Rodent biology and ecologically based rodent management (EBRM)—25 years of progress through promoting multidisciplinary research.

This article provides an overview of the impact of rodents on agriculture, health, and biodiversity, with a particular focus on Africa. It acknowledges that while rodents make up a significant portion of mammalian species, only a small percentage of them have negative effects. The article highlights the 7th International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management, which concentrated on rodent biology and biodiversity in African highlands and mountains. It discusses the shift in focus from previous conferences, including increased research on fertility control of rodents and a greater emphasis on the One Health approach to rodent-borne diseases. The article covers various topics related to rodent biology and management, such as reducing flea and rodent populations simultaneously to prevent disease transmission and efforts in New Zealand to eradicate invasive rodents for the conservation of endemic wildlife. It also explores adaptations of rodent sensory systems, developments in rodent taxonomy, strategies for dealing with dietary toxins, and the use of African giant pouched rats for tasks like landmine detection and disease detection. The article underscores the importance of long-term population studies in understanding rodent populations and their impact on agriculture and human health. It concludes by acknowledging the contributions of researchers in the field and announcing the next International Conference on Rodent Biology and Management in 2025. [Extracted from the article]