals were indeed true subspecies. Based on specirmens identified at the British Museum he stated that in Cotabato, the most important pest species was not R.
    [Show full text]
  • Quaternary Murid Rodents of Timor Part I: New Material of Coryphomys Buehleri Schaub, 1937, and Description of a Second Species of the Genus
    QUATERNARY MURID RODENTS OF TIMOR PART I: NEW MATERIAL OF CORYPHOMYS BUEHLERI SCHAUB, 1937, AND DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND SPECIES OF THE GENUS K. P. APLIN Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO Division of Sustainable Ecosystems, Canberra and Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Mammalogy) American Museum of Natural History ([email protected]) K. M. HELGEN Department of Vertebrate Zoology National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution, Washington and Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Mammalogy) American Museum of Natural History ([email protected]) BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Number 341, 80 pp., 21 figures, 4 tables Issued July 21, 2010 Copyright E American Museum of Natural History 2010 ISSN 0003-0090 CONTENTS Abstract.......................................................... 3 Introduction . ...................................................... 3 The environmental context ........................................... 5 Materialsandmethods.............................................. 7 Systematics....................................................... 11 Coryphomys Schaub, 1937 ........................................... 11 Coryphomys buehleri Schaub, 1937 . ................................... 12 Extended description of Coryphomys buehleri............................ 12 Coryphomys musseri, sp.nov.......................................... 25 Description.................................................... 26 Coryphomys, sp.indet.............................................. 34 Discussion . ....................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Life History Account for Black
    California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group BLACK RAT Rattus rattus Family: MURIDAE Order: RODENTIA Class: MAMMALIA M140 Written by: P. Brylski Reviewed by: H. Shellhammer Edited by: R. Duke DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY The black rat was introduced to North America in the 1800's. Its distribution in California is poorly known, but it probably occurs in most urban areas. There are 2 subspecies present in California, R. r. rattus and R. r. alexandrinus. R. r. rattus, commonly called the black rat, lives in seaports and adjacent towns. It is frequently found along streamcourses away from buildings (Ingles 1947). R. r. alexandrinus, more commonly known as the roof rat, lives along the coast, in the interior valleys and in the lower parts of the Sierra Nevada. The distribution of both subspecies in rural areas is patchy. Occurs throughout the Central Valley and west to the San Francisco Bay area, coastal southern California, in Bakersfield (Kern Co.), and in the North Coast area from the vicinity of Eureka to the Oregon border. Confirmed locality information is lacking. Found in buildings, preferring attics, rafters, walls, and enclosed spaces (Godin 1977), and along streamcourses (Ingles 1965). Common in urban habitats. May occur in valley foothill riparian habitat at lower elevations. In northern California, occurs in dense himalayaberry thickets (Dutson 1973). SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: Omnivorous, eating fruits, grains, small terrestrial vertebrates, fish, invertebrates, and human garbage. Cover: Prefers buildings and nearby stream courses. Where the black rat occurs with the Norway rat, it usually is forced to occupy the upper parts of buildings (Godin 1977).
    [Show full text]
  • Molecular Phylogenetic Characterization of Common Murine Rodents from Manipur, Northeast India
    Genes Genet. Syst. (2015) 90, p. 21–30 Molecular phylogenetic characterization of common murine rodents from Manipur, Northeast India Dhananjoy S. Chingangbam1, Joykumar M. Laishram1 and Hitoshi Suzuki2* 1Plant Breeding and Genetics Department, Central Agricultural University, Iroishemba, Imphal, Manipur 795004, India 2Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, North 10, West 5, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan (Received 11 July 2014, accepted 8 February 2015) The Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia are hotspots of murine biodiver- sity, but no species from the Arakan Mountain system that demarcates the border between the two areas has been subjected to molecular phylogenetic analyses. We examined the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences in six murine species (the Rattus rattus species complex, R. norvegicus, R. nitidus, Berylmys manipulus, Niviventer sp. and Mus musculus) from Manipur, which is located at the western foot of the mountain range. The sequences of B. manipulus and Niviventer sp. examined here were distinct from available congeneric sequences in the databases, with sequence divergences of 10–15%. Substantial degrees of intrapopulation divergence were detected in R. nitidus and the R. rattus species complex from Manipur, implying ancient habitation of the species in this region, while the recent introduction by modern and prehistoric human activities was suggested for R. norvegicus and M. musculus, respectively. In the nuclear gene Mc1r, also analyzed here, the R. rattus species complex from Manipur was shown to possess allelic sequences related to those from the Indian subcontinent in addition to those from East Asia. These results not only fill gaps in the phylo- genetic knowledge of each taxon examined but also provide valuable insight to bet- ter understand the biogeographic importance of the Arakan Mountain system in generating the species and genetic diversity of murine rodents.
