Rodent pest control is often a major issue in agroecosystems. We conducted a 3-year comparative study (2010-2012) in oil palm plantations in Riau and Bangka provinces, in Indonesia: in both areas barn owls have been introduced for rat control, and were at least as abundant in Bangka plantations than in Riau, but in Riau rat populations have been maintained at an acceptable level without the use of rodenticide, whereas in Bangka intensive rodenticide applications did not prevent high levels of rat damage. We compared these two contrasting systems in terms of predator community (barn owls and small carnivores) abundance and/or diet. We found that small carnivores were much more abundant in Riau plantations than in Bangka, and that the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) was the dominant species in Riau while absent from Bangka. Our results on diet suggested that rat prey intake from barn owls and from the small carnivore community would be less in Bangka plantations than in Riau. Broadly, our results suggest that small carnivores, notably the leopard cat, play an important role in rodent control. In addition, we investigated spatial distribution of small carnivores within the oil palm habitat. Our results support the hypothesis that, although the oil palm may be habitable for some small carnivore species such as the leopard cat, where they supposedly forage at night, most species still need forest for their survival in oil palm landscapes. Oil palm plantations managers should adapt agricultural practices and land-use to enhance small carnivores, with the view to improve rodent control.

One Health A balanced and multidisciplinary exploration of the One Health concept In One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad, a team of distinguished researchers introduces and explains the concept of One Health by providing an overview of the One Health idea from the perspective of diverse disciplines, from earth and environmental science to ecology and conservation to veterinary and human medicine. The authors also present case studies demonstrating the real-world challenges and opportunities of this interdisciplinary approach to sustainable human well-being. Readers will find insightful discussions of the interactions between chemical pollutants and water, soil, and the atmosphere, as well as detailed examinations of sustainable food supply, waste management, and pathogen control, backed up by extensive reference data. One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad also includes: The emergence and re-emergence of zoonoses and other infectious diseases The behavior of microplastics in soil and water Organic farming and its influence on soil health The role of light for human well-being Perfect for researchers interested in global health, ecological health, medical geology, toxicology, epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases, One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad will also benefit professionals with an interest in public health and other public services, resource conservation, waste management, and the circular economy.

The objective of this multi-authored compendium is, therefore, to bring together the state of arts reported in one place. Written by specialists by specialists in various fields of rondentology, and to suggest future lines of research. It is also felt that this work on rodent pest management will trigger more research effort for the benefit of mankind and help certain countries and organizations in revitalizing serious work in this field which, it appears, has dampened during the last few years.