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Proceedings: Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Rohnert Park, California, March 5-7, 1996 (Complete Work), Robert M. Timm , Editor, A. Charles Crabb , Editor

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

340 registered attendees
58 papers
273 pages
52 Mb

You have come from throughout California, from across the United States, and from many corners of the world to gather here for the purpose of sharing information, expertise, and wisdom in dealing with vertebrate pest problems. Our common purpose is to find yet better methods for preventing and resolving situations in which wildlife comes into conflict with humans. The Conference's mission remains one of education. We learn from each other, and we strive to find better ways of applying our knowledge to real-world problems.

Disaccharide Intolerance Of European Starlings, Leonard R. Askham

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The use of disaccharides to discourage bird depredation to agricultural crops has elicited some interest during the last few years. Data developed in these trials indicate that several avian species are intolerant to sucrose because of the lack of sucrase enzymes in their digestive systems. Based on this research it is hypothesized that progressively increasing rates and volumes of solutions would elicit consistent adverse stress reactions. Furthermore, that if birds were intolerant to sucrose, because of their co-evolutionary development with plants, then they should lack the ability to digest lactose. The data developed in these trials does not support either …

Closing Remarks—Seventeenth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Rex O. Baker

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

As chair-elect of the council, I would like to thank all of those who participated in this 17th Vertebrate Pest Conference.

We had a total attendance of 340 from 27 states in the U.S., including 27 attendees from 8 countries outside the U.S. The contributions and sacrifices made by foreign speakers is genuinely appreciated and has, as always, added greatly to the diversity of the conference.

As most of you know, the council's primary goal is fostering education and advancement in the field of vertebrate pest management. We have always tried to draw noted experts to present a broad range …

Field Efficacy Of Diphacinone Grain Baits Used To Control The California Ground Squirrel, J. A. Baroch

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Diphacinone treated oat groats were effective in reducing populations of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) by more than 84%. Two concentrations of active ingredient (0.005% and 0.01%) were compared, as well as two application methods: spot baiting and bait stations. Squirrel activity on test plots was assessed before and after bait applications using visual counts and active burrow counts. There was good correspondence between results of the two activity indices. There was no significant improvement in efficacy provided by the higher concentration of diphacinone. Bait consumption was much lower on bait station plots. Squirrel carcasses were found on …

Overhead Wires Reduce Roof-Nesting By Ring-Billed Gulls And Herring Gulls, Jerrold L. Belant, Sheri K. Ickes

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The authors evaluated the effectiveness of overhead wires in reducing roof-nesting by ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) and herring gulls (L. argentatus) at a 7.2 ha food warehouse in Bedford Heights, Ohio during 1994-1995. In 1994, stainless steel wires (0.8 mm diameter) were attached generally in spoke-like configurations between 2.4 m upright metal poles spaced at 33.7 m intervals over the main portion of roof. The 6 to 14 wires radiating from each pole created a mean maximum spacing between wires of about 16 m. Nesting by ring-billed and herring gulls was reduced by 76% and 100% …

Towards "Best Practice" Vertebrate Pest Management In Australia, Mike Braysher, Peter O'Brien, Mary Bomford

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Australia has 26 species of introduced pest mammals that cause extensive damage to agriculture and the conservation of native wildlife. Past efforts tried to eradicate them. This focus on reducing pest numbers rather than the outcome, reduced damage, has had limited success. Under its Vertebrate Pest Program, the Bureau of Resource Sciences has developed principles and a strategic approach to managing pest damage. Close cooperation with land managers as co-researchers and co-learners is an essential element, as is a coordinated group approach to pest management. The approaches are illustrated with an example.

Effectiveness Of Vichos Non-Lethal Collars In Deterring Coyote Attacks On Sheep, J. Russell Mason, Richard J. Burns

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Vichos non-lethal collars containing 45 to 105 ml of 3 % capsicum oleo resin were evaluated as deterrents to coyote attacks on sheep. Each of five coyotes tested made neck/throat attacks on one collared lamb; four punctured collars and one pulled the collar from a lamb without puncturing it. One coyote did not resume biting the lamb for 60 min; it was retested two and four days later. At two days, the coyote punctured a second collar and briefly halted its attack. At four days, the coyote attacked a third collared lamb but made no attempt to grasp the neck/throat …

An Overview Of Animal Damage Control (Adc) Assistance To The Vertebrate Pest Management Industry, William H. Clay

