Study of Biology of Vertebrate Pests of Orchards of Baluchistan

Abstract

The data collected from seven major orchard hearing districts of Baluchistan i.e., Quetta, Sibi, Pishin, Kalat, Khuzdar, Loralai and Zhob, indicated that nine different species of small mammals are associated with the orchards, though only four species, i.e., Nesokia indica, Rhombomys opimus, Ochotona rufescens and hystriy indica may be acting as significant pests in different areas, whereas Meriones libyous, Tatern indica, Mus musculus, Meriones persicus and Hemiechinus sp. Are also potential of proving as pest at some later stage, if suitable conditions become available. Different areas and different orchard plantation share different degree of damage, which is estimated to a minimum of 31 millions of rupees. There are some evidence that the pest infestation is correlated with the extent of the movement of men and material in an area. The species of biology of Nesokia indica, Ochotona rufescens, Rhombomys opimus, Meriones persicus and Mus musculus is also attempted, through the data collected in this regard is partial and largely inadequate. The needs for further research on all the different of the problem is stressed, if the area is to be saved from the havoc cansed through the hands of the vertebrate pests.