Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 30 of 68
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
The Prospects And Associated Challenges For The Biological Control Of Rodents, Grant R. Singleton
The Prospects And Associated Challenges For The Biological Control Of Rodents, Grant R. Singleton
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Biological control using macro- or micro-parasites is a promising research area for control of rodents. The largest impediment to progress is a dearth of high quality research, under field conditions, on wild rodents and their diseases. A major challenge is to identify a candidate control agent which is sufficiently pathogenic, has a high transmission rate and is target specific. Once this has been done, ecological studies of both the host and the disease agent, and of the epidemiology of transmission, are required. Whether the desired pathogenicity is via increased mortality and/or reduced fertility will depend on the agent and on …
Ground Squirrel Management In The Angeles National Forest, Robyn K. Spano
Ground Squirrel Management In The Angeles National Forest, Robyn K. Spano
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
In 1987 and 1988 there was a sharp rise in epizootics in the ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) population in the Arroyo Seco District of the Angeles National Forest. In response to these incidents, a proactive rather than a reactive approach was implemented in this area. This was the beginning of a ground squirrel management program in the Angeles National Forest. From 1988 to 1993 the program developed into a joint management program between the United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS), Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS), Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner's Office-Weights and Measures …
Effects Of Initial Rat Captures On Subsequent Capture Success Of Traps, Mark E. Tobin, Robert T. Sugihara, Richard M. Engeman
Effects Of Initial Rat Captures On Subsequent Capture Success Of Traps, Mark E. Tobin, Robert T. Sugihara, Richard M. Engeman
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Trapping records from studies conducted in Hawaiian sugarcane fields were analyzed to determine the effects of rat captures on subsequent capture success of Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus, and R. exulans. Traps that captured rats were subsequently more likely to capture another rat of the same species. We detected no differences in trap responses of males and females, nor did we observe any evidence that capture success of Polynesian rats and roof rats was affected by previous captures of Norway rats. This increased trap success may have been due to residual trap odors, or to greater success of traps …
Rejex-ItTm Ag-36 As Bird Aversion Agent For Turf And Agriculture, Peter F. Vogt
Rejex-ItTm Ag-36 As Bird Aversion Agent For Turf And Agriculture, Peter F. Vogt
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
In limited field studies on turf, winter rye, cherries and blueberries, where the presence of sufficient concentrations of ReJeX-iTTM AG-36 were known to exist, excellent bird repellency was achieved. Variations in the results are attributed to low concentrations of the initial application, rapid biodegradation due to environmental conditions, or limited application (covering less than 100% of the test plot).
Alpha-Chloralose: Current Status, Restrictions And Future Uses For Capturing Birds, Paul P. Woronecki, Richard A. Dolbeer
Alpha-Chloralose: Current Status, Restrictions And Future Uses For Capturing Birds, Paul P. Woronecki, Richard A. Dolbeer
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
In 1992, the Animal Damage Control (ADC) program received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use Alpha-Chloralose (A-C) nationwide for capturing waterfowl (Anatidae), coots (Fulica americana), and pigeons (Columba livia). To review the first year (1993) of operational use of A-C, we surveyed in January 1994 all ADC State Directors on the status of A-C use within their states. In 1993, 59 ADC personnel were trained and certified in the approved uses of A-C and 696 nuisance waterfowl were captured with A-C in 10 states. Restrictions imposed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service …
Policy Considerations For Contraception In Wildlife Management, Wendy A. Sanborn, Robert H. Schmidt, Herbert C. Freeman
Policy Considerations For Contraception In Wildlife Management, Wendy A. Sanborn, Robert H. Schmidt, Herbert C. Freeman
