Environmental Health and Protection Commons^™

Solving Tree Squirrel Debarking Problems In Taiwan—A Review, Pao-Chang Kuo

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Extensive forest conversion of the low-valued natural hardwood forest into coniferous plantations is the possible cause of the critical problem of squirrel debarking. The tree squirrel that causes the major damage is the red-bellied tree squirrel (Callosciurus erythraeus). Conifers are more susceptible to the damage than are hardwood species, especially the exotics. Intermediate-aged plantations appear to have the highest debarking. More damage occurs in the spring than the other seasons. The lower part of the trunk is more heavily debarked than the upper. Debarking is progressively upward to the crown as the tree grows older. Home range, food habit and …

A New System For Delivery Of Predacides Or Other Active Ingredients For Coyote Management, Rex E. Marsh, Walter E. Howard, Sheila M. Mckenna, Barbara Butler, Douglas A. Barnum, Roy Teranishi

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Preliminary trials suggest that the delivery system or unit described may prove to be a highly selective and effective system for delivering drugs or chemicals to coyotes. The goose egg-size unit's selectivity and effectiveness relies heavily on a newly developed synthetic olfactory coyote lure based on trimethylammonium decanoate (TMAD). The coyote is attracted to the unit, which is placed at ground level, by this highly selective scent lure which elicits a biting and chewing behavior. When a coyote bites or chews the exposed part of the unit, it punctures a plastic reservoir packet containing 10 to 15 ml of viscous …

Opening Remarks—The Conference’S Educational Mission In Vertebrate Pest Control, Rex E. Marsh

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Welcome to the Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference. It has been 20 years since the First Vertebrate Pest Control Conference was held (Sacramento, California, 1962). The conference objectives which prevailed at the first conference have not changed. Our goal today continues to be the advancement of technology by an exchange and discussion of information on vertebrate pests and their control. The overall objective is education. The conference has grown from a local or state meeting into a national and international conference, from a 2-day to a 3-day event. In attendance it has grown from 268 at the first to what we …

Pigeon Control: An Integrated Approach, Colleen M. Martin, Lee R. Martin

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Reducing a pigeon population to a tolerable or minimal impact level is a subject about which one can find much antiquated and impractical information. Most technical literature reports on the biology of pigeons and associated disease factors. The intention of this paper is to describe the practical application of large-scale pigeon population reduction programs that have been at least 90% effective in 45 out of 46 cases over the past four years. Human relations, exclusion, trapping, toxic perches and Avitrol are discussed.

The Role Of Usda In Animal Damage Control, James E. Miller

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The impact of vertebrate animal damage on agricultural production of row crops, forests, horticulture, poultry and livestock production, other wildlife, health of humans and domestic animals, and the protection of human interests is a vital concern of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Department recognizes that it is an old and complex problem that does not lend itself to easy answers. Animal damage problems will continue to be a significant concern of USDA and will probably always be controversial, requiring intensive research, educational, regulatory, and assistance programs. The objectives of the Department are to develop and maintain viable programs in …

Responses Of Caged Red-Winged Blackbirds To Methiocarb On Wild Rice, Daniel W. Moulton

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) were offered a choice between cultivated wild rice (Zizania aquatica) treated with methiocarb and untreated wild rice. Unhulled wild rice soaked in methiocarb solution was highly effective in repelling blackbirds at residue levels <132 ppm. The responses of blackbirds to methiocarb residues <132 ppm on soaked rice were variable. Most of the blackbirds conditioned to avoid treated rice at 132 ppm of methiocarb were subsequently repelled by treated rice with residues as low as 30 ppm.

Guard Dogs And Gas Exploders As Coyote Depredation Control Tools In North Dakota, William K. Pfeifer, Michael W. Goos

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Guard dogs and gas exploders have been successfully used in North Dakota to protect sheep from coyote (Canis latrans) depredation since the mid-1970s. They have been used in addition to other lethal and nonlethal control tools. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gathered information from field testing and landowner interviews to measure their effectiveness. Guard dogs reduced the rate of depredation by 93 percent on the 36 ranches surveyed. Gas exploders deterred coyotes from depredating on 30 ranches an average of 31 days during the 1980 and 1981 grazing seasons. An increasing number of sheep producers are using these control …

Traditional Approaches For Protecting Cereal Crops From Birds In Africa, P. Ruelle, R.L. Bruggers

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Despite the recent emphasis in Africa by national and regional plant protection organizations to control pest birds, traditional farmers usually are still left to their own initiative, as they have been for centuries, to protect their crops. These farmers employ many ingenious visual and oratory frightening techniques, barriers, agronomic planting or harvesting modifications, and bird population-suppression methods. Under some circumstances these methods can reduce damage. However, their effectiveness is subject to such variables as the season of the year, the type and maturation stage of the crop, the pest species and its abundance, the size and ownership of the field, …

