Effectiveness of Warfarin for Controlling the Lesser Bandicoot Rat (Bandicota bengalensis) in Field Crops of Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan

The efficacy of a 0.025% warfarin formulation against the lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) was evaluated in groundnut and wheat crops in district Chakwal of the Pothwar Plateau, Pakistan. The baiting was started at early flowering stages of the respective crops using a broken rice formula (with additives) by placing bait stations near active burrow systems over a three weeks period in wheat and a two weeks period in groundnut crop. Bait consumption was monitored three-times per week and the bait was replenished at each visit. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed using three separate and independent census methods: i) monitoring bait consumption, ii) tracking activities, iii) burrow activities. After the three week treatment period in wheat crop, the mean reductions were: bait consumption, 99.3%; tracking activities, 96%; burrow activities, 82.3%. The reductions in these three parameters after two weeks treatment in groundnut crop were 86.6%, 74.4% and 85.4%, respectively. Results are discussed in relation to stage of the crop, availability of alternate food, migration, and other ecological and behavioural factors.