SPECIES DIVERSITY, SEASONAL VARIATION AND ABUNDANCE OF RODENTS (MAMMALIA: RODENTIA) ALONG WITH THEIR BURROW DISTRIBUTION PATTERN IN WHEAT FARMLAND

Species composition, seasonal variation and abundance of rats and mice in agricultural landscape are basically influenced by the presence and distribution of preferred food crops. A field study was conducted to assess the presence of rodent species at wheat farmland of Pakistan along with their seasonal population dynamics. Rodent’s abundance was assessed throughout the wheat growing season based on their trapping carried out by using snap traps. Burrowing pattern of different rodent species was also studied at wheat farmland throughout the crop season. The study revealed the presence of five rodent species namely the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis Gray; Indian gerbil, Tatera indica Hardwicke; house mouse, Mus musculus L.; soft-furred field rat, Rattus meltada Gray and short tailed mole rat, Nesokia indica Gray and Hardwicke of family Muridae. Burrowing distributions and patterns of different rodent species were very complex and interesting, and they either made their burrows in the embankments or dug fresh burrows in the fields or extended burrows from outside the field border into the crop. All the species of rodents recorded reached their peak population at maturity stage of the wheat crop. Such information on seasonal variations and peak activity timings is important to ensure suitable control operation for effective pest management plan.