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Managing wildlife populations by manipulating their birth rates is a promising technology. However, the use of contraceptive technologies will involve the development of new wildlife management policies. We designed and implemented a survey that was intended to gather information on the range of perspectives of concerned publics on contraceptive use in wildlife management. There appears to be considerable confusion and mistrust regarding the application and appropriateness of this new technology. We recommend that promoters of contraception use in wildlife management be careful to explain what this new technology can and cannot do in order to avoid the pitfalls associated with …
Registration Requirements For Non-Toxic Natural Products As Animal Damage Control Agents, Stephen A. Schumake
Registration Requirements For Non-Toxic Natural Products As Animal Damage Control Agents, Stephen A. Schumake
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Plant extracts, animal glandular secretions and excretions, and natural food flavoring agents are common sources of natural products that can be used in animal damage control applications. Such products can be used either by themselves (e.g., coyote urine as a rodent repellent), or in combination with other control agents (e.g., food odor or flavor enhancer at baiting sites). The Environmental Protection Agency registration requirements are described for a variety of potential applications of natural products including bird and rodent repellents. In some applications, the product chemistry or other data requirements could make the registration process prohibitive due to the cost …
Wild Carnivores As Plague Indicators In California - A Cooperative Interagency Disease Surveillance Program, Charles R. Smith
Wild Carnivores As Plague Indicators In California - A Cooperative Interagency Disease Surveillance Program, Charles R. Smith
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
A cooperative interagency program of sampling and testing wild carnivores for plague antibody has been utilized as an important component of an integrated plague surveillance program in California since 1974. The carnivore serology program involves the California Department of Health Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, APHIS/Animal Damage Control, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, and various other cooperators. This paper summarizes the results of the testing of wild carnivores, opossums, and feral pigs over the past two decades from 49 of California's 58 counties, and discusses the importance of the program to the …
Zinc Phosphide: Implications Of Optimal Foraging Theory And Particle-Dose Analyses To Efficacy, Acceptance, Bait Shyness, And Non-Target Hazards, Ray T. Sterner
Zinc Phosphide: Implications Of Optimal Foraging Theory And Particle-Dose Analyses To Efficacy, Acceptance, Bait Shyness, And Non-Target Hazards, Ray T. Sterner
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) maintains six federal registrations for zinc phosphide (Zn3P2); three of these address the control of eight rodent species using steam-rolled oats (SRO) or wheat grains in diverse applications. Optimal foraging theory (OFT) and "particle-dose analysis" (PDA) afford predictions relevant to the efficacy, acceptance, bait shyness, and non-target hazards of these Zn3P2 baits. For PDA, numbers of SRO groats or whole wheat grains associated with acute oral median lethal (LD^) or approximate lethal (ALD) doses of Zn3P2 were compared among nine target rodent and eleven …
Sources Of Information On Wildlife Damage Control, Robert M. Timm
Sources Of Information On Wildlife Damage Control, Robert M. Timm
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
In the area of wildlife damage control, people encounter a great diversity of problems for which they need effective, timely solutions. Published materials or sources of help are often scattered, difficult to locate, or even unknown to many who work in this discipline. Let me begin with three stories. They are fictional, but they are created from the variety of wildlife-human conflicts that occur in California. Thus, they represent the reality of human attempts to deal with wildlife damage.
Closing Remarks - Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Robert M. Timm
Closing Remarks - Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Robert M. Timm
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
As Chairperson-elect of the Council, I wish to express my appreciation to all who participated in this 16th Conference. I trust you have enjoyed this conference, as I have, as well as your visit to the Santa Clara Valley. Much information has been presented here, not only in the more than 70 formal presentations, but also in evening sessions, meetings, and informal sharing and interaction. We hope we have provided adequate opportunities for informal networking, as this can be equally valuable as the scheduled papers and presentations.
