Fruits and Crops Damage Assessment by Order Rodentia in Rawalakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Rodents consider as serious threat vertebrate pests attacking different type crops and fruits that lead to distresses the yield production. Therefore, the current study was conducted to analyze the harmful effects of rodents on fruits and crops in Parat area of Rawalakot, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. For this purpose, the damaged fruits and crops were visualized and counted. A total of 5460 fruits belong to different fruit trees were counted. Out of which 2820 were damage by the Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel Hylopetes fimbriatus species. The highest relative percentage damage (% damage) was recorded for Junglans regia (28.36%) followed by Malus pumila (21.27%), Prunus armeniaca (17.73%), Punica granatum (14.18%), Wild Punica granatum (14.18%) and least for Prunus domestica (4.2%). Whereas the Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica caused huge damage to the crops. A total 25 maize fields were visited; all fields were damage by the Indian Crested Porcupine. Moreover, it was reported by the local community that wheat crop was also severely damaged by the porcupine