The combined fruiting of grasses and cyperus reeds surrounding a seasonal lake at Badas in Brunei Darussalam  has resulted in a population explosion of  what is believed to be Ricefield Rats Rattus argentiventer. In turn the local Dusuns  are trapping the rats for food using oil palm fruits as bait.  All photos by Bosco Chan

Wild field rats  are a traditional food for for non-muslims throughout Borneo. Rats and mice that  live around buildings are not eaten only wild rats that feed on seeds and fruits in fields and forests. Muslims do not eat rats.

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A large variety of ingenious traps are used to catch small mammals for food throughout Borneo using both traditional and modern materials. This rat trap is based on a traditional bubu fish trap.

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Brunei Badas area rat tunnels_201807_Bosco Chan

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