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Problems Associated With Beaver In Stream Or Floodway Management, Wendy S. Fitzgerald, Ronald A. Thompson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

In California, beaver (Castor canadensis) were first recognized for their value as a furbearer. Additionally, in many areas, beaver are considered desirable if not essential components of stream and wetland ecosystems. Where beaver and human activity overlap, beaver have become nuisance animals causing direct damage through dam building, flooding, bank denning, and loss of agricultural crops. Other problems such as the threat of levee failure and subsequent flooding, increases in undesirable brush growth due to a raised water table, restricted access due to flooding, and an increased mosquito population resulted in the Department of Water Resources (DWR) developing a beaver …

Terrestrial Mammalian Pests In Argentina—An Overview, John E. Jackson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

In Argentina, 41 of the country's 300 native or introduced land mammals are legally considered as pests: 31 are indigenous and 10 exotic. The types of problems arising are described and the principal species causing them are reviewed. Although inflicting damage, several wild animals are also valuable for commercial hunting enterprises.

Badgers (Taxidea Taxus) As Occasional Pests In Agriculture, Steven C. Minta, Rex E. Marsh

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

The badger (Taxidea taxus). because of its strong propensity for digging, is considered North America's fossorial carnivore, feeding mostly on ground squirrels, pocket gophers, and mice throughout much of the western and midwestern continent. Badger excavations, primarily in search of food, produce mounds and deep holes which can damage alfalfa and other crops and damage farm equipment and water systems. Depredations include poultry, waterfowl, and eggs. Overall, the badger is considered a relatively minor vertebrate pest. As a furbearer it is considered a renewable natural resource. Most local pest problems are currently reduced through leghold trapping and shooting. Habitat modification …

Large Livestock Protection Collars Effective Against Coyotes, Richard J. Burns, Guy Connolly, Peter J. Savarie

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

A small (30-ml 1080 solution) livestock protection (LP) collar has been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help control coyote (Canis latrans) predation on sheep and goats. However, the small collar does not adequately cover the throats of large livestock. We pen tested large (60-ml 1080 solution) LP collars on large sheep for effectiveness against coyotes and determined sodium fluoroacetate (FAC) residues in coyotes and sheep to estimate nontarget hazards. The large collar was effective. In 5 tests, all 5 collars were punctured and all attacking coyotes died. Time to death averaged 2.5 h. Coyotes received more …

M-44 Sodium Cyanide Ejectors In The Animal Damage Control Program, 1976-1986, Guy Connolly

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

This paper summarizes Animal Damage Control (ADC) program records relating to M-44 use during Fiscal Years 1976-86. During these years, M-44s were used in 14 western states to take 103,255 animals, including 92,843 coyotes, 5,544 other target canids, and 4,868 nontarget animals. More animals were taken in Texas than in all other states combined. Program-wide during FY1977-81, M-44 effort averaged approximately 5,600 unit years annually and 1.2 target animals were recovered per M-44 year.

Field Evaluation Of Padded Jaw Coyote Traps: Effectiveness And Foot Injury, Samuel B. Linhart, F. Sherman Blom, Gary J. Dasch, Richard M. Engeman, Glenn H. Olsen

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

A field study of unpadded and padded foothold coyote traps was undertaken in six western states in 1986-1987. Tests were designed to determine the capture efficiency and extent of foot injury caused by different trap modifications. Results were similar to an earlier study undertaken in 1984-85 that showed padded traps reduced foot injury but captured and held fewer animals than did unpadded traps. Both studies showed that unpadded long-spring traps used operationally by Federal Animal Damage Control specialists were the most effective (75-78% capture rate) but caused more foot injury. Padded long-spring traps were intermediate in efficacy (52-57%) and foot …

Predators And Sheep Management Practices In Sonoma County, California, Stephanie Larson, Terrell P. Salmon

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Over the last twenty-five years, sheep numbers have been declining in Sonoma and Marin Counties at the same time the number of predators has increased. With the removal of most chemical control methods, livestock producers have had to turn to other methods of preventing livestock losses. The objective of this project was to survey livestock producers to determine the levels of predation, type of predator involved, and the management methods being used to reduce these losses. This information is essential to develop a sound extension program to help livestock producers better deal with the predator problem.

Development And Testing Of The Coyote Lure Operative Device, Daniel B. Fagre, Steven M. Ebbert

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

A new device for orally delivering substances to coyotes (Canis latrans) has been under development for approximately 10 years. The development of the coyote lure operative device (CLOD) is described along with some recent field evaluations of the CLOD system. In general, the results of these field tests indicate that the CLOD shows potential and merits further development.

