Treeshrews

They damage a variety of economically significant crops, including oil palms, cacao, and coffee plants. Treeshrews are omnivorous, but they show a strong preference for ripe fruits and seeds. This feeding behavior can lead to substantial financial losses for farmers, especially in regions where these animals are abundant and plantation management is intensive.

The biology of treeshrews is characterized by high activity levels during the day. They are agile climbers and ground dwellers, which allows them to exploit food sources at different levels of the plantation canopy. Their breeding cycle is continuous, enabling rapid population growth in areas where food sources from agricultural cultivation are consistently available.

The damage caused by treeshrews is mainly mechanical. By gnawing on fruit, they destroy the crop's market value and create entry points for secondary infections, such as fungal pathogens or insect colonization. Their foraging habits can also cause physical harm to young vegetative parts, potentially stunting the growth of developing trees.

Effective management and protection strategies are essential for minimizing impact. Recommended practices include:

• Installing physical barriers like metal collars around tree trunks to prevent climbing.
• Maintaining clean plantation surroundings to reduce potential nesting sites.
• Applying acoustic deterrents that emit frequencies uncomfortable for small mammals.
• Using individual fruit protection bags for high-value crops during the maturation stage.