Rodent Damage in Orchard Ecosystems: Nature, Extent, Monitoring, Limitations and Habitat Manipulation for Sustainable Management
Asif Yousuf
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir, India.
Pawar Shubham Tarasing *
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir, India.
Mudasir Gani
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir, India.
Sajad Mohi-ud-din
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir, India.
Zewar Hussain Bhat
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir, India.
Akhtar Ali Khan
Division of Entomology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kashmir, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Rodent pests are a serious threat to orchard ecosystems, resulting in economic losses, ecological imbalance and public health concerns. Sustainable rodent management has grown in importance as agro-ecological conditions change, such as climate variability, habitat modification and decreased reliance on chemical rodenticides. This review brings together current research on rodent ecology, damage patterns and integrated management approaches, with a focus on habitat manipulation, stakeholder-driven strategies and ecological methods. Research shows that habitat modification, coordinated management frameworks and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches significantly reduce rodent damage while minimizing environmental risks. Future strategies should prioritize adaptive, ecosystem-based management, aided by stakeholder collaboration and predictive tools.
Keywords: Rodent damage, habitats manipulation, rodent monitoring, integrated rodent management (IRM)