Aluminum Phosphide (Phostoxin) As A Burrow Fumigant For Ground Squirrel Control, Terrell P. Salmon, W. Paul Gorenzel, Walter J. Bentley

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The California ground squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi) is widely distributed throughout California. It causes serious damage to agricultural crops. Tests were conducted to evaluate the fumigant aluminum phosphide (Phostoxin®) and to compare it to the commonly used gas cartridge. Treatments consisted of applying either a single-dose (two 3-gm tablets) or double-dose (four 3-gm tablets) of aluminum phosphide, or 1 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gas cartridge in each burrow in the study plots. The burrow opening was then plugged with 1 sheet of newspaper and sealed with soil. Burrows in the control plot were plugged with newspaper and sealed in the …

Strychnine Residue Studies And Their Implications In Rodent Control, Harry G. Smith

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Applications of 0.29, 1.0, 2.63, and 5.26% strychnine-impregnated grain baits were applied below ground to 10' x 10' plots of alfalfa to determine translocation of strychnine from the soil to plants. Four replicates of each concentration were made and the alfalfa analyzed for strychnine residues. Four 10' x 10' plots were utilized as controls. Plant samples were taken on Day 1, Day 9, and Day 14. Strychnine was not detected in any of the samples above the limit of detectability (0.02ppm). Apples from trees subjected to a normal, 1 x normal, and a 3 x normal gopher control strychnine bait …

California Registration Procedures Relative To Vertebrate Pesticides, Jon H. Shelgren

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

I am very happy to be here today and to have the opportunity to talk to you about the Department of Food and Agriculture, with particular emphasis on the Department's role in registering pesticides and how this relates to Federal registration. My comments will address all pesticides including vertebrate pesticides. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has broad and flexible authority. The FIFRA is a comprehensive regulatory statute and under it the EPA determines the pesticides that may be registered and for what uses. New chemicals, new uses of established products, new …

Mountain Lion Predation On Domestic Livestock In Nevada, H. Russell Suminski

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The mountain lion has long been considered a serious predator on domestic livestock, primarily sheep, in the state of Nevada. For the past five years (FY77-81), documented losses to lions have averaged 375 animals. While this number is not large, most losses are sustained by only a few individual livestock operators, and the losses constitute a serious economic hardship for these individuals. An average of 23 lions have been taken in response to livestock depredation complaints during each of these five years. Controlling livestock loss to mountain lions is the responsibility of the Animal Damage Control branch of the U.S. …

An Ipm Approach To Rodent Control On Midwestern Farms, Robert M. Timm

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

An Integrated Pest Management project in Nebraska is assisting fanners, particularly pork producers, in controlling damage caused by Norway rats, house mice, house sparrows, and starlings. A survey of pork producers to (1) determine the incidence of certain rodent and bird pests, (2) identify factors which contribute to pest damage and control, and (3) evaluate the project's impact, has been completed. Survey results are summarized. Continuing efforts to document economic damage caused by vertebrate pests are expected to enhance the program's impact.

Reducing Starling Depredations At Livestock Feeding Operations Through Changes In Management Practices, Daniel J. Twedt, James F. Glahn

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Economic losses due to starling depredations at livestock feeding operations can be reduced by implementing management practices that limit access to or reduce consumption of grain products by starlings. Current farm management practices that reduce losses to birds are reviewed and alternate practices suggested. Management practices suggested include physical separation of feed from starlings, use of feed types that reduce the rate of consumption by starlings, and use of feeds that are either unpalatable or not physiologically usable by starlings. The reduction in starling numbers at feedlots resulting from these management practices may alleviate economic losses with a concomitant lesser …

The Use Of Fences For Predator Damage Control, Dale A. Wade

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The development of exclusion fencing has been extensive in Australia in attempts to reduce losses of crops and livestock to rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), dingos (Canis familiaris Var. dingo) and other species. Restrictions on other damage control methods have led to increased efforts in the United States to utilize such fences for protection of crops and livestock from dogs (Canis familiaris), coyotes (Canis latrans) and other species. Electric fences have occasionally been used to protect apiaries from black bears (Ursus americanus) and to protect some wildlife species from carnivores. Varied fence types include conventional net-wire or combinations of net and barbed …

Green Chopped Bait For The Control Of The Oregon Ground Squirrel, Kenneth W. Wright

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

In 1972 at the Fifth Vertebrate Pest Conference, my predecessor, Loring White, described "The Adaptation to a Changing Environment of the Oregon Ground Squirrel." Today, ten years later, I will bring you up-to-date on what we are doing to control this persistent ground squirrel to a point where we can keep our farming operations going in spite of this pest. Bait-shyness or poor bait acceptance has forced us to use a green bait. For efficiency, aircraft broadcasting has become the common method of application. So that you might have a better perspective of our ground squirrel operations, I will illustrate …

Bird Problems And Their Solutions In Britain, Ernest N. Wright

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The background and organization of research on bird pests in Britain are described and the main projects are outlined. Work is currently concentrated on bullfinches, starlings, rooks and woodpigeons together with behavioral studies aimed at developing better bird scarers.

