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Dual Role Of Forbs And Rodenticides In The Ground Spray Control Of Pine Mice, Frank Horsfall Jr., R.E. Webb, Ross E. Byers

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Highly effective controls for the pine mouse (Pitymys pinetorum) were obtained for three years in apple orchards by means of herbaceous ground cover sprays of [(chloro 4 phenyl) 1 phenyl] acetyl 2 dioxo 1-3 indane at a rate of 0.2 lb. per acre of actual orchard. This toxicant from Europe is designated there as chlorophacinone. The spray residue persists for a maximum of about 30 days and was not found to be translocated to fruits nor was it detected in runoff water. Ingestion of the lethal agent is markedly enhanced by an adequate presence of forbs in the treated greenery. …

Nesting Success Of Quelea Quelea With One Parent Removed And Observations On Roosting Behavior, With Implications For Control, Jeffrey A. Jackson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Avicidal sprays are likely to continue to be a major tool in controlling Quelea quelea nesting colonies when they are found in cereal producing areas. New observations on nesting behavior indicate that a single parent cannot successfully care for the nest if the other parent is destroyed before the eggs have hatched. During the incubation period, Quelea return earlier in the evening and males are more concentrated in night roosting areas than after the eggs have hatched. These factors indicate that for the most efficient control, the best time to spray nesting colonies is before hatching begins.

Feral Pigeon Control, Lester B. Krebs

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Feral pigeons, problem birds common to most American cities and farms, are descendants of the Rock Dove (Columba livia) of North Africa and Europe. They were brought to America as domestic poultry by the first European settlers and have since escaped. They are not truly "wild", as their existence depends upon man's activities. An adult pigeon will eat about a pound of food a week, consisting primarily of grain spilled around elevators, rail road yards and feed lots or fed by bird lovers at city parks. Pigeons are usually monogamous. The female lays 1 to 2 eggs, 8 …

Oregon's Nutria Problem, Lee W. Kuhn, E. Paul Peloquin

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

The nutria or coypu, Myocastor coypus, is a large semi-aquatic rodent that superficially resembles an overgrown muskrat or a stunted beaver. They were introduced into Oregon from about 1930 to the 1950s. At one time Oregon had more than 600 fur farmers raising these animals for fur; now there are none. Some animals escaped and many others were released into the wild when it became apparent that pelt values were nonexistent and production costs greatly exceeded profits. Being prolific and quite mobile the nutria quickly spread through much of western Oregon. By the 1960s damage to agricultural crops was …

Muskrat Control And Damage Prevention, James E. Miller

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Although the muskrat, Ondatra zibethica, is native throughout most of the United States and has been a mainstay of the fur business, in recent years it has become a serious pest causing extensive damage to some specific crops, as well as to earthen water-holding structures. Damage caused by muskrats to rice crops, food fish, and bait fish reservoirs in Arkansas was estimated in 1967 to be almost $900,000. A control program begun in October, 1967, directed principally at muskrat control, proved a significant aid in reducing damage. This program provided Arkansas farmers and landowners with practical, effective methods and …

The Significance Of Preference In Laboratory Bait Acceptance Studies, James G. Miller

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

The palatability of rodenticide baits has recently been the subject of renewed interest in industry and regulatory agencies. The requirement that a bait, especially those with anticoagulant rodenticides, be consumed by the target species is a fundamental requirement for effectiveness. This has been overlooked at times, with the result that in some instances, rodenticides have been relatively ineffective due to a lack of acceptance.

The measurement of palatability and rodent acceptance is a controversial area. The procedures used have been subjected to criticism, often uninformed criticism, and the projection of the experimental data to use conditions has also been debated. …

Mestranol As A Repellent To Protect Douglas-Fir Seed From Deer Mice, Gerald D. Lindsey, Richard M. Anthony, James Evans

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Mestranol** [3-Methoxy-19-nor-l7α-pregna-l,3,5 (10)-trien-20-yn-l7-ol (C₂₁H₂₆O₂)] was tested at 2 percent (active) as a repellent for protecting Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) seed from deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). In 5-day laboratory bioassays, deer mice consumed 61 to 66 percent fewer mestranol-treated seeds than control seeds; these results were about equal to those with a standard 0.5 percent (active) endrin seed treatment. Deer mice showed a progressive aversion to the mestranol seed treatment from 24 percent to 76 percent in 5 days. Thereafter, with minimal reinforcement, avoidance was maintained at 90 to 99 percent for …

Activities Of The Rodent Branch Of The European And Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (Eppo), Arvo Myllymaki

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO/OEPP) is a regional, governmental body, which has 33 member countries in Europe, North Africa, and Middle East. Its former activities were mainly concentrated on phytosanitary problems, but recently more attention has been paid on coordinating research activities and, especially, on problems associated with the use of pesticides in plant protection. On the Rodent Branch EPPO has at present three working units:

1. The Working Group on Field Rodents, concentrated primarily on biological aspects of the control of Microtines and other injurious rodents causing damage on field crops, horticulture, and forestry.

