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Proceedings: Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Rohnert Park, California, March 5-7, 1996 (Complete Work), Robert M. Timm , Editor, A. Charles Crabb , Editor

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

340 registered attendees
58 papers
273 pages
52 Mb

You have come from throughout California, from across the United States, and from many corners of the world to gather here for the purpose of sharing information, expertise, and wisdom in dealing with vertebrate pest problems. Our common purpose is to find yet better methods for preventing and resolving situations in which wildlife comes into conflict with humans. The Conference's mission remains one of education. We learn from each other, and we strive to find better ways of applying our knowledge to real-world problems.

An Overview Of Animal Damage Control (Adc) Assistance To The Vertebrate Pest Management Industry, William H. Clay

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The Animal Damage Control (ADC) program has had a long history dating back to 1885. ADC was officially established in 1931 under the United States Department of Agriculture. In 1939, the program was moved to the United States Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1996, ADC was transferred back to the USDA and placed under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The mission of the Animal Damage Control program is to provide federal leadership in managing problems caused by wildlife. Current program assistance includes: a) technical assistance in wildlife management; b) conducting research and development activities related …

Effectiveness Of Vichos Non-Lethal Collars In Deterring Coyote Attacks On Sheep, J. Russell Mason, Richard J. Burns

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Vichos non-lethal collars containing 45 to 105 ml of 3 % capsicum oleo resin were evaluated as deterrents to coyote attacks on sheep. Each of five coyotes tested made neck/throat attacks on one collared lamb; four punctured collars and one pulled the collar from a lamb without puncturing it. One coyote did not resume biting the lamb for 60 min; it was retested two and four days later. At two days, the coyote punctured a second collar and briefly halted its attack. At four days, the coyote attacked a third collared lamb but made no attempt to grasp the neck/throat …

Towards "Best Practice" Vertebrate Pest Management In Australia, Mike Braysher, Peter O'Brien, Mary Bomford

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Australia has 26 species of introduced pest mammals that cause extensive damage to agriculture and the conservation of native wildlife. Past efforts tried to eradicate them. This focus on reducing pest numbers rather than the outcome, reduced damage, has had limited success. Under its Vertebrate Pest Program, the Bureau of Resource Sciences has developed principles and a strategic approach to managing pest damage. Close cooperation with land managers as co-researchers and co-learners is an essential element, as is a coordinated group approach to pest management. The approaches are illustrated with an example.

Overhead Wires Reduce Roof-Nesting By Ring-Billed Gulls And Herring Gulls, Jerrold L. Belant, Sheri K. Ickes

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The authors evaluated the effectiveness of overhead wires in reducing roof-nesting by ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) and herring gulls (L. argentatus) at a 7.2 ha food warehouse in Bedford Heights, Ohio during 1994-1995. In 1994, stainless steel wires (0.8 mm diameter) were attached generally in spoke-like configurations between 2.4 m upright metal poles spaced at 33.7 m intervals over the main portion of roof. The 6 to 14 wires radiating from each pole created a mean maximum spacing between wires of about 16 m. Nesting by ring-billed and herring gulls was reduced by 76% and 100% …

Impacts Of A Daily Trap Check Law On The California Adc Program, Craig Coolahan

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Effective January 1, 1990 California law required that all steel-jawed leghold traps be inspected at least daily and all animals in such traps be removed. The inspection and removal could be performed by the individual who set the traps, the landowner, or an agent of either. Prior to the passage of this law, California Animal Damage Control (ADC) personnel were exempt from Department of Fish and Game trap checking regulations. The data suggest that a decrease in trap use occurred after the implementation of the daily trap check. Where the program could effectively substitute other control tools or methods for …

Leg Injuries To Coyotes Captured In Standard And Modified Soft Catch® Traps, Kenneth S. Gruver, Robert L. Phillips, Elizabeth S. Williams

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Leg injuries of coyotes (Canis latrans) captured in standard No. 3 Soft Catch traps were compared with those captured in the same trap type modified with two additional coil springs. One hundred thirteen coyotes were trapped in southern California in conjunction with livestock predator control operations, 53 in standard traps, and 60 in modified traps. Observed injuries were similar in both trap types. The most frequent injuries were edematous hemorrhages and small cutaneous lacerations. Injuries, such as joint luxations and bone fractures, were noted more frequently for coyotes trapped in standard Soft Catch traps.

