Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Great-Tailed Grackle Predation On South Texas Citrus: (Identifying A Unique Problem), John Hobbs, Fred G. Leon Iii

Wildlife Damage Management Conference

The December 1983 freeze inflicted tremendous damage to the South Texas citrus groves and reduced tree numbers by approximately fifty percent. Additionally, it is believed that Great-tailed grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) populations have increased over the past few years. With decreased citrus acreage and increased grackle numbers, the severe negative effects are economically significant to the Texas citrus industry.

Grackle damage to grapefruit and oranges differs in type and economic importance. The first is "cosmetic" in nature, small pecks or scratches on the fruit skin, and downgrades the fruit, reducing its value. The second is actual crop loss due …