Rodent Pests In Colombian Agriculture, Danblo Valencia, Donald J. Elias, Jorge A. Ospina
Rodent Pests In Colombian Agriculture, Danblo Valencia, Donald J. Elias, Jorge A. Ospina
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
The tropical zones of Latin America are sources of a great faunal richness. A significant number of mammals are associated with damage to the agricultural and livestock industries of Colombia. Some studies have indicated that rodents cause serious economic and social damage in the agricultural, livestock, and stored product sectors of the Colombian economy. Evaluations of this damage have been based on three criteria: 1) the characteristics of the damage; 2) the species of rodent involved; and 3) the loss of production at harvest. Cereals and oil-producing crops are most affected as standing crops; in the livestock area, poultry and …
Using Geographic Information Systems For Tracking An Urban Rodent Control Program, Matt Von Wahlde, Bruce A. Colvin
Using Geographic Information Systems For Tracking An Urban Rodent Control Program, Matt Von Wahlde, Bruce A. Colvin
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Geographic information system technology is being used to help coordinate an urban rodent control program initiated as part of the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in Boston. Databases with neighborhood survey data, surface and subsurface baiting data, sanitation code violations, and public complaints are linked to base mapping, land parcel, and utility graphics. This integrated approach helps Project biologists plan control strategies and evaluate the relatedness of rodent activity to environmental conditions. Spatial querying techniques and the ability to graphically display and map variables, such as bait stations and sanitation deficiencies, help ensure that control resources are effectively targeted and tracked. This …
An Approach To Controlling Golden Eagle Predation On Lambs In South Dakota, Blair C. Watte, Robert L. Phillips
An Approach To Controlling Golden Eagle Predation On Lambs In South Dakota, Blair C. Watte, Robert L. Phillips
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
A case of severe golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) predation on domestic sheep was documented on seven South Dakota ranches during the spring of 1993. One hundred forty-two lambs and one ewe were verified as being killed by eagles during a six-week period. In an effort to resolve the depredation problem, padded leghold traps were used to capture 21 golden eagles in or near the lambing pastures. The captured eagles were translocated and released approximately 322 km northeast of the capture area. Predation on lambs ceased following the relocation effort.
Natural History And Protection Of Burrowing Owls, Clark S. Winchell
Natural History And Protection Of Burrowing Owls, Clark S. Winchell
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Burrowing owls (Speotyto cunicularia) were monitored over a four year period at Naval Air Station North Island, a developed area at the north end of San Diego Bay, California. Protection of the nest burrows and a burrow marking program were initiated in 1991. The breeding population increased from 14 to 27 nests after this marking program began. Burrow types and ways to differentiate burrows used by owls from those used by California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) are outlined. The importance of burrows and their management is discussed with reference to the natural history of the owl.
Activity Patterns Of The Pocket Gopher Pappogeomys Merriami Merriami In A Mexican Rangeland, Desley Whisson, Beatriz Villa-C.
Activity Patterns Of The Pocket Gopher Pappogeomys Merriami Merriami In A Mexican Rangeland, Desley Whisson, Beatriz Villa-C.
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Pocket gophers (Pappogeomys meiriami merriami) are a problem in both crops and rangelands of Mexico. In rangelands, damage results from the animals burrowing habits which cause much soil disturbance, and their feeding on rangeland vegetation. Although considered a pest, to date there have been no quantitative studies of the activity and damage caused this species. This study was initiated to document fluctuations in activity of P. m. merriami throughout the year in a Mexican rangeland.
Supplemental Bear Feeding Program In Western Washington, Georg J. Ziegltrum
Supplemental Bear Feeding Program In Western Washington, Georg J. Ziegltrum
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Black bear (Ursus americanus) damage to trees is a severe problem in the Pacific Northwest. Significant damage has been observed for many years, especially in highly managed private industrial forests in western Washington. The introduction of intensive silvicultural techniques resulted in higher yields, but may have also made trees more vulnerable to black bear destruction. Early lethal control efforts lost public support and the forest products industry investigated different methods that concentrated on non-lethal management tools. In 1985, the Washington Forest Protection Association introduced supplemental bear feeding as a damage prevention program in high damage areas during the …
Managing Raccoons, Skunks, And Opossums In Urban Settings, Kevin D. Clark
Managing Raccoons, Skunks, And Opossums In Urban Settings, Kevin D. Clark
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Increased urbanization and decreased government funding, plus increased numbers of certain wildlife species, have combined to provide a greater need for wildlife management of nuisance animals in the urban environment.
Conference Participants
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
The number of registered attendees was 318. The participants came from 30 states, the District of Columbia, and from 14 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.