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The Animal Damage Control (ADC) program has had a long history dating back to 1885. ADC was officially established in 1931 under the United States Department of Agriculture. In 1939, the program was moved to the United States Department of Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service. In 1996, ADC was transferred back to the USDA and placed under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The mission of the Animal Damage Control program is to provide federal leadership in managing problems caused by wildlife. Current program assistance includes: a) technical assistance in wildlife management; b) conducting research and development activities related …

Improved Sealants For M-44 Cyanide Capsules, Guy Connolly

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The M-44 sodium cyanide ejector is one of the most important tools used by the Animal Damage Control (ADC) program to protect livestock from coyotes. Unacceptable performance of M-44 cyanide capsules due to inadequate seals stimulated research to develop a better capsule sealant. Comparative tests of crude beeswax, Scheel SC-100 wax, and other materials revealed that capsules sealed with SC-100 were most resistant to deterioration in adverse environments. Based on these results, SC-100 wax was selected as the sealant of choice. Beginning in April 1989, all M-44 capsules made for ADC program use have been sealed with SC-100 wax. Since …

Impacts Of A Daily Trap Check Law On The California Adc Program, Craig Coolahan

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Effective January 1, 1990 California law required that all steel-jawed leghold traps be inspected at least daily and all animals in such traps be removed. The inspection and removal could be performed by the individual who set the traps, the landowner, or an agent of either. Prior to the passage of this law, California Animal Damage Control (ADC) personnel were exempt from Department of Fish and Game trap checking regulations. The data suggest that a decrease in trap use occurred after the implementation of the daily trap check. Where the program could effectively substitute other control tools or methods for …

Analysis Of Vertebrate Pest Research, Jim Hone

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Research on vertebrate pest control is mostly empirical, focusing on control of species X in location Y using method Z. Such an approach is needed. The science of vertebrate pest research is developing some generalizations across species, locations, and methods. This paper further explores such generalizations by discussing six questions asked by Hone (1994), the answers to which are relevant to vertebrate pest research world-wide. Several case studies are examined, with emphasis on control of damage by small mammals and predation control. Suggestions are made for future research.

Operational Control Of The Brown Tree Snake On Guam, Thomas C. Hall

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

An operational control program for brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam began in April 1993. The program focused on minimizing the dispersal of brown tree snakes to other Pacific islands and the U.S. mainland. During the first year of operation, more than 3,000 snakes were caught within a kilometer of high risk port facilities using traps, detector dogs, and spotlighting. Additionally, habitat modifications and prey-base removal were used to reduce the attractiveness of these facilities to brown tree snakes. Public awareness was also an important part of the program such as the education of cargo packers, shippers, …

Rodents And Cover Crops—A Review, Gregory A. Giusti, Desley A. Whisson, W. Paul Gorenzel

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Inter-row plantings of herbaceous cover crops has become a widely accepted practice by orchard and vineyard managers. Cover crops, used as part of a production management system, are not considered a cash crop and are therefore selected by individual growers for various reasons. Little is written regarding the relationship of cover crop management and the impact on rodent populations. This paper reviews the recent literature and examines how cover crop species and cultivar selection along with management procedures may be influential in limiting rodent populations and their damage to cropping systems.

A Profile Of Depredating Mountain Lions, Steven D. Fairaizl, San Juan Stiver

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Information regarding the demographics and physical condition of mountain lions (Felis concolof) killed during damage control efforts in Nevada was gathered and compared to sport harvested mountain lions. The average age of depredating male lions was 4.92 years of age compared to 4.95 years for sport harvested males. Depredating female lions were older than sport harvested females averaging 5.09 years compared to 4.44 years. Older age class mountain lions of both sexes were more likely to commit depredations than expected. Male lions were involved in depredations 45 % more often than females. Domestic sheep comprise more than 90% …

The Persistence And Secondary Poisoning Risks Of Sodium Monofluoroacetate (1080), Brodifacoum, And Cholecalciferol In Possums, C. T. Eason, G. R. Wright, L. Meikle, P. Elder

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

To determine the risk of secondary poisoning for animals preying on sub-lethally poisoned brushtail possums, captive possums were treated with near-lethal doses of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) or brodifacoum, and toxicant concentrations in blood and tissue were monitored over time. Sodium monofluoroacetate was rapidly eliminated from the blood (within three days). Brodifacoum was retained in the liver and, to a lesser extent, the muscle of possums for eight months after dosing. To determine the potential risk for animals scavenging on the carcasses of possums poisoned with cholecalciferol, cats were fed poisoned carcasses for six days. No changes in behavior, appetite, or …