Distribution And Magnitude Of Eagle/Livestock Conflicts In The Western United States, Robert L. Phillips, F. Sheridan Blom

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

ABSTRACT: Problems with golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and bald eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus) depredation on livestock in western United States were investigated by surveying Animal Damage Control field personnel. One hundred forty-three individuals from 14 states identified areas where they had observed eagle damage to livestock in the past 10 years. Most field personnel believed golden eagles (both residents and migrants) were the most important species causing livestock depredations. The highest livestock losses to eagles were associated with open range lambing operations. Eagle numbers were reported to be increasing throughout the West, but livestock losses to eagles were staying at about …

Solutions To Urban Bird Problems, William D. Fitzwater

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

A survey of municipalities across the country indicated that pigeons were the most widespread aerial nuisance in urban areas. These were followed in order by: blackbirds, starlings, house sparrows, woodpeckers, crows/ravens, swallows/swifts, waterfowl (Canadian geese, mallards, and coots), and gulls. With somewhat lesser frequency were robins, vultures, raptors, herons/egrets, mockingbirds, waxwings, and monk parakeets. Local bird problems were mostly handled by: USDA-APH1S-ADC, Health Department, City/County Animal Control, Landowner/householder, PCO, State Wildlife Agency, Police Department, and Mayor's office.

Observation Of Woodpecker Damage To Electrical Distribution Line Poles In Missouri, Lyle A. Stemmerman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Woodpecker damage to electrical distribution poles was monitored in Saline and Pcttis Counties. Damage increased over the four-year monitoring period. There was an increase in both the number of poles damaged and the amount of damage to individual poles. When woodpecker-damaged poles were replaced, the replacement poles proved highly vulnerable to attack. A pole repair and replacement program in Dekalb and Gentry Counties was monitored. The objective was to determine if plastic mesh would effectively protect poles from woodpecker attack and if efficacy could be reliably determined within one year of installation. Plastic mesh failed to provide an acceptable level …

Effect Of Ultrasonic, Visual, And Sonic Devices On Pigeon Numbers In A Vacant Building, Paul P. Woronecki

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Three bird scaring devices, ultrasonic, visual and sonic, were evaluated for repelling pigeons from inside a vacant building. After 10-30 days of treatment, none of the devices reduced the pigeon population from levels recorded in pre- and posttreatment periods. However, both the visual and sonic devices altered pigeon behavior during their 10-day treatment periods and temporarily reduced the pigeon population during the first 2 days of treatment. The ultrasonic device was completely ineffective; no change in pigeon activity was observed during a 20-day treatment period.

Aerial Treatments Against Starling Roosts In France With Chloro-Para-Toluidin (Cpt): Results Of Eight Years Of Experiments, P. Douville De Franssu, P. Gramet, G. Grolleau, A. Such

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

The starling is one of the major pest birds in France. During the winter, starlings coming from other parts of Europe gather in the Northwest of France and cause extensive damage in the corn silage distributed to the cattle, by eating and spoiling the grains. As it is impossible to protect the cattle food by physical means in most of the situations, the persons in charge of resolving the problem have chosen to turn towards chemical roost treatments. Between 1980 and 1988, nearly 40 treatments have been carried out on 25 different roosts. The chemical used is CPT (chloro-para-toluidin) applied …

Flight Pen Evaluation Of Eyespot Balloons To Protect Citrus From Bird Depredations, Michael L. Avery, Dennis E. Daneke, David G. Decker, Paul W. Lefebvre, Raymond E. Matteson, Curtis O. Nelms

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

The effectiveness of eyespot balloons in discouraging boat-tailed grackle (Ouiscalus major) use of a simulated orange grove was investigated in a series of 4-day trials. The mean distance to the trees of 6-bird experimental flocks was the same with a plain white balloon present as with no balloon. A white balloon with red and black eyespots kept birds at a greater distance from the trees throughout the trial. The presence of a black balloon with orange and yellow eyespots did not repel the birds from the grove. Observations of birds using the area within 1 m of the trees revealed …

Bird Damage To Sprouting Rice In Louisiana: Dynamics Of The Millers Lake Blackbird Roost, Kristin E. Brugger

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

In spring 1986 and 1987 I examined the relationship between blackbird abundance and sequence of rice planting near a very large roost in southwestern Louisiana to identify factors that contributed to bird damage in newly planted rice fields. Millers Lake, an eutrophic man-made lake of approximately 2,500 ha, attracts a winter roosting population that peaks at 10 to 25 million blackbirds annually. By March and April the roost declines to several thousand birds. Female red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were responsible for most rice seed losses, predominating both the roost and feeding flocks in rice fields in spring. Number of flocking …

Prolonged Seed Handling Time Deters Red-Winged Blackbirds Feeding On Rice Seed, Dennis Daneke, David G. Decker

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Theoretical concepts from foraging ecology were studied to identify elements of blackbird foraging strategies that may be manipulated to deter blackbirds feeding on rice. Seed-handling time was identified as one such vulnerable element. Consequently, we developed seed coatings for rice that increased handling time per seed, allowed a satisfactory germination rate, and persisted for several days postplanting. Test coats included hydrophilic binders with several starches, clays, plaster of paris and chemical grout in various combinations. Consistent repellency was achieved in feeding trials with captive red-winged blackbirds.

