Rats and mice have adapted well to the diversity of agricultural habitats created by humans. Some 42% of all mammal species are classified as rodents (animals that have continually growing incisor teeth and no canine teeth). Although fewer than 10% are significant agricultural pests, this still leaves over 200 species to manage. Rodents are an enigma in that they are the ultimate mammalian weed, living in almost every habitat on earth, yet they also play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling and water flows in many ecosystems and therefore the non-pest species need to be protected. (Pdf of the full article is attached below)