Current experiences on rat control in Peninsular Malaysian oil palm plantations

Mohd Mat Min, . Current experiences on rat control in Peninsular Malaysian oil palm plantations. pp. 477-488. ISSN 0126-575X

There have been changes in rat species composition in plantations in Peninsular Malaysia. Rattus argentiventer and Rattus rattus diardii are dominant in many plantations in several regions. These rat species are larger and more prolific than Rattus tiomanicus which was previously dominant and have caused increased rat damage incidence and difficulties in rat control in recent years. They respond to current rat control techniques but more intense baiting is required for full control. Introduction of the pollinating weevil Elaeidobius kamerunicus has probably compounded rat control problems. The weevil larvae are an easily available source food to the rats which probably grow larger and more healty as a result. Occurrences of poison resistance are limited to isolated cases. Incorrect implementation of rat control techniques particularly failure to monitor the rat infestation and application of inadequate amounts of baits to deal with high rat populations and the higher rat species now present have been the main causes of unsatisfactory rat contol. Suggestions for the improvement of rat control programmes with higher baiting intensities are made.

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Abstract

There have been changes in rat species composition in plantations in Peninsular Malaysia. Rattus argentiventer and Rattus rattus diardii are dominant in many plantations in several regions. These rat species are larger and more prolific than Rattus tiomanicus which was previously dominant and have caused increased rat damage incidence and difficulties in rat control in recent years. They respond to current rat control techniques but more intense baiting is required for full control. Introduction of the pollinating weevil Elaeidobius kamerunicus has probably compounded rat control problems. The weevil larvae are an easily available source food to the rats which probably grow larger and more healty as a result. Occurrences of poison resistance are limited to isolated cases. Incorrect implementation of rat control techniques particularly failure to monitor the rat infestation and application of inadequate amounts of baits to deal with high rat populations and the higher rat species now present have been the main causes of unsatisfactory rat contol. Suggestions for the improvement of rat control programmes with higher baiting intensities are made.

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Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	6 tables; 19 ref. Summary (En)
AGROVOC Term:	PALMAS OLEAGINOSAS
AGROVOC Term:	MAMIFEROS NOCIVOS
AGROVOC Term:	CONTROL DE PLAGAS
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA PENINSULAR
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:53
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/18061

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