A Case Study of Rat (Rattus rattus) Menace in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) in Urban Environment and Management

Study revealed that black rat, Rattus rattush as developed appetite to feed tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), which is reported for the first time from urban Delhi. Among fifty pots containing a dozen of medicinal herbs maintained in the balcony, tulsi alone was ravaged by the rats. The young growing plants, often defoliated or completely consumed by rats, were evidenced by the presence of droppings (poops). A rat-control strategy comprising anti-coagulant (bromadiolone) bait was undertakenfor three consecutive days that resulted in rat mortality within a period of five days in the balcony. For ease in handling and availability the chemical control is advocated, taking a commercially available anti-coagulant. This, bromadiolone is a single-dose rodenticide, a better option and as the consequence of treatment, the killed rats are to be disposed-off with due care to safeguard the non-targets, especially in the urban environment.