2. The …

Rodent Control Activities When Direct Seeding Forest Lands In Northern California, Peter C. Passof

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

The author reviews the changing use of rodenticides for deer mouse control over the past decade. He summarizes the operational procedures associated with direct seeding of forest lands by helicopter and the related practices of forest rodent control as they exist in the north coastal region of California. A description of the various field studies on Peromyscus baits and seed repellents presented to indicate the extent of local research activity in this increasingly important area of forest regeneration.

Laboratory Testing Of Albino Rats With Anticoagulant Rodenticides, Steve D. Palmateer

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

The results of testing dry anticoagulant baits at the Animal Biology Laboratory are evaluated in this paper. Overall, 14,940 rats were committed to these tests resulting in a mortality rate of 91 . 8 percent. The five chemicals tested and their mean mortality per test are: Diphacinone (93.5 percent), Pival (87.5 percent), Warfarin (93.9 percent), Prolin (91.2 percent), and Fumarin (92.8 percent).

The data indicates that 77.4 percent of the tests conducted resulted in a mortality of 90 percent or greater, but only 11.9 percent of them resulted in acceptance of 33 percent or greater and mortality of 90 percent …

Alpha-Naphthylthiourea As A Conditioning Repellent For Protecting Conifer Seed, Peter C. Passof, Rex E. Marsh, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

The object of this study was to find an alternative rodent repellent to take the place of endrin when direct seeding to regenerate coniferous forests. Compounds with aversive conditioning repellent attributes were screened. Even though still falling far short of endrin, which also acts as a lethal rodenticide, alpha-naphthylthiourea (ANTU) treated seed produced about twice as many seedlings as did the untreated seed. Both the laboratory and field evaluation procedures and results are discussed. It is hoped that with more research the efficacy of ANTU as a seed protectant can be further improved. The compound is much too promising to …

A New Series Of Selective Rodenticides, David L. Peardon

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

A new series of target-specific, single-dose rodenticides has been discovered by Rohm and Haas Company (Peardon, 1972; Peardon et al., 1972). One compound, RH-787, best exemplifies the balance of desirable qualities of a good rodenticide. It is effective against a broad spectrum of pest rodents, has a desirable margin of safety in non-target animals, is well accepted in baits, causes no secondary hazard problems and is effective against "Warfarin-resistant" (anticoagulant-resistant) rats. This material will become commercially available upon receipt of registration from the EPA.

Emergency Rabid Skunk Control In Montana, Kenneth Seyler, Carter Niemeyer

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

A maximum of 500 strychnine eggs were placed in designated skunk habitat within a three mile radius where rabid skunks were diagnosed as an emergency control method to reduce or prevent the spread of rabies in striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) populations in Northeastern Montana. The effects of strychnine on skunk and other non-target species populations were evaluated. When placed in primary skunk habitat, the toxicant eggs were selective in removing striped skunks. Scent post surveys indicated that skunk populations were reduced, while non-target species populations remained stable or increased in control areas. The effects of the toxicant egg …

Trapping: A Continuous Integral Part Of A Rodent Control Programme, H.R. Shuyler, R.F. Sun Jr.

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Trapping is usually considered a rodent control technique of minor importance. Due to the economic situation in the Dumaguete, Philippines program from which this report is drawn, regular trapping was a biological necessity. Four species of rodents and a shrew were of concern. A continuing daily trapping program was developed from a field study of trap bait acceptability. Trap baits were reused every 23 days. Alternate baits were selected. Trap usage techniques were designed to optimize the results. Trap-bait shyness and trap shyness effects were observed but were not a major problem.