The Texas Oral Rabies Vaccination Project And The Experimental Use Of Raboral V-Rg Rabies Vaccine In The South Texas Coyote Rabies Epizootic, M. Gayne Fearneyhough

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Beginning in October 1988, Texas experienced the onset of an expanding epizootic of canine rabies in South Texas. That epizootic now involves 21 counties, with 678 laboratory confirmed cases as of February 1996. Approximately 50% of those cases have occurred in coyotes and most of the remainder in domestic dogs. Seventy-six "spill over" cases have been reported in seven other species, both wild and domestic. Since 1991, over 2,000 people in South Texas have received post exposure rabies treatment due to potential exposure to a rabid animal and two human deaths have been attributed to this virus strain. The Texas …

Rodents And Cover Crops—A Review, Gregory A. Giusti, Desley A. Whisson, W. Paul Gorenzel

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Inter-row plantings of herbaceous cover crops has become a widely accepted practice by orchard and vineyard managers. Cover crops, used as part of a production management system, are not considered a cash crop and are therefore selected by individual growers for various reasons. Little is written regarding the relationship of cover crop management and the impact on rodent populations. This paper reviews the recent literature and examines how cover crop species and cultivar selection along with management procedures may be influential in limiting rodent populations and their damage to cropping systems.

Analysis Of Vertebrate Pest Research, Jim Hone

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Research on vertebrate pest control is mostly empirical, focusing on control of species X in location Y using method Z. Such an approach is needed. The science of vertebrate pest research is developing some generalizations across species, locations, and methods. This paper further explores such generalizations by discussing six questions asked by Hone (1994), the answers to which are relevant to vertebrate pest research world-wide. Several case studies are examined, with emphasis on control of damage by small mammals and predation control. Suggestions are made for future research.

Use Of The Modified Australian Crow Trap For The Control Of Depredating Birds In Sonoma County, Pierre Gadd Jr

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The Modified Australian Crow (MAC) trap to control depredating birds can be a very humane, target species specific and effective bird control tool. Pertinent topics will include legal status, timing, and care of trapped birds. The following are also discussed: species identification, trap construction, and placement and humane euthanasia methods.

Economic Effectiveness, Efficiency, And Selectivity Of Fox Squirrel Trapping In Pecan Groves, J. Grant Huggins

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Trapping is the most common damage management practice employed by pecan growers suffering fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) depredation. The author evaluated the economic effectiveness of foot-hold trapping fox squirrels in native pecan groves from 1988 to 1991. Trapping significantly reduced squirrel damage the first and second year of treatment in all three study areas relative to the initial untreated year. This reduction was valued at $38.63 to $279.51/ha. In 1990 the author tested the relative efficiency and selectivity of five trap types. Number 110 body traps performed with the best combination of efficiency, selectivity, and cost of the …

Perceptions Of Wildlife Damage By Conservation Reserve Program Contract Holders In Riley County, Kansas, John P. Hughes, Philip S. Gipson

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Twenty-five Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract holders in Riley County, Kansas were surveyed by telephone to assess their perceptions of wildlife damage relative to CRP plantings. Sixty-four percent experienced wildlife damage on their farm or ranch. Respondents felt that five species causing damage on their farm or ranch had become more common due to enrollment of lands in the CRP. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) accounted for 64.3% of these observations, followed by wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), which accounted for …

The Potential Impact Of Introduced Commensal Rodents On Island Flora, Gillian Key, Renata Platenberg, Andrew Easby, Kathleen Mais

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The impact of introduced commensal rodents on island flora has been relatively little studied compared with their impact on the fauna. The effects on vegetation composition, regeneration, and decomposition are largely unknown, but potentially great. Preliminary studies were carried out in the Galapagos Islands between 1993 and 1994 on the diet of introduced rats, Rattus spp. and feral house mice, Mus musculus, seed recovery rates and subsequent germination rates of seeds. R. rattus diet was primarily vegetation and 48% of rats had seeds in their stomachs. Significant differences were found between body size and overall contribution of both …

Reducing Livestock Depredation Losses In The Nepalese Himalaya, Rodney M. Jackson, Gary G. Ahlborn, Mahesh Gurung, Som Ale

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

In the Nepalese Himalaya conflict with rural communities due to livestock predation to large carnivores like snow leopard, common leopard, wolf and wild dog has risen sharply in recent years. This increase is attributed to a number of factors, including implementation and enforcement of wildlife protection laws (which have permitted a recovery in carnivore numbers), the creation of protected areas (which serve as refuges from which predators can populate the surrounding area), the depletion of natural prey due to poaching and loss of habitat, and lax livestock herding practices. However, little information is presently available upon which to design remedial …

