Mulungu, L. S., Mlyashimbi, E. C. M., Ngowo, V., Mdangi, M., Katakweba, A. S., Tesha, P., Mrosso, F. P., Mchomvu, M., Kilonzo, B. S. and Belmain, S. R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5590-7545 (2014) Food preferences of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, in irrigated rice habitats in Tanzania. International Journal of Pest Management, 60 (1). pp. 1-8. ISSN 0967-0874 (Print), 1366-5863 (Online) (doi:10.1080/09670874.2013.871759)

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Abstract

We investigated the composition of the diet of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, within irrigated rice and fallow field habitats at set time periods related to rice crop growth stages. In both habitats, vegetative plant material, i.e. leaves, stems and seeds, were the most abundant components of the rodent’s diet, while other food types (invertebrates, fruits) were observed only in low quantities. We conclude that vegetative plant material and seeds were the main types of food consumed not only due to their relatively higher abundance in the environments under study but also because of the highly specialised herbivorous/granivorous nature of the dominant rodent species, M. natalensis. Thus, the introduction and expansion of continuous rice-cropping using irrigation in Tanzania is likely to be severely constrained by the presence of M. natalensis. In our opinion, field hygiene, including the removal of alternative food resources and nesting sites for M. natalensis near cropping areas, may help to both lower rodent population numbers and reduce immigration potential. Nonchemical rodent control methods such as trap barrier systems developed for lowland irrigated rice in south-eastern Asia should, we argue, be evaluated for their effectiveness under African conditions.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	breeding, diet, irrigated rice, management, rodents
Subjects:	S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Pest Behaviour Research Group
Related URLs:	Publisher Organisation Organisation
Last Modified:	05 Oct 2016 13:07
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/11033

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