The Most Effective Methods Used to Control Mole Rats, Spalax ehrenbergi, on Benghazi Plain Project in Libya

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Arts and Science Benghazi University, Tokra Branch’ Libya

2 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Arts and Science Benghazi University, Al-Abyar Branch’ Libya.

3 Laboratoire d’Elevage et Faune Sauvage, Instiut des regions Arides, Médenine, University Gabes, Tunisia.

Abstract

There are different methods used to control mole rats worldwide. Toxic strychnine hydrochloride, trapping, pouring water into the tunnels, Calcium phosphate granules, shift to the cultivation of annual crops, using of Aluminum phosphide tablets, and use of Gas were used in different countries worldwide. The aim of this research is to study the level of damage and the most effective methods to control Spalax ehrenbergi on the Benghazi Plain project in Libya. A study was conducted to obtain information about the perceptions and practices of farmers in the Benghazi Plain project in Libya on mole rat “Spalax ehrenbergi” damage and their management practices in the late-2022 and early 2023. Farmers (n = 250) from four regions in the study area were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 24. The results indicate that farmers mainly use Aluminum phosphide tablets (80.80%) as an effective method to control mole rats “Spalax ehrenbergi” in their farms. The product was approved for marketing and use in Libya, and very strict instructions to the user were issued. The results also indicate that some of the farmers use gas (56.00) to control these moles if aluminum phosphide tablets are not available. The results indicate that The mole rats, Spalax ehrenbergi, cause small to medium damage to Agricultural crops if it is controlled by using these effective methods.

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