Population dynamics, diet and pest status of the grassland melomys (Melomys burtoni) in northern Queensland sugarcane crops

摘要: Context In far-northern Queensland, Melomys burtoni and M. cervinipes occur within sugarcane crops adjacent habitats are potentially damaging to sugarcane. Aims To examine the population dynamics diet of spp. so that, in conjunction with cane-stalk damage assessments, their pest status could be determined information provided relevant development sustainable pest-management tools. Methods Eight sites fields, four grassland closed forest, were established around Tully Queensland. We examined demographic characteristics all rodents (the two Rattus sordidus) by capture–release studies. Snap-trapping dissection studies, along weed-biomass surveys, conducted for analysis, whereas damaged stalk counts undertaken understand process. Fieldwork commenced a fully developed crop, then continued through annual harvest period subsequent crop growth stages next harvest. Sampling was monthly from February 2005 April 2006. Key results rarely caught should not regarded as pest. contrast, feeds on responsible ~6% stalks. R. sordidus found higher numbers than Crop 2–4. However, at grassland, increased stage 4, before harvest, sordidus. colonised later did Although level reproduction lower that sordidus, highest proportion pregnant individuals occurred during development, corresponding directly juvenile recruitment. Conclusions Of species northern Queensland crops, only This rodent breeds primarily after canopy closure. captures roughly equivalent irrespective habitat type, traditionally recognised major significantly forest. Implications The integrated (IPM) strategy is centred early includes monitoring, in-crop weed control, harbourage management strategic use permitted rodenticides. late colonisation breeding potential mean IPM will transferable burtoni.