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Ecological Requirements Of Pine And Meadow Voles In New England Orchards, Alan J. Steiner

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

With increased concern over the effects of pesticides on ecosystems end non-target species, the use of many toxic materials has either been banned or severely restricted. Consequently, a more ecological approach to vole damage is necessary to develop sounder methods of control. Distribution of pine voles (Microtus pinetorum), both seasonally end geographically, indicates that this species is not readily adaptable to 8 wide range of habitat types or conditions. If there are certain factors limiting the occurrence end abundance of pine voles, end they can be detected, we may be able to exploit this knowledge to adversely affect …

Selected Habitat Characteristics And Pine Vole Abundance In Pennsylvania Apple Orchards, J. R. Parker, G. M. Kelly, W. M. Tzilkowski

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

In the past, researchers from The Pennsylvania State University have Investigated specific aspects of the pine vole (Microtus pinetorum) and its biology (Fisher 1976, Gettle 1975, Simpson 1978). In our current research, we are Investigating many factors of the pine vole's orchard habitat and examining these factors collectively. Our objectives are:
1) To determine what combinations of habitat characteristics relate best to abundance of pine voles in Pennsylvania apple orchards.

2) To recommend strategies on how to consider or modify those habitat characteristics to maintain the lowest possible numbers of pine voles.

1982 Vole Symposium West Virginia Orchard Tour, Roger S. Young

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Warm Springs Orchard - Robert W. Butler
Swan Pond Orchard - William Kilmer
Lewis Brother Orchard - Charles and Otho Lewis

Potential Use Of Barn Owls To Control Vole Populations In Orchards, T. L. Derting, Jack A. Cranford

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

The development of control methods for pine and meadow voles in orchard habitats has met with limited success. Though numerous physical, mechanical, and chemical methods have been recommended for limiting vole populations, few have effectively reduced and maintained vole populations at minimal densities for extended periods of time. Though the use of chemicals has been the most effective control method developed it has not resulted in the extinction of pest populations. The initial application of rodenticides frequently causes a significant reduction in pest species, but due to their high intrinsic rate of increase, vole densities quickly rise. Because of high …

Registration List

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Registration list

Strange Males Block Pregnancy In Lactating Pine Voles, Microtus Pinetorum, And Reduce Survival And Growth Of Nursing Young, Margaret H. Schadler

Eastern Pine and Meadow Vole Symposia

Strange (unfamiliar) males affect survival of progeny of reproductive female rodents in a variety of ways. In mice, strange males block pregnancy before implantation of embryos (Bruce, 1959) but only in females that are not lactating (Bruce and Parkes, 1961). In voles these males can block pregnancy both before and after implantation (Stehn and Richmond, 1975; Marks and Schadler, 1979; Schadler, 1981). Strange males have also been shown to kill nursing pups in lemmings (Mallory and Brooks, 1978) and mice (Labov, 1980 and vom Saal and Howard, 1982).

The present study in pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) examines the …

The Aquatic Toxicity Of Organic Compounds To Embryo-Larval Stages Of Fish And Amphibians, Jeffrey A. Black, Wesley J. Birge, Willaim E. Mcdonnell, Albert G. Westerman, Barbara A. Ramey, Donald M. Bruser

KWRRI Research Reports

Aquatic toxicity tests were conducted on 11 organic compounds considered hazardous to water resources. The toxicity of each compound was evaluated using embryo-larval stages of two to eight fish and amphibian species. Exposure was initiated at fertilization and maintained through 4 days posthatching. The animal test species exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity to the selected toxicants. Combined frequencies for mortality and teratogenesis at 4 days posthatching gave LC₅₀ ranges of 3.66 to 8.25 mg/L for benzene, 1.16 to 22.42 mg/L for carbon tetrachloride, 0.11 to 1.20 mg/L for chlorobenzene, 2.03 to > 68 mg/L for chloroform, 3.01 to 5.56 mg/L …

Classification And Management Of Wetlands In The Western Kentucky Coal Field, William J. Mitsch, Robert W. Bosserman, Paul L. Hill Jr., Jan R. Taylor

KWRRI Research Reports

This is the first research report of a three-year project on wetland identification and management criteria in the western Kentucky coal field. The region is approximately 12,000 square kilometers and, due to its slight relief, contains many wetlands, some contiguous with surface coal mining operations. The overall objectives of the research project are 1) to identify, classify, and map wetlands in the western Kentucky coal field; 2) to evaluate the major biotic and abiotic factors that affect those wetlands; and 3) to develop strategies for the proper management of those wetlands.

