Current problems in rodent pest population control and biodiversity conservation

Purposeful measures for population control of major rodent pests are taken throughout the world in view of great epidemiological and economic significance of this animal group, but such measures disagree with present-day requirements for the conservation of biological diversity. It appears expedient to develop a new concept of rodent pest control that stipulates a reduction in the amount of applied rodenticides. The coordinated efforts of specialists in nature conservation and agencies responsible for pest control are necessary for this purpose.