International Journal of Pest Management (2014) 60, 1-8

L.S. Mulungu, E.C.M. Mlyashimbi, V. Ngowo, M. Mdangi, A.S. Katakweba, P. Tesha, F.P. Mrosso, M. Mchomvu, B.S. Kilonzo and S.R. Belmain (2014)
Food preferences of the multi-mammate mouse, Mastomys natalensis, in irrigated rice habitats in Tanzania
International Journal of Pest Management 60 (1), 1-8
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. Non-chemical 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.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Loth S. Mulungu, Steven R. Belmain, Bukheti S. Kilonzo

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Mastomys natalensis	Rice (Oryza)	Tanzania