Vertebrate Pests of Cassava in Africa Their Control

Much attention has been given to almost all agents that cause losses to crops with the possible exception of vertebrate pests of which comparatively little is known in relation to farming activities. Due to the paucity of information on vertebrate pests there is very little or no indication of what damage is caused by which pest, how widely it is distributed, or how much damage is caused. The general nocturnal, secretive habits and high mobility of most vertebrates make it unlikely that they will readily be seen damaging crops. Indirect evidence has been used by researchers, farmers and agricultural workers to identify the vertebrate pests of cassava cited in this review. A diverse range of larger vertebrates (elephants, primates and ungulates), rodents and birds are considered as pests of cassava. The distribution, diagnostic features, damage symptoms and status of the major species are discussed and control measures practiced by farmers, hunters and researchers are reviewed.

Keywords
Manihot esculenta, vertebrate pests, primates, rodents, ungulates, birds, control measures