The first report of this three-year project has involved …

Assessment, Understanding And Management Of Blackbird Agriculture Interactions In Eastern Canada, Patrick J. Weatherhead

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The major results of recent research on the problem of red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) damage to field corn (Zea mays) in eastern Canada are reviewed. In the area of damage assessment, an indirect approach relying on energetic considerations appears to provide a rapid and inexpensive means for generating reliable damage estimates. The identification of pronounced compositional changes in roost populations has provided a more accurate means for predicting the impact of any management technique relying on population reduction at roosts. Investigation of the interaction of blackbirds and insects revealed that prey species conform to general patterns …

The Red Eyed Turtle Dove (Streptopelia Semitorquata) As An Agricultural Pest In Nigeria, Modupe Akande

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Preliminary results compiled from visual observations and questionnaires indicated that a large variety of crops including soyabean, cowpea, groundnut, maize, rice, sorghum were attacked at planting and seedling stages of growth by the red-eyed turtle dove (Streptopelia semitorquata). The social conditions under which this bird is protected, by social taboos and also as an attractive and common household pet in many parts of Nigeria, limit the control options that could be used to stop its deleterious activities. In the meantime research efforts are being directed to the understanding of the population ecology and biology of the species as a prerequisite …

Bird Damage To Sunflowers In The Sacramento Valley, California, Michael L. Avery, Richard Dehaven

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Damage caused by birds to ripening sunflower was evaluated in 60 fields (about 70% of all planted fields) in the Sacramento Valley, California, during 1980 and 1981. Overall monetary losses were roughly $6,800 (24 fields) and $7,400 (36 fields) in 1980 and 1981, respectively. The percentage losses estimated for the individual fields were low, ranging from 0 to 5.4% of the crop; in about two-thirds of the fields, losses were <0.5%. For the 12 fields with the highest (≥1.0%) damage, the average per acre monetary loss was roughly $18. Damage levels within local areas were relatively constant between the two years. Although several species of birds caused damage, house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) were apparently most important. Their foraging behavior differed from that of blackbirds, which fed extensively on insects in addition to sunflower. The presence of large numbers of blackbirds or finches in fields was not always an indication of bird damage. Additional research may lead to recommendations for alleviating the moderate losses which a few growers now incur.

Evaluation Of Zinc Phosphide Bait For Pocket Gopher Control On Forest Land, Victor G. Barnes Jr., Richard M. Anthony, James Evans, Gerald D. Lindsey

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Laboratory bioassays and field tests were conducted to determine if zinc phosphide baits would control pocket gophers in forest plantations. Zinc phosphide baits generally were less effective than the strychnine alkaloid-oat bait commonly used by forest managers to control gophers. However, a carrot bait with 0.75% zinc phosphide showed potential as a substitute for strychnine. Size of carrot bait and grooming activity of gophers were identified as important factors affecting efficacy of baits.

Snares For Predator Control, Major L. Boddicker

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The use of snares predates recorded history. The snare was first used when ancient man realized that an association between a tightening loop of vine and an ensnared animal was something which he could construct and repeat. The current increased interest in snares has been a result of restricted chemical tools in animal damage control resulting in a new look at old mechanical methods. The increased value of pelts of predators has brought efforts by private trappers to improve snaring as a tool. As a result, the ancient art of snaring has been greatly improved over the last decade. New …

Predator Problems When Using Sheep And Goats In Managing Brush On Rangelands, James E. Bowns

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Rangelands occupy a large portion of the western United States and the world. Grazing by ruminant animals provides the only means of obtaining usable products from these lands. Sheep and goats are more efficient producers, better adapted to many ranges, and are useful in controlling or manipulating shrubs and other undesirable vegetation which results in improved range conditions and increased water yields. There has been a general decline in sheep and goat numbers and a shift toward cattle. Predation has been a major factor in the abandonment of many sheep and goat operations and the shift to other livestock. A …

Current Improvements In Baiting Pine And Meadow Voles, Ross E. Byers, M.H. Merson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Excellent control of pine voles (Microtus pinetorum) and meadow voles (M. pennsylvanicus) was achieved with several commercially pelletized anticoagulant baits applied as single hand-placed or broadcast treatments. A new pelletized formulation of zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) was shown to kill approximately 30% more voles when compared to another surface-coated 2% Zn3P2 corn-and-oat formulation. Hand-placed cellophane or plastic-packaged rodenticides were effective when placed in vole runways under cinder blocks and split tires.

