Ecologically Based Rodent Management in Agricultural Systems
Summary
Ecologically based rodent management in agricultural systems combines knowledge of rodent ecology with practical interventions to reduce crop damage, limit disease risk and support biodiversity. Rather than relying solely on chemical rodenticides, this approach employs habitat modification, exclusion techniques, biological control agents, fertility regulation and predictive tools to maintain rodent populations below economically damaging thresholds. By enhancing natural enemies, adjusting cropping patterns and fostering community participation, farmers can increase yield stability while minimising non-target impacts. Successful programmes have demonstrated yield gains of 6–15 % in rice and maize systems, reduced reliance on hazardous chemicals and strengthened local capacity for sustained pest management. Key challenges include adapting interventions to diverse landscapes, scaling up participatory models and filling knowledge gaps in rodent population dynamics and ecosystem interactions.
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Ecologically Based Rodent Management in Agricultural Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in ecologically based rodent management in agricultural systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ecologically Based Rodent Management (EBRM): a strategy that applies ecological principles—such as habitat manipulation, predator support and population thresholds—to control rodent pests with minimal non-target impact.
Fertility control: the use of chemical, biological or immunological agents to reduce reproductive capacity in target rodent populations, thereby lowering fecundity without lethality.
Population modelling: the mathematical simulation of demographic processes (births, deaths, immigration, emigration) used to predict pest dynamics and optimise management interventions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): a decision-making framework that combines biological, cultural, physical and chemical methods to manage pest populations economically and ecologically.
References
- Rodent management and cereal production in Asia: Balancing food security and conservation. Pest Management Science (2021).
- Paper mulberry leaves as a potential sterilant: evidence from Microtus fortis—a laboratory study. Frontiers in Plant Science (2023).
- The demographic consequences of fertility reduction in rats and voles. Journal of Pest Science (2023).
- Community-led intensive trapping reduces abundance of key plague reservoir and flea vector. Tropical Medicine and Health (2025).
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