Survey studies on rodent fauna of the new reclaimed area and their role on crop damage in Egypt

摘要

Ecological studies on rodents were conducted in two different habitats representing the environmental and ecological profile of the newly reclaimed areas (i.e. Serabium (Ismailia governorate) and 6 October Farm at Nubaria area (Alexandria governorate)). Rattus rattus frugivorus, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus and Gerbillus gerbillus were recorded in both areas in addition to Meriones shawi at 6 October Farm. R.r. frugivorus and M. shawi were abundant in both areas. At the same time, M. shawi and G. gerbillus were found only in vegetable and crop fields. M. musculus was recorded in small numbers in the farm houses at Serabium and in camps at 6 October Farm. R.r. frugivorus was found in fruit orchards in both areas, while R. norvegicus was found inthe poultry and animal breeding farms with high abundance. Numbers of M. shawi and G. gerbillus animals fluctuated from season to season. The highest abundance was recorded during the months following winter and during the summer seasons (crop harvest),while the lowest numbers were recorded during winter months. The burrowing patterns of G. gerbillus and M. shawi were similar, except that the latter species dug deeper. Also, the burrows were deepest during winter. Rodent damage varied according to thetypes of crop, location and rodent species which prevailed in the area. In Ismailia governorate, tomatoes and strawberries were severely infested with G. gerbillus, while damage caused by M. shawi reached a maximum in wheat and tomato fields on 6 October Farm.