Field trials were carried out during winter and spring of 2001, to evaluate
the efficacy of a fumigant poison, and the preliminary field performance of two
commercial formulations of a single dose anticoagulant rodenticides, against
the mole rat S
palax leucodon at different locations in Syria. The efficacy was
determined by measuring the mole rat activity to close opened holes made in
the burrow system, before and after the treatment. Aluminum Phosphide
applications were conducted during January - March where the soil humidity
was high after rainfall. Two holes, close to the animal’s nest, in each burrow
system were treated by inserting two tablets of Phostoxine (6 g) and reclosed
firmly with soil to prevent escape of the released gas. The means of efficacy
were 92.51%, 92.01%, 86.60% and 88.18% in the southern, costal, northern
and the central regions respectively. No significant difference was found
between the means of efficacy against mole rats in cultivated and uncultivated
locations; 88.42% and 91.23% respectively. Ready for use formulations of the
single dose second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides were used in April
and May; where the soil humidity was low, in southern Syria (where it was
difficult to use a fumigant poison). Two holes, in each burrow system, were
treated by inserting 14 g of the formulations. The efficacy of Brodifacoum
application caused 100% reduction in the activity, whereas it was only 50% for
Flocoumafen.
This study was carried out to determine the biodiversity of rodents and
their distribution in Syrian Arab Republic, and to evaluate the role of owls as
natural enemies against rodents.
The investigation of owl pellets indicated that small mammals
in general
and especially rodents are the main food of owls. This investigation was able to
identify ١٤ species, representing five families of rodents inside the pellets
collected from different locations in Syria. these are:
Microtus socialis.; Mesocricetus auratus; Cricetulus migratorius; Tatera
indica; Mus musculus; Rattus norvegicus; Rattus rattus; Nesokia indica;
Meriones tristrami; Meriones libycus; Meriones crassus; Allactaga euphratica;
Jaculus jaculus and Spalax leucodon.
A field experiment was conducted at the Southern West of Syria during
١٩٩٦, to evaluate the best concentration of Zinc phosphide as a quick
rodenticde against social voles ( Microtus socialis ) in woods.
The four concentrations of Zinc phosphide w
ere ١،٢،٣ and ٤ %. The baits
prepared from grains which soaked for ٦ hours in water, and dried for ١٨
hours, ١٪ of vegetable oil was added as attractive. ٣-٤ grams of the bait was
put inside the opening of each active borrow.