    [Show full text]
  • Complete Sections As Applicable
    This form should be used for all taxonomic proposals. Please complete all those modules that are applicable (and then delete the unwanted sections). For guidance, see the notes written in blue and the separate document “Help with completing a taxonomic proposal” Please try to keep related proposals within a single document; you can copy the modules to create more than one genus within a new family, for example. MODULE 1: TITLE, AUTHORS, etc (to be completed by ICTV Code assigned: 2016.014aM officers) Short title: One (1) new species in the genus Mammarenavirus (e.g. 6 new species in the genus Zetavirus) Modules attached 2 3 4 5 (modules 1 and 11 are required) 6 7 8 9 10 Author(s): Kim Blasdell, [email protected] Veasna Duong, [email protected] Marc Eloit, [email protected] Fabrice Chretien, [email protected] Sowath Ly, [email protected] Vibol Hul, [email protected] Vincent Deubel, [email protected] Serge Morand, [email protected] Philippe Buchy, [email protected] / [email protected] Corresponding author with e-mail address: Philippe Buchy, [email protected] / [email protected] List the ICTV study group(s) that have seen this proposal: A list of study groups and contacts is provided at http://www.ictvonline.org/subcommittees.asp . If in doubt, contact the appropriate subcommittee ICTV Arenaviridae Study Group chair (fungal, invertebrate, plant, prokaryote or vertebrate viruses) ICTV Study Group comments (if any) and response of the proposer: Date first submitted to ICTV: July 18, 2016 Date of this revision (if different to above): ICTV-EC comments and response of the proposer: Page 1 of 12 MODULE 2: NEW SPECIES creating and naming one or more new species.
    [Show full text]
  • Rodents Prevention and Control
    RODENTS PREVENTION AND CONTROL Santa Cruz County Mosquito & Vector Control 640 Capitola Road • Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 454-2590 www.agdept.com/mvc.html [email protected] Protecting Public Health Since 1994 RODENT SERVICES Residents, property managers, and businesses in Santa Cruz County can request a site visit to assist them with rodent issues to protect public health. Our services include an exterior inspection of your home in which a certified technician looks for rodent entry points and gives advice on preventing rodents from getting into your home. Employees do not bait or trap, but provide guidance and recommendations such as blocking openings and reducing food sources and hiding places. GENERAL INFORMATION Control strategies may vary depending on pest species. ROOF RAT Rattus rattus (also known as black rat, fruit rat or ship rat) Tail Longer than head and body combined Body Slender, belly can be white, light gray, or light tan Ear Large Eye Large Nose Pointed Habits Climb Feces Smaller, pointy ends (actual size) Roof Rat (Rattus rattus)** NORWAY RAT Rattus novegicus (also known as wharf rat,brown rat, sewer rat, common rat) Tail Shorter than head and body combined (If you fold tail back, it cannot reach its head) Body Heavy, thick Ear Small Eye Small Nose Blunt Habits Burrow, can enter through a hole the size of a quarter, likes water Feces Rounder, blunt ends (actual size) Norway Rat (Rattus novegicus)** 2 HOUSE MOUSE Mus musculus Feet Small Head Small Habits Common in homes and buildings, can enter through a hole as small
    [Show full text]
  • Distribution of Native and Non-Native Rats (Rattus Spp.) Along an Elevational Gradient in a Tropical Rainforest of Southern Luzon, Philippines
    ECOTROPICA 14: 129–136, 2008 © Society for Tropical Ecology DISTRIBUTION OF NATIVE AND NON-NATIVE RATS (RATTUS SPP.) ALONG AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT IN A TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF SOUTHERN LUZON, PHILIPPINES Cristina C. Salibay & Hazel Anne V. Luyon De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines Abstract. Rats (Muridae) of the genus Rattus occur in the Philippines, both as native and as invasive species. While the invasive species are well known to use a large range of anthropogenic habitats, little is known about their potential to occur in forest areas. We studied the occurrence and relative abundance of different species of Rattus in forests along elevational gradients on three mountains within the Palay-palay / Mataas na Gulod National Park in Southern Luzon, Philippines. Four Rattus species were collected and their occurrence and relative abundance were found to differ significantly between species and along elevational gradients. Rattus norvegicus (40.3% of captures), R. tanezumi (21.5%), and R. argentiventer (5.6%) are invasive species and R. everetti (32.7%) a native forest-inhabiting species. While the three invasive species were most abundant at low elevations, R. everetti was most abundant at higher elevations. The number of invasive rats has been attributed to their survival and adaptation at lower elevations, where habitat conversion and degradation are most intense, while native species are more common at higher elevations where habitat is relatively un- disturbed. Key words: elevation, forest species, invasive species, Philippines, rainforest, Rattus species. INTRODUCTION and occur at high abundances in local mammal as- semblages (Heaney et al. 1998, Steppan et al. 2003).
