growth. Damage by rodents is reportedly light, averaging from 1 to 4
percent. Jackals (Canis aureus) are apparently a more serious pest in
sugarcane than rodents. They attack the crop when it is nearly mature
and the sugar content is high. Packs of jackals invade cane fields
at night and chew on the cane stalks, rendering them unmarketable. In
areas where sugarcane production averages only 6-10 tons/acre, damages
of 40-80 percent are having a severe economic impact. The Sugarcane
Research Institute (SRI) is very interested in developing a solution
to this problem. Jackals also damage ripening corn.

The Indian flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus and Cynopterus spp.)
reportedly cause heavy damage to bananas, mangoes, guava, and other
fruits. Many farmers complain that these bats also damage the inflo-
rescence of banana trees, resulting in decreased fruit production.

Birds

The major bird damage problems in Bangladesh occur in sprouting wheat.
Mynas (Acridotheres spp. and Sturnus spp.), crows (Corvus spp.), and
sparrows (Passer spp.) destroy much of the crop. Weaverbirds (Ploceus
spp.), munias (Lonchura spp.), and parakeets (Psittacula spp.) inflict
severe damage in mature rice and wheat. Corn, a recently introduced
crop, is fast becoming a favorite target of parakeets.

Training

In preparation for the aforementioned vertebrate pest survey, a 1-week
training program was held at the BARI Central Library. The DWRC
project leader provided instruction on completion of the interview
questionnaire, sampling designs in rice and wheat, random vs. area
sampling methods, study skin preparation, and trapping methods and
configurations. In addition, a visit to the central godown in Dacca
gave trainees an opportunity to examine evidence of rodent activity.
Participants in this training session included six BARI officers, six
Plant Protection staff members, and two Bangladesh Rice Research
Institute (BRRI) officers.

Cooperative programs

A German government (GTZ) rodent control program was initiated at
about the same time as the BARI/DWRC Vertebrate Pest project. The
BARI and the Plant Protection Department (host agency for GTZ) are
jointly undertaking the vertebrate pest survey. The Bangladesh Agri-
cultural Research Council is assisting in coordination of activities.
Two field teams (one directed by GTZ and the other by DWRC) are
working simultaneously. The outcome of this effort will be a joint
report outlining the major rodent problems and areas of concern.