November-January); boro (irrigated, harvested April-June); and aus
(irrigated, harvested June-August). The aman harvest accounts for
about 60 percent of annual production. Therefore, the number of
interviews in each district is based on total aman rice production.
The sample size per district is: Rangpur, 91; Rajshahi, 76;
Mymensinjh, 67; Barisal, 65; Comilla, 64; Sylhet, 63; Dinajpur, 56;
Faridpur, 52; Noakhali, 51; Dacca, 51; Jessore, 43; Patuakhali, 42;
Pabna, 41; Bogra, 40; Chittagong, 39; Kishorganj, 36; Tangail, 31;
Kushtia, 12; and Chittagong Hill tracts, 5. For each farmer inter-
viewed, four rice- or wheatfields will be sampled for rodent damage.
The Dacca and Comilla districts are scheduled for completion in
February 1979.

This survey will require about 1 year to complete. It will provide
basic information on pest species distribution, damage accumulation
during various crop growth stages, and the primary periods of damage.
In wheat, for example, we have determined that damage begins 30-40
days after planting and increases to 2.8 percent by 70-75 days after
planting (based on a sample of 200,000 stems in 154 wheatfields).
Extrapolation of these preliminary data suggests that rodent damage
to wheat will average 6-8 percent throughout most of Bangladesh.

The following is a summary of major vertebrate pest problems in
Bangladesh, based on presently available information. Knowledge
gained from current and planned damage surveys and other research
activities may change the picture as time goes on.

Mammals

The Indian mole rat (Bandicota bengalensis) and the short-tailed mole
rat (Nesokia indica) inflict heavy damage in all cereal crops. Rattus
fulvescens, Rattus rattus, and Bandicota bengalensis infest godowns
(grain storage facilities) throughout Bangladesh.

The Indian porcupine (Hystrix indica) destroys much pineapple and
groundnut production in many areas of the country. The hoary-bellied
Himalayan squirrel (Callosciurus pygerythrus) damages fruits and nuts
in the Chittagong Hill tracts region. Damage they inflict on betel
nut trees (an important cash crop) retards production for 2 years. In
the Barisal, Jessore, and Khulna districts, the five-striped palm
squirrel (Funambulus pennanti) and the three-striped palm squirrel
(F. palmarum) damage many crops including corn, peanuts, and coconuts.
The Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis) causes problems in pulses,
sprouting corn, and soy beans.

In sugarcane, rodents damage young (4-6 month) plants by severing the
canes at ground level or digging into the root system and retarding