Analysis of rodent density and community composition of Zhejiang Province in 2023

SONG Zhilong; LUO Mingyu; WANG Jinna; GONG Zhenyu; LIU Qinmei; LI Tianqi; GUAN Zhou; SUN Jimin

doi:10.19821/j.1671-2781.2025.05.012

Abstract：Objective To investigate the regional distribution characteristics,rodent species composition,habitat distribution characteristics,and seasonal fluctuation in Zhejiang Province in 2023,so as to provide suggestions and basis for scientific implementation of rodent control measures in Zhejiang Province.Methods In 2023,surveillance was set up in 11 cities(Hangzhou,Ningbo,Wenzhou,Jiaxing,Huzhou,Shaoxing,Jinhua,Quzhou,Zhoushan,Taizhou,Lishui)in Zhejiang Province,with monitoring sites including three types of habitats:urban residential areas,rural residential areas,and key industry areas.Rodent density was monitored by the night-snap trapping method,rodent cages method or sticky boards method.The statistical analysis was performed by using R 4.0.2 software,with Chi-square tests conducted for inter-group differences and composition ratios.Results In 2023,a total of 374 213 effective rodent traps were set up in 11 cities of Zhejiang Province,with a total of 1 548 rodents caught,resulting in an average rodent density of 0.4%.There were significant difference in rodent density among cities(χ2=1 634.870,P＜0.001),with Wenzhou(1.64%)having significantly higher rodent densities than other cities.The dominant rodent species in Zhejiang Province in 2023 were Rattus norvegicus(35.66%).The rodent density in different habitats in Zhejiang Province in 2023 was rural residential areas(0.47%)＞key industry areas(0.42%)＞urban residential areas(0.35%)(χ2=22.093,P＜0.001).There were significant differences in rodent density among months(χ2=78.726,P＜0.001),with a bimodal distribution.Conclusions The average rodent density in Zhejiang Province in 2023 was 0.41%,among which R.norvegicus was widely distributed in all habitats,and the density of rodents in rural residential areas was relatively high in the three habitats,and Apodemus agrarius was mainly found in rural residential areas.