Exploration on the Status of the Lesser Bandicoot-Rat, Bandicota bengalensis Gray in Wheat Crop

Abstract

The population structure of murids in wheat crop revealed a combination of Balldicota bengalensis, Rattus, meltada indica and Mus booduga. The percentage occurrence of these murids ha^-1 area was estimated to be 53.2, 22.9, 19.4 and 4.5 respectively. The trap index calculated at different stages of wheat crop fell between 0.13 and 0.41. A low population density of B. bengalensis was recorded at the seedling stage which gradually enhanced with the advancement of the crop growth. More number of young ones were trapped during the months of March and April which coincided with maturity stage of the crop. Cannibalism was noticed in cages. B. bengalensis has been proved to be the most efficient hoarder and a damage of about 90.6 kg ha·1 has been estimated in wheat crop.