Federal And State Fish And Wildlife Regulations And Other Pertinent California Laws, Lee R. Martin

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Working knowledge of Federal and State Fish and Wildlife regulations and other laws are critical for today's commercial applicator in the vertebrate pest control business. The ever-changing focus on environmental protection, endangered species considerations, occupational health and safety, and animal rights have put vertebrate pest control operators in the precarious position of correctly interpreting the steady stream of laws and regulations passed by government. The consequences of failing to stay abreast of these changing regulations and correctly interpreting them can lead to very costly fines and possible imprisonment. Maintaining close contact with the many agencies that regulate the pest control …

Conference Participants

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The number of registered attendees was 340. The participants came from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and from 9 other countries. The wide representation from the United States and countries throughout the world contributed to the success of the Conference by providing a highly knowledgeable and diversified group for the exchange of research progress, new ideas, and information on a wide range of vertebrate pest topics.

The Evolution Of Aphis Two Gas Cartridges, Craig A. Ramey, Edward W. Schafer Jr

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has two federal (Section 3) vertebrate pesticide registrations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for gas cartridges to control damage to American agricultural resources and reduce threats to public health and safety. The gas cartridges are pyro-fumigant devices that produce primarily carbon monoxide when ignited. In sealed burrows or dens, carbon monoxide is highly toxic when inhaled, leading to tissue hypoxia. Carbon monoxide is recommended by the American Veterinary Medicine Association's panel for euthanatizing animals because it quickly induces unconsciousness without pain and with minimal discernible discomfort. …

The Pocket Gopher As A Pest In Mexico, Desley Whisson, Beatriz Villa-C

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Pocket gophers of the genus Orthogeomys and Pappogeomys are major pests in rangeland and agricultural areas throughout Mexico. Control relies on the indiscriminate use of fumigants and poison baits. These controls are applied in a haphazard manner; do not provide long-term benefits and the non-target hazards and public safety risks are perceived to be extremely high. Studies indicate that as a result of reinvasion of treated areas or territory expansion of animals surviving the control procedure, controls relying on removal of animals may be limited unless applied at frequent (every three months or less) intervals.

Ecological Challenges To Controlling Wild Rabbits In Australia Using Virally-Vectored Immunocontraception, C. K. Williams

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The European wild rabbit in Australia threatens the sustainability of agriculture and conservation of native flora and fauna. Improved means of reducing these impacts are sought including effort to develop virally vectored immunocontraception (VVIC). VVIC for the wild rabbit involves complex interactions between the rabbit, myxoma virus and insect vectors of the virus. Development of the method includes not only reproductive molecular biology and genetics and manipulation of virus genetics, but also many problems in reproductive biology, ecology and population dynamics of the rabbit in diverse environments. Furthermore, epidemiology of enzootic myxomatosis, and behavior and population dynamics of several vector …

Disaccharide Intolerance Of European Starlings, Leonard R. Askham

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The use of disaccharides to discourage bird depredation to agricultural crops has elicited some interest during the last few years. Data developed in these trials indicate that several avian species are intolerant to sucrose because of the lack of sucrase enzymes in their digestive systems. Based on this research it is hypothesized that progressively increasing rates and volumes of solutions would elicit consistent adverse stress reactions. Furthermore, that if birds were intolerant to sucrose, because of their co-evolutionary development with plants, then they should lack the ability to digest lactose. The data developed in these trials does not support either …

Closing Remarks—Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Rex O. Baker

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

As chair-elect of the council, I would like to thank all of those who participated in this 17th Vertebrate Pest Conference.

We had a total attendance of 340 from 27 states in the U.S., including 27 attendees from 8 countries outside the U.S. The contributions and sacrifices made by foreign speakers is genuinely appreciated and has, as always, added greatly to the diversity of the conference.