Do Livestock Guarding Dogs Lose Their Effectiveness Over Time?, Jeffrey S. Green, Roger A. Woodruff, William F. Andelt
Do Livestock Guarding Dogs Lose Their Effectiveness Over Time?, Jeffrey S. Green, Roger A. Woodruff, William F. Andelt
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Information about the effectiveness of livestock guarding dogs for reducing coyote predation on sheep was gathered from livestock producers in the Animal Damage Control Livestock Guarding Dog Program and in Colorado. Eighty-two percent of the producers contacted reported that the performance of their dogs remained the same or improved during 1993 compared with previous years. Eighteen percent of the producers reported a decrease in their dog's effectiveness, but most still felt the dogs were a benefit to their livestock operation. Most producers who noted a decrease in effectiveness attributed it to an apparent increase in the number of coyotes and/or …
Food Habits And Management Of Introduced Red Fox In Southern California, Richard T. Golightly Jr., Michelle R. Faulhaber, Kevin L. Sallee, Jeffrey C. Lewis
Food Habits And Management Of Introduced Red Fox In Southern California, Richard T. Golightly Jr., Michelle R. Faulhaber, Kevin L. Sallee, Jeffrey C. Lewis
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Introduced red fox in urban Orange County, California ate a wide variety of foods. Mammals and birds were consumed at all times of the year and both taxa appeared in approximately half or more of the fecal samples at all times of the year. Human supplied food remains were also common and supplemental feeding occurred at all study sites. Supplemental feeding has the potential to exacerbate problems for management of introduced red fox and several endangered species.
Unwanted Guests: Evicting Bats From Human Dwellings, Veda Depaepe, Robert H. Schmidt
Unwanted Guests: Evicting Bats From Human Dwellings, Veda Depaepe, Robert H. Schmidt
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Bats are the second largest order of mammals in the world. Their 925 species are found on all continents except Antarctica. Bats are in serious decline world-wide from shrinking habitat, persecution and pesticides. Historically, bats were recognized for consuming insect pests, but only recently has the critical additional importance of bats in pollination and seed dispersal of semi-tropical and tropical plants been recognized. Bats use artificial structures in place of lost natural habitat, resulting in their destruction out of fear and ignorance. The health risk to humans from bats in buildings is extremely low, but where bat removal is necessary, …
The European Ferret, Mustela Putorius, (Family Mustelidae) Its Public Health, Wildlife And Agricultural Significance, Jim C. Hitchcock
The European Ferret, Mustela Putorius, (Family Mustelidae) Its Public Health, Wildlife And Agricultural Significance, Jim C. Hitchcock
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
The European ferret, Mustela putorius, a species prohibited in California, has become increasingly popular as a household "pet." As a result, its threat to public health, wildlife and agriculture has markedly increased. There has also been a consequent increase in reported attacks on humans, especially infants, including several fatalities. Reports of rabid European ferrets are also on the increase. When European ferrets establish "feral" populations, domestic poultry, waterfowl, game birds, rabbits and other species are at substantial risk. At this time, a California Legislature Assembly Bill has been introduced to change the status of the European ferret from a …
Monitoring Wildlife Damage Management Pesticides, The Role Of The California Department Of Fish And Game, Robert C. Hosea
Monitoring Wildlife Damage Management Pesticides, The Role Of The California Department Of Fish And Game, Robert C. Hosea
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
The Pesticide Investigations Unit (PIU) of the California Department of Fish and Game is responsible for identifying and mitigating the hazards of pesticides to fish and wildlife. By conducting annual reviews of individual county vertebrate pest control plans, investigating pesticide related fish and wildlife losses and reviewing all pesticides proposed for registration in California, the PIU monitors potential effects of vertebrate toxicants on fish and wildlife. The California Department of Fish and Game is working in conjunction with other state and local agencies, manufacturers and applicators to develop balanced, safe pest control programs which provide maximum protection to California's fish …
Biological Management (Control) Of Vertebrate Pests-Advances In The Last Quarter Century, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Thomas R. Schmaderer
Biological Management (Control) Of Vertebrate Pests-Advances In The Last Quarter Century, Scott E. Hygnstrom, Kurt C. Vercauteren, Thomas R. Schmaderer
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
In 1967, Howard provided a review of biological control of vertebrate pests. The term "biological control" was borrowed from the field of entomology, where it has been traditionally defined as "the reduction in number or density of pests through biological processes such as predation, pathogens, habitat modification, and fertility control." Current philosophy in wildlife damage management advocates "the reduction of damage to a tolerable level" rather than "the reduction of the number or density of vertebrate pests." Therefore we abdicate the term "biological control" and encourage the use of a new term, "biological management" of wildlife damage. Advances in science …
Wolf Depredation Management In Relation To Wolf Recovery, Carter C. Niemeyer, E.E. Bangs, S.H. Fritts, J.A. Fontaine, M.D. Jimenez, W.G. Brewster
Wolf Depredation Management In Relation To Wolf Recovery, Carter C. Niemeyer, E.E. Bangs, S.H. Fritts, J.A. Fontaine, M.D. Jimenez, W.G. Brewster
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
By 1930, wolves were extirpated from the western United States for livestock protection. In 1973, the Endangered Species Act protected wolves, and by 1980, wolf recolonization began in Montana. Confirmed livestock losses have been 17 cattle and 12 sheep with 16 wolves controlled as part of a program to enhance the recovery of non-offending wolves. ADC has: 1) controlled problem wolves, 2) improved communication with affected publics and governmental agencies, and 3) enhanced wolf recovery in Montana.