Closing Remarks—Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Dell O. Clark

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Closing remarks

Conference Participants

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The Conference was the largest ever with a total of 479 registered attendees. The participants came from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and 15 other countries: Australia, Canada, Bangladesh, Egypt, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and Zimbabwe. The wide representation from the United States and from countries throughout the world contributed to the success of the Conference by providing a highly diversified group for the exchange of ideas and information.

Rodent Problems Relative To Mechanical Harvesting, A. Charles Crabb, Ronald L. Riddle

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

As the number of crops that are mechanically harvested increases, the reports of rodent problems associated with those crops increase also. This report examines the rodent problems in mechanically harvested tomatoes and reports on work done in studying the effects of various border crops on rodent populations. It also looks at possible rodent management options available to growers of mechanically harvested crops.

Pulsed Baiting —A New Technique For High Potency, Slow Acting Rodenticides, Adrian C. Dubock

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The disadvantages of the acute, fast-acting, rodenticides are well understood by the specialist. However, despite poison-shyness and consequent short-lived, low efficacy rodent control, many users prefer "acutes" such as zinc phosphide to "first-generation" anticoagulants of the warfarin type. The techniques necessary for efficient use of the first-generation anticoagulants are often inappropriate, particularly in agriculture. High labour and bait inputs required are unacceptable and are, together with the need for area coordinated control programs, significantly responsible for lack of widespread use of anticoagulants, even in those countries with a long history both of disastrous rodent damage to crops and rodent damage …

Urban Blackbird Roost Survey—1981, Sally S. Erdman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

A brief description is given of 29 areas in the United States and Canada experiencing problems with blackbirds and/or starlings. The answers to an Urban Blackbird Roost Survey of these areas are tabulated and discussed. Suggestions for future urban roost management are presented.

Alpha-Chlorohydrin (Epibloc®): A Toxicant-Sterilant As An Alternative In Rodent Control, Ronald J. Ericsson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Alpha-chlorohydrin (EPIBLOC) introduces a new form of rodenticide - the toxicant-sterilant. EPIBLOC, as a pest control product registered and used in some countries, changes the concept of chemosterilants from theoretical to practical. The active ingredient also acts as an acute toxicant in the control of rodents. It is effective on both sexes and all age groups. Alpha-chlorohydrin is rapidly absorbed and metabolized; therefore, it is neither a secondary toxicant nor a cumulative toxicant. Another unique biological characteristic of this compound is its species specificity with regards to male sterility. First, only sexually mature males are rendered sterile through the development …

Development And Evaluation Of Methods To Reduce Rat Damage To Coconut In The Philippines, L.A. Fiedler, M.W. Fall, R.F. Reidinger Jr.

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Based on findings from studies conducted in the Philippines over a span of almost a decade, primarily by scientists at the Philippine National Crop Protection Center, crown-baiting (wherein bait containing anticoagulant is placed monthly in the crowns of some palms in a coconut plantation), holds the potential of providing highly economical protection from rat damage. The success of the method in various field trials appeared related, in part, to selective removal of rodents that feed in the palms and to the use of baits that were preferred over growing nuts. Studies have also indicated that only 10% or less of …

Bird Limes And Rat Glues—Sticky Situations, William D. Fitzwater

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

In antiquity, sticky materials were widely used for catching small birds for food and sport, but this practice is now illegal in most industrial nations. The most widespread use of sticky materials is in "glueboards" to catch rats and particularly mice. Their popularity has increased with the negative public attitude towards use of pesticide chemicals. Early materials were made from latex and gums of many trees, but current ones also use industrial chemicals like Polyethylenes and polybutenes. They have most of the advantages of traps but have some disadvantages. Their use may be limited by temperature, moisture, dust, vapors, etc. …

