Distribution, Abundance, Diet Composition And Pest Status Of Common Mole Rats (Tachyoryctes Splendens) In Some Selected Kebeles Of Gimbo Woreda Kaffa Zone Southwest Ethiopia.

Abstract

Mole rat is the main rodent pest on Enset though its effect is minor on other crops. This study was conducted to assess current distribution, abundance,diet composition and pest status of common mole rats in some selected kebeles of Gimbo woreda, Kafa Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from September 2014 to Feburar2015 E.C. Field observation was used to estimate the population of common mole rat and plant damage due to common mole rat. Structured questionnaires and interviews have been conducted for gathering information. Stomach content analysis was carried out to confirm its diet. Direct total count was carried out from fresh surface signs (mounds) to estimate abundance and distribution of mole rats. “Mesh trap” was used to capture the mole rats . The “Dega” climatic zone sites have more mole rat population than the “Woina-dega” climatic zone sites. In addition wet season has high mole rat which is about 68.75% and dry season31.25%..It is generally assumed that the abundance of Common mole rats increases with increasing altitude, high number of common mole rat were recorded in dega climate Maligawa site whose altitude was 2203m-2291m asl the number of mole rat listed were 11 and in ceraba site whose altitude was 1733-1751 m asl low number (6 )common mole rat were recorded .In this investigation external body measurement of the animal showed that there was no significant variation from the population of other localities of Ethiopia. The head-body length measurement were between 192 to 244 mm; tail length 48 to 66 mm body weight between females and in a males weight ranges from 210 to 281g and females ranges from 213 to 282g ,this indicates weight is sex independent. In diet analysis highest fragments of enset and grass were identified in both dry and wet seasons. Loss on enset plantation is high, about 16.9% .So it is calculated that mole rats are potential pest of enset plant; therefore, it needs further investigations to minimize the pest status. Habitat modification is very important since periodic cultivation is probably the greatest value to reduce its foraging site.