The Texas Oral Rabies Vaccination Project And The Experimental Use Of Raboral V-Rg Rabies Vaccine In The South Texas Coyote Rabies Epizootic, M. Gayne Fearneyhough

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Beginning in October 1988, Texas experienced the onset of an expanding epizootic of canine rabies in South Texas. That epizootic now involves 21 counties, with 678 laboratory confirmed cases as of February 1996. Approximately 50% of those cases have occurred in coyotes and most of the remainder in domestic dogs. Seventy-six "spill over" cases have been reported in seven other species, both wild and domestic. Since 1991, over 2,000 people in South Texas have received post exposure rabies treatment due to potential exposure to a rabid animal and two human deaths have been attributed to this virus strain. The Texas …

Use Of The Modified Australian Crow Trap For The Control Of Depredating Birds In Sonoma County, Pierre Gadd Jr

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The Modified Australian Crow (MAC) trap to control depredating birds can be a very humane, target species specific and effective bird control tool. Pertinent topics will include legal status, timing, and care of trapped birds. The following are also discussed: species identification, trap construction, and placement and humane euthanasia methods.

Leg Injuries To Coyotes Captured In Standard And Modified Soft Catch® Traps, Kenneth S. Gruver, Robert L. Phillips, Elizabeth S. Williams

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Leg injuries of coyotes (Canis latrans) captured in standard No. 3 Soft Catch traps were compared with those captured in the same trap type modified with two additional coil springs. One hundred thirteen coyotes were trapped in southern California in conjunction with livestock predator control operations, 53 in standard traps, and 60 in modified traps. Observed injuries were similar in both trap types. The most frequent injuries were edematous hemorrhages and small cutaneous lacerations. Injuries, such as joint luxations and bone fractures, were noted more frequently for coyotes trapped in standard Soft Catch traps.

The Use Of Tip Traps To Control Rabbit Damage In Scotland, Robert M. E. Fuchs, W. Kenneth Maclean, Caroline A. Mackintosh, Iain M. Allan

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The factors affecting efficient use of tip traps to control rabbit populations were investigated in a series of field experiments. It was found that continual trapping at the same location was much less effective than periodic trapping. Night-time trapping operations produced larger catches of rabbits than day-time trapping. Traps were equally effective whether sited on existing runs through rabbit proof fences or on previously unbreached sections of fence. The sex ratio of rabbits caught was examined at four different locations and, in each instance, more females were caught than males. The installation of a network of tip traps and associated …

Economic Effectiveness, Efficiency, And Selectivity Of Fox Squirrel Trapping In Pecan Groves, J. Grant Huggins

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Trapping is the most common damage management practice employed by pecan growers suffering fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) depredation. The author evaluated the economic effectiveness of foot-hold trapping fox squirrels in native pecan groves from 1988 to 1991. Trapping significantly reduced squirrel damage the first and second year of treatment in all three study areas relative to the initial untreated year. This reduction was valued at $38.63 to $279.51/ha. In 1990 the author tested the relative efficiency and selectivity of five trap types. Number 110 body traps performed with the best combination of efficiency, selectivity, and cost of the …

Perceptions Of Wildlife Damage By Conservation Reserve Program Contract Holders In Riley County, Kansas, John P. Hughes, Philip S. Gipson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Twenty-five Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contract holders in Riley County, Kansas were surveyed by telephone to assess their perceptions of wildlife damage relative to CRP plantings. Sixty-four percent experienced wildlife damage on their farm or ranch. Respondents felt that five species causing damage on their farm or ranch had become more common due to enrollment of lands in the CRP. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) accounted for 64.3% of these observations, followed by wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), and Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), which accounted for …

The Potential Impact Of Introduced Commensal Rodents On Island Flora, Gillian Key, Renata Platenberg, Andrew Easby, Kathleen Mais

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The impact of introduced commensal rodents on island flora has been relatively little studied compared with their impact on the fauna. The effects on vegetation composition, regeneration, and decomposition are largely unknown, but potentially great. Preliminary studies were carried out in the Galapagos Islands between 1993 and 1994 on the diet of introduced rats, Rattus spp. and feral house mice, Mus musculus, seed recovery rates and subsequent germination rates of seeds. R. rattus diet was primarily vegetation and 48% of rats had seeds in their stomachs. Significant differences were found between body size and overall contribution of both …

