Rodent species associated to cocoa in Peninsular Malaysia

Lee C.H., . and Kamarudin K.A., . (1990) Rodent species associated to cocoa in Peninsular Malaysia. [Proceedings Paper]

Rodent species found in cocoa growing areas in Peninsular Malaysia are influenced by the surrounding flora. Cocoa areas within short distances and adjacent to forests had more diverse species than planting within the western coastal settlement belt. More squirrel and rat species were encountered in the former than the latter. All squirrel species present had the potential to inflict pod damage and depending on their behaviour could become serious pests. Unlike squirrel species not all rat species found could gnaw cocoa pods however in msot instances the animals would feed upon cocoa bean mucilage of broken pods. Among the rodent species squirrels are endemic and mainly occassional pests. They are difficult to control with poison baits and in most cases control with a certain degree of success can be achieved with live-trapping and shooting. The most serious pest is the rat and the species Rattus tiomanicus Miller the wood rat would predominate following the establishment of cocoa planting. Rat control can be effectively achieved with anticoagulant baiting. The various rodenticides available are discussed in relation to their use for effective rat control in cocoa

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Abstract

Rodent species found in cocoa growing areas in Peninsular Malaysia are influenced by the surrounding flora. Cocoa areas within short distances and adjacent to forests had more diverse species than planting within the western coastal settlement belt. More squirrel and rat species were encountered in the former than the latter. All squirrel species present had the potential to inflict pod damage and depending on their behaviour could become serious pests. Unlike squirrel species not all rat species found could gnaw cocoa pods however in msot instances the animals would feed upon cocoa bean mucilage of broken pods. Among the rodent species squirrels are endemic and mainly occassional pests. They are difficult to control with poison baits and in most cases control with a certain degree of success can be achieved with live-trapping and shooting. The most serious pest is the rat and the species Rattus tiomanicus Miller the wood rat would predominate following the establishment of cocoa planting. Rat control can be effectively achieved with anticoagulant baiting. The various rodenticides available are discussed in relation to their use for effective rat control in cocoa

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	1 table 1 map; 37 ref.
AGROVOC Term:	THEOBROMA CACAO
AGROVOC Term:	CONTROL DE ROEDORES
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA/ RATA
AGROVOC Term:	ARDILLA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:26
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/14884

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