Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2007

Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species

Rodenticide

Articles 1 - 4 of 4

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Alaska’S Rat Spill Response Program, Steven M. Ebbert, Arthur Sowls, G. Vernon Byrd Aug 2007

Alaska’S Rat Spill Response Program, Steven M. Ebbert, Arthur Sowls, G. Vernon Byrd

Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species

The introduction of rodents on an island as a new predator usually interferes with natural island biodiversity, particularly on islands without any native mammalian predators. Many Alaskan islands, and most islands in the Aleutian Island region of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge (AMNWR), are free of mammalian predators and are vulnerable to invasion by rodents. Rat introduction to islands can put ground-nesting birds, such as seabirds and endemic landbirds, at risk of extirpation. The refuge is also concerned about additional introductions of house mice. As far as we know, the introduction, or “spilling,” of rats onto refuge islands from …


The Path To Eradication Of The Gambian Giant Pouched Rat In Florida, Richard Engeman, Gary W. Witmer, Jean B. Bourassa, John W. Woolard, Bernice Constantin, Parker T. Hall, Scott Hardin, Neil D. Perry Aug 2007

The Path To Eradication Of The Gambian Giant Pouched Rat In Florida, Richard Engeman, Gary W. Witmer, Jean B. Bourassa, John W. Woolard, Bernice Constantin, Parker T. Hall, Scott Hardin, Neil D. Perry

Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species

A thriving population of Gambian giant pouched rats became established on Grassy Key, a 550-ha island in Florida, following escape(s) from an exotic pet breeder. After existence of the population was verified, computer models indicated that Gambian giant pouched rats could successfully invade a large portion of North America if they reached the mainland. This largest of rat species is highly prolific, and its dispersal to the mainland could result in substantial negative impacts to agriculture, environment, and wildlife. Additionally, Gambian giant pouched rats are known vectors of a variety of diseases transmissible to humans and livestock. The first action …


Research And Development Of A New Rodenticide For Nutria, Jeff J. Mach, Richard M. Poche Aug 2007

Research And Development Of A New Rodenticide For Nutria, Jeff J. Mach, Richard M. Poche

Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species

The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a large semi-aquatic rodent, declared as one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world by the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group in 2000. Through USDA Small Business Innovative Research Phase I (Mach 2004) and Phase II (Mach 2006) funding, Genesis is developing a new nutria rodenticide as an alternative to the currently-registered zinc phosphide bait. Our course of research and development is described herein: live-trapping, laboratory non-toxic choice studies, laboratory toxicity bioassays, and field toxicity studies. Two active ingredients and two bait types proved to be successful, however, only cholecalciferol in …


Eradicating House Mice From Islands: Successes, Failures And The Way Forward, James W. B. Mackay, James C. Russell, Elaine C. Murphy Aug 2007

Eradicating House Mice From Islands: Successes, Failures And The Way Forward, James W. B. Mackay, James C. Russell, Elaine C. Murphy

Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species

The house mouse (Mus musculus) has been spread throughout the world by the actions of humans. It causes severe impacts to native ecosystems, especially in areas where there are no native mammals. It is possible to eradicate mice from islands but they are harder to eradicate than rats. A review of reported eradication attempts found that 17 attempts on 45 islands worldwide failed; a failure rate of 38%. The effect of operational factors on eradication success was examined, but no significant model was formed. Brodifacoum is the most widely used toxicant and has a 49% success rate. Mouse …