Commensal Rats: A Threat To Poultry Production In Nigeria, Oluwadare Funmilayo

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Rats are now found in the majority of poultry houses in Nigeria. They usually inhabit roofs, interior of cupboards, electrical and gas appliances, holes in the soil and in walls and rubbish dumps. Extensive rat trapping yielded only two species, the cosmopolitan roof/ship rat (Rattus rattus) and the multimammate rat (Mastomys natalensis). The most outstanding types of damage, resulting in much economic loss, were the killing of chicks by decapitation and the infliction of deep wounds on adult birds. Breaking of eggs became a serious problem in a few cases. Damage to containers, bags and feed consumption was usually of …

The Cliff Swallow—Biology And Control, W. Paul Gorenzel, Terrell P. Salmon

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) nesting in colonies on man-made structures can cause aesthetic problems and health hazards. Cliff swallows are migratory, wintering in South America and breeding throughout most of North America. Cliff swallows have a homing tendency to old colonies and are attracted to the gourd-shaped mud nests. Egg laying begins before nest construction is finished; clutch size averages 3 or 4 eggs. Re-nesting is common if a nest fails and some pairs may raise 2 broods in 1 nesting season. Cliff swallows may be present at a colony for up to 132 days. Cliff swallows are protected by …

Compensation For Vertebrate Pest Damage, Joseph B. Gurba

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Compensation for wildlife damage to private property is recognized by the Alberta government as a short-term reimbursement to the property owner and a long-term investment in wildlife conservation. In 1978 the Alberta Problem Wildlife Committee recommended that problem wildlife management policies and programs should contain three basic factors: PREVENTION, COMPENSATION and CONTROL or ANIMAL REMOVAL. These should be incorporated whenever possible in dealing with a particular species of problem wildlife or vertebrate pest. The Alberta government approved this philosophy as a reflection of traditional rights and fair treatment of landowners and as the basis for future programs. Compensation is paid …

Raptor-Mimicking Kites For Reducing Bird Damage To Wine Grapes, Roger L. Hothem, Richard W. Dehaven

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Preliminary tests in California vineyards during 1979 and 1980 indicated that a raptor-mimicking kite suspended from a helium-filled balloon (kite-balloon or KB) could reduce bird damage to ripening wine grapes. Based on the results of both damage assessments and bird censuses, one KB per hectare, deployed for alternate 1-wk periods, reduced losses caused by birds by about 33% in 1979 and by an average of 48% in 1980 when compared with 1-wk control periods. Habituation by the birds to the KB appeared to reduce its effectiveness over time in 1979, but this problem was reduced in 1980 by regularly changing …

A Tiger Problem In India, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

During the past decade, India has done wonders in re-establishing populations of rare and threatened wildlife. Project Tiger, initiated in 1973, has stimulated a successful conservation movement in India. But tigers, like all animals, do not recognize man's property lines and, as populations increase in the forest reserves, more and more tigers forage outside of the parks, killing livestock and people. The current methods and regulations of dealing with troublesome tigers (and elephants) that stray from the sanctuaries due to overpopulation social pressures, lack of food, old age, or other reasons may soon become inadequate as the value of human …

Twentieth Anniversary Of Vertebrate Pest Conferences In California, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

It is difficult for some of us to realize that the Vertebrate Pest Conferences in California were started 20 years ago. We have come a long way since the first one in Sacramento in 1962 to the very successful 3-day Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (VPC) opened by Chairperson Rex E. Marsh on 23 February 1982, in Monterey, California. When closing the Tenth Conference, incoming Chairperson for the 1984 VPC, Dell 0. Clark, pointed out that there were easily 550 people in attendance from 31 states, District of Columbia, and 15 foreign countries.

The Urban Coyote Problem In Los Angeles County, Robert G. Howell

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Extensive, urban development of hillside areas in Los Angeles County has created an undesirable human interface with coyotes (Canis latrans). Plentiful, readily available household garbage, pet foods, and water have spawned abnormal numbers of bold coyotes that have adopted residential properties and the human environment as ideal habitat. Consequently, at least six persons have been attacked, including the death of a three-year old child, during the past three years. Selective use of padded steel traps, shooting, and public education are presently being used in problem areas by the Agricultural Commissioner in an attempt to reindoctrinate these predators into returning to …