    [Show full text]
  • FEEDING BERA VIOUR of the LARGE BANDICOOT RAT BANDICOTA INDICA (Bechstein) [Rodentia: Muridae]
    Rec. zool. Slirv. India, 97 (Part-2) : 45-72, 1999 FEEDING BERA VIOUR OF THE LARGE BANDICOOT RAT BANDICOTA INDICA (Bechstein) [Rodentia: Muridae] R. CHAKRABORTY and S. CHAKRABORTY Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Calcutta-700 053 INTRODUCTION Rodents are versatile in feeding behaviour and in· the choice of food. Thus, separate studies on each individual species are necessary. However, except for the stray reports of lerdon (1874), Blanford (1891), Sridhara and Srihari (1978,1979), Chakraborty and Chakraborty (1.982) and Chakraborty (1992)practically no base line data exist on the feeding behaviour and food preference of Balldicota indica. A study was therefore conductep on this aspect, in nature as well .as in the laboratory. STUDY AREA The study was conducted mainly at Sagar Island, the largest delta in the western sector of the Sundarbans and surrounded by the rivers Hugli in the northern and Western sides and river Muriganga in the eastern side. The southern part of the island faces the open sea, the Bay of Bengal. Additional studies were made at Thakurpukur and Behala areas of Western Calcutta. METHODOLOGY Specimens were collected by single door wire traps, measuring 40 cm x 20 cm x 12cm. Traps were set in the evening.(17.00 hrs. to 19.00 hrs.) and collected in the different hours of night till morning. Observations on the feeding behaviour were made particularly during moonlit nights in nature. Some observations were also made in captivity. Stomachs of 42 adult specimens (both males and females) collected duri~g different months of the year and preserved in 70 per ce.nt Ethyl alcohol.
    [Show full text]
  • Manis Crassicaudata) in a Tropical Lowland Forested Landscape of Southwest Sri Lanka
    RESEARCH ARTICLE Habitat preference and den characterization of Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in a tropical lowland forested landscape of southwest Sri Lanka 1☯ 1,2☯ 1³ 3³ Hasitha Karawita , Priyan PereraID *, Pabasara Gunawardane , Nihal Dayawansa 1 Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, 2 IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom, 3 Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka a1111111111 a1111111111 ☯ These authors contributed equally to this work. a1111111111 ³ These authors also contributed equally to this work. [email protected] a1111111111 * a1111111111 Abstract The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) is under threat due to hunting for local consump- OPEN ACCESS tion and illegal trafficking of scales and meat. The dearth of scientific studies on the ecology Citation: Karawita H, Perera P, Gunawardane P, of the M. crassicaudata has impaired accurate assessments of its conservation needs. This Dayawansa N (2018) Habitat preference and den study investigated the habitat preference and burrow characteristics of M. crassicaudata in characterization of Indian Pangolin (Manis a tropical lowland rainforest in southwest Sri Lanka. A total of 75 burrows (54 feeding bur- crassicaudata) in a tropical lowland forested landscape of southwest Sri Lanka. PLoS ONE 13 rows and 21 resting burrows) of M. crassicaudata in four different habitat types i.e. second- (11): e0206082. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. ary forest, Pine-dominated forest, rubber cultivations and tea-dominated home gardens pone.0206082 bordering forest were observed using fixed-width transects in order to characterize resting Editor: Suzannah Rutherford, Fred Hutchinson and feeding burrows of this species.
    [Show full text]