RODENT PEST SPECIES AND BAIT PREFERENCES IN COCOA-COCONUTP LANTINGS

C.H. LEE

SUMMARY

Studies on rodent pest species composition, sex distribution and bait preferences were carried out in cocoa plantings intercropped with coconuts. Laboratory studies on the damage potential of each rat species were also undertaken. Six rodent species were identified to be present in the areas. R. tiomanicus, and C. notatus were the dominant species. Equal numbers of male and female rats were trapped, however a higher proportion of squirrels were females. Bananas and burnt copra were the most preferred baits. Studies indicated that C. gliroides = R. tiomanicus> R. argentiventel> R. rattus diardii> R. exulans respectively in order of their damage potential. The study also showed that traps could be used to reduce pest numbers effectively.

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