Author : R.C. Joshi

Summary : In the Philippines, a number of rat species exist in rice fields, but few of them cause major economic losses to rice crops, and inflict health risk to people and livestock in rural communities. The invasive rat pest species are most difficult to manage as they often migrate locally from the usually permanent habitats to rice areas as the food supply changes throughout a yearly cycle. Community programmes can include educational activities focusing on rat biology and behavior to improve strategy development and participation in programmes. Year-round community-level management with emphasis on early-season vegetative-stage action (before booting) is considered to be the key to rat pest management. Information is necessary to provide a better understanding of their biology, habitat, and management. Awareness and knowledge about the pest species are helpful in preventing their spread using effective tools and management. Information access, on the other hand, is also important, and oftentimes a critical element in effectively managing invasive species like rats. This electronic resource is a handy reference tool or a resource package on Philippine rats information for agricultural technicians, research scientists, advisers, students, organizations, and libraries.