Animal Damage Control Research–"Are Present Priorities Based On Actual Need?", Richard N. Smith

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Priorities regarding Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife vertebrate damage control research are in most cases based on actual need. Need is influenced by economic, political, legislative, and biological incentives. These incentives affect private industry, state and local governments, academia, and the federal government but in different ways. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife has 24 percent of its wildlife research budget invested in vertebrate damage control research. Its programs deal with predators, birds, and small mammals and research programs are problem oriented. Priorities are generally developed within the organization and are usually determined by biological need.

Environmental Impact Statements, Gordon F. Snow

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) became law January 1, 1970, while the California Environmental Quality Act was adopted on September 18 of the same year. NEPA established specific action-forcing procedures for implementing the policy; created the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQA); fostered development of indices of environmental quality ; and provided for an annual CEQA report of progress. Section 102(2)(C) is the most renowned portion of NEPA. It requires the preparation of detailed written statements of environmental impacts, including alternative actions and their impacts. Section 102(2)(A) requires federal agencies to implement the integrated use of natural and …

A Safe Approach To Natural Home Ranges, As Applied To The Solution Of Edge Effect Subjects, Using Capture-Recapture Data In Vole Populations, Ryo Tanaka

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Capture-recapture work was performed in 1970 and 1971 with Microtus montebelli seeking to disclose the edge effect subjects. For the purpose, in principle, it is needful for us to approach the reality of home range in size and shape. As the result of these studies, it has been established that the method using observed range length and width is highly available for searching after natural ranges and that the natural range of the voles (Microtus and Clethrionomys) is ordinarily on the order of 0.05 for females and of 0.10 for males in acres and generally oblong in shape such as …

Modelling For Research On Chemical Control Of Mammals In New Zealand, C.L. Batcheler, J. Bell

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Development of predictive formulae or qualitative statements about the probable outcome of control campaigns entails knowledge of bait quality and distribution, behavior, vagaries of weather at the time of the control campaign, and other factors which govern the probability that the target animals will accept bait.

This paper collates experience in recognizing, estimating and using some of these variables for predicting the outcome of large-scale poisoning, and discusses possible approaches to the solution of some hard-core problems.

Rabbit Behavior Research In Australia And Its Relevance In Control Operations, B.V. Fennessy

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Research in Australia on the behavior of wild rabbits has provided a basis for improvements in the tactics and strategy of control.

As the warren is a central focus for growth and survival of a population, a program for effective control or eradication should a i m at making the warren unavailable to rabbits.

Enclosure studies of behavior suggested that poisoning would be much more effective when carried out in the non-breeding season. This has been confirmed in field trials.

The behavioral importance of the odor-producing inguinal , submandibular, and anal glands is emphasized. It is suggested that further studies …

The Role Of W.H.O. In The Study And Control Of Rodent-Borne Disease, N.G. Gratz

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

While little information is available on the distribution and incidence of most of the diseases with rodent reservoirs, many of them are known to be widespread and may have considerable public health importance in some of the foci in which they are found. The World Health Organization is carrying out investigations on the epidemiology of several diseases with rodent reservoirs and on the biology and ecology of the rodent reservoir species themselves. These investigations are being carried out both at WHO research u n i t s and with collaborating laboratories. Based on the ecological information the organization is attempting …

The Role Of F.A.O. In Vertebrate Pest Problems, H.R. Shuyler

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Since 1947, when FAO began its involvement in vertebrate pest problems, its role has gradually expanded. Through short-term Consultants, Experts, Regional and Headquarters Officers, it advises Member Countries about vertebrate pest control needs and opportunities, fulfills requests for assistance suggesting needed modifications, and guides and reports on assistance rendered. Assistance may involve one or more international specialists for a few weeks up to national and regional projects of several years' duration. In cooperation with WHO it sponsors meetings of specialists, develops rodenticide specifications for international commerce, and has published rodent bibliographies covering 1950 to 1969.

Germ Plasm Evaluation Program Report No. 1, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The cattle germ plasm evaluation program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center is designed to characterize breeds representing different biological types in the full spectrum of economic traits relating to growth, feed efficiency, reproduction, maternal ability and carcass and meat traits. The basic objective of this program is to develop an understanding relating to optimizing such biological factors as cow size, milk level, etc., in different feed environments and production situations.