Feral Cat Control In Britain; Developing A Rabies Contingency Strategy, R.J.C. Page, D.H. Bennett
Feral Cat Control In Britain; Developing A Rabies Contingency Strategy, R.J.C. Page, D.H. Bennett
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Feral cat (Felis catus) control is required for reasons of public health, the welfare of cats themselves, and rabies control should an outbreak occur in Britain. A prerequisite to the control of feral cat colonies would be establishing their location. A method for locating colonies was developed and tested in four urban areas with a mean area of 157 sq km. Each area was surveyed on foot and by car to obtain the number and distribution of feral cat colonies. The method involved making inquiries at premises most likely to be frequented by cats ("high risk areas"). Most (94%) …
Field Evaluation Of Chemical Attractants For Summer Use On M-44s1, Robert L. Phillips, F. Sherman Blom
Field Evaluation Of Chemical Attractants For Summer Use On M-44s1, Robert L. Phillips, F. Sherman Blom
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Responses of free-roaming coyotes (Canis latrans) to four chemical attractants (W-U lure, artificial beef liver flavor, artificial smoked fish flavor, and Fatty Acid Scent) used on M-44 tops were measured during the summer months in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming. Visitation and pull rates varied throughout the study period from area to area and appeared to be associated with weather, food abundance, and coyote densities. Fatty Acid Scent and W-U lure produced the highest visitation and pull rates.
Racumin Plus , A New Promising Rodenticide Against Rats And Mice, Reiner Pospischil, Hans-Jurgen Schnorbach
Racumin Plus , A New Promising Rodenticide Against Rats And Mice, Reiner Pospischil, Hans-Jurgen Schnorbach
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Coumatetralyl (Racumin ) has been known since 1957 as a multiple dose anticoagulant and has been used successfully over many decades. In the seventies and especially the eighties, rats developed an increased resistance to anticoagulants in certain regions of Central Europe. Also, the addition of vitamin K to animal feed (especially to chicken feed) has reduced the efficacy against rats and mice in farm buildings. Combinations of anticoagulants with different types of vitamin D are generally described to increase the efficacy of action against rodents. It was found that especially the combination of coumatetralyl with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) could overcome …
Effective Period For Control Of The Brown Spiny Field Mouse (Mus Plantythrix) In Dry Land Crops, G. Govinda Raj
Effective Period For Control Of The Brown Spiny Field Mouse (Mus Plantythrix) In Dry Land Crops, G. Govinda Raj
Proceedings of the Sixteenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1994)
Information on breeding aspects of rodents is important to ensure control program timing necessary for effective pest management. Hence, studies on breeding aspects of the brown spiny field mouse (Mus platythrix), a known rodent pest in dry land crops were investigated including environmental factors influencing reproduction, from regular monthly collections made during the years 1990 and 1991. Field trapped rodents were classified to derive their population structure—percent juvenile, pre-pubertal and adult including prevalence of pregnancy—based on body weights and sexual conditions. The stage of pregnancy and sperm motility were confirmed by autopsy studies. The data were also analyzed …