Bait Preferences and Morphology of The Greater Bandicoot Rat Bandicota indica in a Ricefield, Kedah, Malaysia
Keywords:
Agriculture, Burrow Study, Food Security, Rice, Rodent PestAbstract
The greater bandicoot rat (Bandicota indica) is one of the largest rodent pests known and has been introduced in Malaysia for nearly 80 years; however, there is a lack of information regarding this species locally. This paper investigates the population status and whether the species has spread beyond its known geographical distribution boundaries. Burrow entrance sizes from Kedah and Perak were compared to evaluate any sign of a new invasion. The greater bandicoot rat population was higher further north of peninsular Malaysia compared to the other state. In term of morphology, the greater bandicoot rat captured from Jitra rice field weighted around 400-500g and have blackish brown dorsal hair colour. Although they were recorded as omnivorous, the greater bandicoot rats responded well towards protein-based bait. Their breeding season was estimated to peak during monsoonal season (Aug-Jan).
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