Using Aircraft For Controlling Blackbird/Sunflower Depredations, Larry L. Handegard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Although not a new idea, using aircraft to control blackbird damage to sunflowers has provided some relief for sunflower growers in North Dakota. The numerous scaring devices and limited frightening agents have not proven effective in controlling blackbird damage to sunflowers. In response to a congressional directive to provide assistance in controlling blackbird/sunflower depredations in North Dakota, a blackbird hazing program was developed. The program utilized fixed-wing aircraft and shooting to expedite the migration of blackbirds through North Dakota.

Controlling Shiny Cowbirds In Puerto Rico, Jon F. Heisterberg, Fernando Nunez-Garcia

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

A program to trap and remove shiny cowbirds (Molothrus bonariensis) was conducted during two successive passerine nesting seasons at Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in eastern Puerto Rico. It sought to improve existing trapping techniques and to determine the effect cowbird removal has on the reproductive success of the endangered yellow-shouldered blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus). Decoy traps of two basic designs were used to capture 2449 cowbirds in 1162 trap-days (average 2.l/trap-day) in June-September 1985 and 850 cowbirds in 1571 trap-days (average 0.5/trap-day) in March-August 1986. The lower capture rate in 1986 suggests that cowbirds removed in 1985 were not being replaced …

Alleviating Nuisance Canada Goose Problems With Acoustical Stimuli, Donald F. Mott, Shirley K. Timbrook

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Alarm/distress calls of Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were evaluated by themselves and in combination with racket bombs to determine their effectiveness in frightening Canada geese from nuisance situations at 2 Corps of Engineers campgrounds in Tennessee. Results based on goose censuses showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in goose numbers from nontreatment to treatment periods at both sites. Goose numbers were reduced an average of 71% when the calls alone were used. The combination of the calls and the racket bombs produced a 96% reduction in goose observations. Although a reduction in geese was observed during the treatment periods, continual harassment would appear to be necessary as reinvasion was noted after treatment was stopped. The scarcity of alternate feeding and loafing sites may have contributed to this lack of long-term control.

Characteristics Of Bird-Resistance In Agricultural Crops , Roger W. Bullard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

The use of biochemical or morphological genetic traits in a crop to protect ripening seeds or grain from bird damage remains a promising tool under certain situations. Research on bird-resistance in crops has focused on grain sorghum, corn, sunflower and rice. This crop protection method involves feeding behavior of granivorous birds and its effectiveness depends on the availability of preferred alternate foods. That is, bird-resistant traits provide protection to the crop when other food choices are readily available; however, when alternate food is scarce or high bird populations create serious feeding competition, they are less effective. Several practical factors (i.e., …

Behavioral Response Of Cattle Egrets To Population Control Measures In Hawaii, David P. Fellows, Peter W. C. Paton

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

We monitored behavior of cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) during a population control program to reduce egret-aircraft strike hazards from a small heronry near the Hilo, Hawaii, airport. Results verified that attempts to move egrets from undesirable roost sites should be undertaken before nesting begins. Although possibly compounded by previous treatments, our observations also indicate that 1) egrets may abandon a new roost in response to a few dead egrets placed in clear view around the roost, and 2) shooting at egrets as they attempt to land at a traditional feeding site causes long-term avoidance of the area. Rapid repopulation after …

Management Of Fruit Bat And Rat Populations In The Maldive Islands, Indian Ocean, Richard R. Dolbeer, Lynwood R. Fiedler, Hussain Rasheed

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

The introduced black rat (Rattus rattus) and the endemic giant fruit bat (Pteropus giganteus ariel) are serious depredators of coconuts and fruits, respectively, in the Maldives. Differences in reproductive rate between rats (high) and bats (low) must be considered in implementing control programs. We estimate a rat population can fully recover from an island-wide reduction of 90% in less than 6 months. In contrast, a bat population may require 6 years to recover from a 90% reduction. Crown-baiting of coconut palms with anticoagulant rodenticides is effective in reducing rat damage, but villagers have been reluctant to adopt recommended baiting programs, …

The State Of The Bay - 1987, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council (Tbrpc), Agency On Bay Management

Reports

Council's Agency on Bay Management has continued to lead and support major Bay related activities through legislation, development review, intergovernmental coordination, impact assessment and public education in 1987. Management and research efforts expand for the Bay as awareness grows of its significance. The State of the Bay - 1987 document represents the compilation of regional activities and these expanding effort to promote the Tampa Bay estuary.

