Burrowing features of the Lesser Bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis (Gray) in the paddy field bunds in Chittagong, Bangladesh

摘要

A survey was conducted from March 1992 to April 1993 into burrowing behaviour of the Lesser Bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis in paddy field bunds. B. bengalensis made simple elongated tunnels which appeared sinuous or looped shaped. Most of theopenings of the burrows were towards the boundary of the fields. The number of openings in each burrow ranges from 2-3 and the diameter of the main burrow opening ranges from 4.8-9.1 cm. The burrow width range varied from 3-10 cm, but was normally 6-8 cm. The entire burrow systems were smooth and without any soil plugging. The depth of the burrows was less (13-20 cm) near the opening at the surface and greater (29-42 cm) in food storage chambers. Maximum depth of the entire burrow systems ranged from 29-42 cm. The shape of the brood chambers was sub-spherical. Dry paddy leaves were used as nesting materials.