The program was started with the 1969 breeding season. The first cycle involved breeding by artificial insemination (AI), Hereford, Angus, Jersey, South Devon, Limousin, Summental and Charolais bulls …

Quail Music: The Complex Calls Of A Bird Contain Clues To Its Evolution, Paul A. Johnsgard

Papers in Ornithology

Ethological research has revealed that the vocal communications of birds are highly specialized behavioral adaptations that can shed light on evolutionary processes. The calls of the quails of the New World are a good example. This group of birds includes some thirty species, about half of which are limited to the tropical forests of Central and northern South America. The other species are North American, ranging as far north as southern Canada. Morphological evidence favors the view that the most generalized, or “primitive,” of these species are the tree quails of Mexico’s moist mountain forests. The more open-country and arid-adapted …

Water Current, Volume 6, No. 3, March 1974

Water Current Newsletter

From the Desk of the Director
Water Resources Seminar Series
1974 Summer Institute
Administration Water Budget - FY 1975
Bureau of Reclamation
Office of Water Resources Research
Office of Saline Water
Water Resources Council
Commisson on Water Quality
US Geological Survey
Stream Channelization Critiicized
Investments in Transportation
Cloud Seeding Impacts Researched
$7 Billion Proposed for Environmental Programs
WRC Issues New Guidelines
Research Review: Biological Control of Blue-Green Algae

An Ok Science Teacher, Robert Fuller

Robert G. Fuller Publications

Many elementary school teachers feel insecure and unsure in their teaching of science, i.e., they have NOT OK feelings about themselves and science. These feelings are based on the teachers' previous science experiences and on their interactions with other persons in science courses. The improvement of elementary school science programs depends upon the teacher's ability to deal effectively with his feelings about science. A complete science education program for an elementary teacher includes three components: (1) science content, (2) science methods that take into consideration the intellectual development of children, and (3) a practical psychology for developing positive human attitudes …

Lysimetric Calibration Of The Bowen Ratio-Energy Balance Method For Evapotranspiration Estimation In The Central Great Plains, Blaine L. Blad, Norman J. Rosenberg

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Most reports show good agreement between evapotranspiration (ET) rates estimated by Bowen Ratio-Energy Balance (BREB) method and rates measured with lysimeters, although underestimation by the BREB model has occasionally been reported. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the BREB technique in the climatic conditions characteristic of the central Great Plains, a region where a significant proportion of the energy consumed by evapotranspiration is supplied from advected sensible heat.

Agreement between the BREB method and lysimetric measurements of ET is good during non-advective periods but during advective periods the BREB model underestimates ET by about 20%. Data collected …

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 6, No.1. March 1974

The Prairie Naturalist

AVIAN MORTALITY FROM COLLISIONS WITH OVERHEAD WIRES IN NORTH DAKOTA ▪ G. L. Krapu

NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE OLIVE-BACKED POCKET MOUSE PEROGNATHUS FASCIATUS ON THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS ▪ J. E. Pefaur & R. S. Hoffman

NOTE: Swans Resting on the Surface of A Dry Lake ▪ D. S. Gilmer

A New Vespertilionine Bat From The Barstovian Deposits Of Montana, John F. Sutton, Hugh H. Genoways

University of Nebraska State Museum: Mammalogy Papers

During the 1972 field season, a small collection of micromammals was obtained from the Anceney Local Fauna located 13 miles west of Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana. The fauna is Barstovian in age (Upper Miocene) and is preserved in an ash-filled channel deposit in the Madison Valley Formation (Dorr, 1956). A single partial jaw of a chiropteran was recovered along with numerous bones and teeth of other mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The jaw is complete from incisors back to the level of the m2. Examination of the jaw and comparisons with Recent and fossil chiropterans has convinced us that it …

A Mode Of Action Of Herbicides: Inhibition Of The Normal Process Of Nitrite Reduction, Lowell Klepper

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Research Bulletins

Herbicides were shown to interfere in the normal process of enzymatic nitrite reduction by the plant in photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic plant tissues with little effect on nitrate reduction. This preferential inhibition caused nitrite to accumulate. The occurrence of free nitrite within the plant can help to explain the toxicity symptoms, nastic growth reactions, abnormal metabolism and rapid death due to herbicide action. This blockage of nitrite reduction was shown with all photosynthetic inhibitor herbicides tested and with numerous other herbicides. The effect was demonstrated using an in vivo assay, intact green plants and germinating seedlings. A basic in vivo method …

Agricultural Experiment Station News February 1974

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:
OUR NEW LEADER
INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES 1974-75 CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION REQUESTS STATUS
PERSONNEL ACTIONS
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS
GENERAL NOTES
NEBRASKA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION PUBLICATIONS - January 1974
BULLETINS PRINTED