The Status Of Nuisance Wildlife Damage Control In The States, Kristen P. La Vine, Mark J. Reeff, Jodi A. Dlcamillo, Gary S. Kama

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

State fish and wildlife agencies and nuisance wildlife control operators must work together whether or not they actively choose to. In this paper, their relationship is likened to a marriage between two (not so likely) partners. In an attempt to assess the status of this relationship the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, The Wildlife Society's Wildlife Damage Management Working Group, and the National Animal Damage Control Association developed a survey that addressed the level of state agencies' oversight of nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs). Responses were received from 47 states, 1 territory, and 17 ADC state offices. This …

The Distribution And Significance Of Anticoagulant-Resistant Norway Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) In England And Wales, 1988-95, Alan D. Macnicoll, Gerard M. Kerbms, Nicola J. Dennis, J. Erica Gill

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Between 1988 and 1995 populations of rats on agricultural premises were sampled to investigate the distribution of anticoagulant-resistant rats in England and Wales. In total, approximately 1,670 rats from 115 locations were tested for resistance to warfarin. Rats that were warfarin-resistant were subsequently tested for resistance to difenacoum, and since 1991 for resistance to bromadiolone. In some cases rats were also tested for resistance to brodifacoum, and in 1995 for resistance to flocoumafen. The results of these tests showed that there was a high prevalence of resistance to the first-generation anticoagulant, warfarin, in several regions of England and Wales. Rats …

Mole Control-A Historical Perspective, Rex E. Marsh

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Various methods and approaches, including chemical and physical repellents, flooding, burrow fumigants, poison baits, vibrating devices and exclusion, have been explored for reducing mole problems. In addition to these, habitat management through reducing the moles food supply has received considerable attention, but environmental concerns and the lack of consistent results have tempered this approach. Over the years, trapping remains the best and most useful method of mole control. The pros and cons of some of the methods are discussed, along with some historical perspectives. The emphasis is placed on the Broad-footed mole, Scapanus latimanus, of California.

Federal And State Fish And Wildlife Regulations And Other Pertinent California Laws, Lee R. Martin

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Working knowledge of Federal and State Fish and Wildlife regulations and other laws are critical for today's commercial applicator in the vertebrate pest control business. The ever-changing focus on environmental protection, endangered species considerations, occupational health and safety, and animal rights have put vertebrate pest control operators in the precarious position of correctly interpreting the steady stream of laws and regulations passed by government. The consequences of failing to stay abreast of these changing regulations and correctly interpreting them can lead to very costly fines and possible imprisonment. Maintaining close contact with the many agencies that regulate the pest control …

Results Of A Non-Lethal Survey And Report Provided To The New Mexico Legislature, J. Alan May

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Social and political pressures affect decision making regarding wildlife damage management issues tremendously. In fact, these areas are included in the Animal Damage Control decision model outlined in the programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. Growing concern regarding pain and suffering of animals trapped by ADC Specialists prompted two actions by the 41st Legislature of the State of New Mexico in 1994. The legislature directed New Mexico ADC not to spend over three-quarters of its $304,000 appropriation on lethal methods. The legislature also passed a memorial bill requesting the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish …

Developing Wildlife Management Into A Successful Business, Peter C. Nelson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Wildlife management has been developed into a successful business. The company was set up after the principal shareholder was made redundant after over 30 years in the wildlife management field. The company has been successful, as it diversified into a consultancy and supply company, and targeted a wide range of animal species and equipment.

Mongolian Rangelands: Rodent Problems And Approaches To Alleviate Damage, Dale L. Nolte

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

Rodents are a major constraint to forage production for livestock in Mongolia. A technical program to identify the magnitude of the problem and strengthen the research capabilities of Mongolian rodent specialists was initiated in 1994. The Brandt's vole is the most widespread and the most detrimental rodent to the steppes of Mongolia. Limited resources inhibit activities by the Mongolian Plant Protection Service to reduce rodent populations. Alternative means to monitor vole activity were developed. Laboratory and field trials showed that voles were susceptible to zinc phosphide treatment and indicated how bait acceptance could be improved.

Conference Participants

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 17th (1996)

The number of registered attendees was 340. The participants came from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and from 9 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.