As most of you know, the council's primary goal is fostering education and advancement in the field of vertebrate pest management. We have always tried to draw noted experts to present a broad range …

Field Efficacy Of Diphacinone Grain Baits Used To Control The California Ground Squirrel, J. A. Baroch

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Diphacinone treated oat groats were effective in reducing populations of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) by more than 84%. Two concentrations of active ingredient (0.005% and 0.01%) were compared, as well as two application methods: spot baiting and bait stations. Squirrel activity on test plots was assessed before and after bait applications using visual counts and active burrow counts. There was good correspondence between results of the two activity indices. There was no significant improvement in efficacy provided by the higher concentration of diphacinone. Bait consumption was much lower on bait station plots. Squirrel carcasses were found on …

Norway Rat Infestation Of Urban Landscaping And Preventative Design Criteria, Bruce A. Colvin, Ralph Degregorio, Charlotte Fleetwood

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Fifty-four landscaped areas in downtown Boston were surveyed for Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) activity. Each location also was characterized based on size, types of plantings, density of plantings, type of mulch, and sanitary and maintenance conditions. Factors most associated with the presence of rats were dense contiguous stands of shrubbery (e.g., needled evergreens) and refuse/litter availability on the ground. Design criteria should include effective spacing of shrubbery, limiting mass plantings of dense shrubs, selection of plant varieties that grow with openness underneath, strategically-placed and rodent-proof refuse containers, and use of crushed-stone inspection strips. Rodent control should be considered …

Improved Sealants For M-44 Cyanide Capsules, Guy Connolly

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The M-44 sodium cyanide ejector is one of the most important tools used by the Animal Damage Control (ADC) program to protect livestock from coyotes. Unacceptable performance of M-44 cyanide capsules due to inadequate seals stimulated research to develop a better capsule sealant. Comparative tests of crude beeswax, Scheel SC-100 wax, and other materials revealed that capsules sealed with SC-100 were most resistant to deterioration in adverse environments. Based on these results, SC-100 wax was selected as the sealant of choice. Beginning in April 1989, all M-44 capsules made for ADC program use have been sealed with SC-100 wax. Since …

The Future Of Wildlife Damage Management—And Why I Want To Be A Part Of It, Scott R. Craven

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Welcome to the 17th Vertebrate Pest Conference; THE conference for those of us who work in the field of vertebrate pest management. Actually, I prefer the term wildlife damage management to either animal damage control or vertebrate pest control, but as long as one takes a broad perspective on the definition of wildlife, there is really no difference except perhaps in perception. I do not mean to suggest that the name of the Vertebrate Pest Conference should be changed. It should not be changed. However, I do suggest that no matter what umbrella term you operate under, we are all …

Introducing The National Wildlife Research Center, Richard D. Curnow

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

The paper summarizes the background and historical events leading to the creation of the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) and describes the status of its research program and facilities development in Fort Collins, Colorado. Also, the relationship of the NWRC to the Denver Wildlife Research Center is presented.

How To Control A Pest's Pest—Flea And Rodent Efficacy, Becky Doane, Dave Blodget, Bonnie Bonnivier

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Fleas have caused health and sanitation problems for centuries. Most rodents are hosts to fleas. Baker Crop Protection Chemicals (BCPC) recently entered the rodenticide market (via SLN) with an efficacious fumigant for single burrow rodents, MAGNACIDE^® H Herbicide/Rodenticide (a.i. acrolein). Noting that most burrowing rodents are flea infested, BCPC undertook an experiment to determine if fleas also succumb to acrolein under simulated field treatment scenarios. Results of the study under laboratory conditions demonstrated that fleas do succumb to acrolein treatments as well as the specific rodents targeted for treatment. This study also established rodent death rates from exposure to …

The Persistence And Secondary Poisoning Risks Of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080), Brodifacoum, And Cholecalciferol In Possums, C. T. Eason, G. R. Wright, L. Meikle, P. Elder

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

To determine the risk of secondary poisoning for animals preying on sub-lethally poisoned brushtail possums, captive possums were treated with near-lethal doses of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) or brodifacoum, and toxicant concentrations in blood and tissue were monitored over time. Sodium monofluoroacetate was rapidly eliminated from the blood (within three days). Brodifacoum was retained in the liver and, to a lesser extent, the muscle of possums for eight months after dosing. To determine the potential risk for animals scavenging on the carcasses of possums poisoned with cholecalciferol, cats were fed poisoned carcasses for six days. No changes in behavior, appetite, or …

A Profile Of Depredating Mountain Lions, Steven D. Fairaizl, San Juan Stiver

Proceedings of the Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference 1996

Information regarding the demographics and physical condition of mountain lions (Felis concolof) killed during damage control efforts in Nevada was gathered and compared to sport harvested mountain lions. The average age of depredating male lions was 4.92 years of age compared to 4.95 years for sport harvested males. Depredating female lions were older than sport harvested females averaging 5.09 years compared to 4.44 years. Older age class mountain lions of both sexes were more likely to commit depredations than expected. Male lions were involved in depredations 45 % more often than females. Domestic sheep comprise more than 90% …