POPULATION DYNAMICS, SEX RATIO AND EMBRYOS NUMBER OF Rattus norvegicus AND Rattus rattus IN KAFE EL-SHIEKH AND DAKAHLIA GOVERNORATES.

Rodent species were surveyed in three location differed in their ecosystem (Animal husbandry, Shounas and Fruit orchards at Kafr El-Sheikh district, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Aga and El-Mansoura districts Dakahlia Governorate. Also, sex ratio and the embryos number per pregnant females were studied.
                Results showed that two rodent species were trapped from the three tested location; Norway rat Rattus norvegicus and roof rat Rattus rattus. The highest number of trapped rates was recorded for animal husbandry followed by fruit orchard while the lowest number was found in case of shouna.
Norway rat was the most dominant species in animal husbandry and fruit orchard but roof rat was the prevalent species in shouna.
On the other hand, the reproduction activity of both rodent species was recorded in high potential during the period from April to November as well, females ratio, pregnant females percentage and the number of embryos per female reached the maximum in these periods. Although the females ratio was more for roof rat than Norway rat, the rate of embryos number/female was higher for Norway rat than roof rat.