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 20, No. 1 March 1988

The Prairie Naturalist

Paul B. Kannowski, Editor

Nikki R. Seabloom, Assistant Editor

Douglas H. Johnson, Book Review Editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WINTER FOOD HABITS OF PRAIRIE PORCUPINES IN MONTANA ▪ P. Hendricks and H. F. Allard

RABIES CONTROL BY SKUNK DEPOPULATION IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 1983 TO 1986 ▪ M. J. Pybus

USE OF SHELTER BY MULE DEER DURING WINTER ▪ A. K. Wood

FORAGING BEHAVIOR AND FOOD HABITS OF BURROWING OWLS IN WYOMING ▪ C. D. Thompson and S. H. Anderson

WILD TURKEY NESTING ECOLOGY IN SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTH DAKOTA ▪ T. L. Wertz and L. D. Flake

DOES THE DOWNY AMERICAN AVOCET …

The Impact Of Wildlife Damage On Wildlife Management Programs In Wisconsin, Scott R. Craven

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

ABSTRACT: Wildlife damage caused by species normally managed as game animals or furbearers should be of major concern to wildlife managers and various user groups: hunters, trappers, and other outdoor recreationists. Real or potential damage may be used as an important factor in determining population levels, harvest goals, and distribution of white-tailed deer and Canada geese in Wisconsin. In any state where private land and agriculture are important, such a strategy could reduce wildlife populations and associated recreational opportunities. Recent surveys in Wisconsin have quantified the amount and distribution of deer, goose, and turkey damage in Wisconsin. These data allow …

Characteristics Of Damage By Vertebrate Pests To Groundnuts In Pakistan, Joe E. Brooks, Ejaz Ahmad, Iftikhar Hussain

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Vertebrate pest damage to groundnut (Arachis hvpogea) was assessed at harvest in 164 fields selected along road transects in Pakistan. Overall damage in these fields was estimated at 5.3 %, of which the lesser bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) accounted for 2.4%, the short-tailed mole rat (Nesokia indica) caused 1.0%, and the wild boar (Sus scrofa) caused 0.9%. Desert hares (Lepus nigricollis). crested porcupines (Hystrix indica) and house crows (Corvus splendens) together accounted for the remaining 1.0% damage. The damage characteristics of each species are described. Observations indicated that visual above-ground examination of plants for damage underestimated the actual loss because …

A Decade Of Use Of Livestock Guarding Dogs, Raymond Coppinger, Lorna Coppinger, Gail Langeloh, Lori Gettler, Jay Lorenz

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Results from a ten-year study of livestock guarding dogs show that the dogs are an effective tool for reducing predation. Average reduction attained by five strains of dogs (Anatolian Shepherds, Maremmas, Shar Planinetz, Anatolian/ Shars, Maremma/Shars) was 64%, with predation reduced to zero for 53% of reporting producers in 1986. Variations in trustworthy, attentive and protective behavior of the dogs were breed-specific, and offer mechanisms for improving the system.

Photographic Records — Their Importance In Today's Environmentally Sensitive Bird Management Programs, Charles W. Areson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

We are living in a day of change. Environmental awareness is a part of our everyday life in a way unprecedented in history. The courts, in their infinite wisdom, have initiated the joint and several liability (deep pocket) rules that make everyone at risk in almost all situations. Bird management programs, by their very nature, are extremely sensitive. Any project, if not evaluated, planned, carried out, and documented properly can result in adverse regulatory agency action, bad publicity, and even fines or lawsuits. Proper photographic documentation can play a vital part in helping to provide the necessary records to help …

Innovative Approaches In The Control Of Quelea, Ouelea Auelea Lathimii. In Zimbabwe, Mike Lagrange

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 13th (1988)

Ever since crops have been grown, quelea have been a threat to summer subsistence crops and winter commercial wheat/barley cropping in Zimbabwe. Control techniques spraying toxicant Queletox through ground spray units and aircraft, developed in Zimbabwe, have produced 90% kills keeping the level of depredation down to acceptable levels. Zimbabwe, like most developing countries, faces protein shortages, and utilization of dead quelea by the rural population has always occurred even from sprayed colonies despite repeated warnings of possible side effects. Traditionally quelea have been sold on the black market for 10-20 Zimbabwe cents/bird and recently a far wider potential, even …

Reply To Lung Cancer Risk From Rn In Chinese Study, Werner Hofmann, Robert Katz, Zhang Chunxiang

Robert Katz Publications

We are writing in response to comments by V. A. Archer (Archer 1987) on our study of lung cancer incidence in two Chinese areas, designated as the high background and the control area (Hofmann et al. 1986). In his comments, he asserts that the epidemiological data suffer from two serious defects.