Rodent Control In Barbados, Charley O. Browne

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

As a result of an increase in the number of cases of the disease, leptospirosis, occurring between the years 1961 and 1971, the Government of Barbados became concerned about this health problem. With assistance from Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) surveys were carried out with a hope of ascertaining the possible cause of the problem and to determine subsequent remedial action.

Changes In Bait Acceptance By Rabbits In Australia And New Zealand, A.J. Oliver, S.H. Wheeler, C.D. Gooding, J. Bell

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Control of rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus, by poisoned bait has been widely practiced in Australia and New Zealand for many years. Since the 1950s, Compound 1080 has been the active ingredient and yielded good results (ca 90% kills) when first used. Recent trails (1973-74) in New Zealand showed that the main reason for poor results obtained nowadays is the failure of many rabbits to eat bait. Recent trials in Western Australia showed that there has been a significant decline in effectiveness of rabbit control by baiting during the period 1958-1975. Shortcomings in operational technique and increased resistance to the poison 1080 …

Vertebrate Pest Management And Changing Times, Donald A. Spencer

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Everywhere one turns today there are problems. The gristmills of doom and disaster are experiencing a heyday marketing this situation as one of crisis and extinction. An advantage of being an oldster in this society is that one has the perspective to recognize that these are only problems, some simple, some complex, presenting a challenge for solution to all who will lay aside their emotions and face reality. In presenting this overview of vertebrate pest management programs, I find I must dwell too frequently on "problems." This should not be interpreted as a pessimistic outlook. Sound data with professional guidance …

Dispersal And Some Implications For Control Of The California Ground Squirrel, Dennis C. Stroud

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

Data from current research and from the literature indicate that a knowledge of dispersal of the California ground squirrel can help to develop control strategy. An understanding of the rate and extent of dispersal may help reduce poor results due to patchy control. A knowledge of dispersal distance can help to determine the size of a buffer zone of control which may reduce the rate of reinvasion. The seasonal timing of dispersal is predictable in the California ground squirrel, and this can help to establish follow-up control.

A Comparison Of Selected Rodenticides For The Control Of The Common Valley Pocket Gopher (Thomomys Bottae), Barry R. Tickes, Lloyd K. Cheathem, John L. Stair

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 10th (1982)

The common valley pocket gopher (Thomomys bottae) has become a serious agricultural pest in certain regions of the Lower Colorado River Basin. The mechanical burrow-builder is the most economical and effective method of controlling this pest although many growers and some researchers have reported less-than-satisfactory results when using this technique with currently available rodenticides. Six formulations of three toxicants including strychnine, zinc phosphide and diphacinone were applied with the burrow-builder to assess their efficacy. Results indicated that negligible control is achieved with 0.35 and 0.5% strychnine although these are the most commonly used formulations in Arizona. Diphacinone also produced negligible …

The Voluntary Water Quality Monitoring Program : 1982 Project Report, Barbara Welch, Judy Potvin, Mary Ellen Dennis

Maine Collection

The Voluntary Water Quality Monitoring Program : 1982 Project Report

by Barbara Welch, Judy Potvin & Mary Ellen Dennis

Division of Environmental Evaluation and Lake Studies, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Augusta, Maine 1982.

Contents: Understanding Maine's Lakes and Ponds / Acknowledgement / Temperature / Dissolved Oxygen / Other Measures of Lake Water Quality / Nutrients / Algae and Chlorophyll a / Transparency / Morphometry / Sampling / Protection / Classification / Answers to Most Frequently Asked Questions / Glossary of Terms / Appendix A : Maximum, Minimum, and Mean Values / Appendix B : Phosphate Content of Common Cleansers …

Fifth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop: Proceedings -- Frontmatter And Contents

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

WORKSHOP CHAIRPERSONS
Ron J. Johnson — Extension Wildlife Specialist, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Robert M. Timm - - Extension Vertebrate Pest Specialist, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

POSTER SESSION CHAIRPERSON
Ronald M. Case — Professor, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

PANEL AND SESSION CHAIRPERSONS
William D. Fitzwater — Director, bioLOGIC Consultants, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Roger E. Gold — Coordinator, Environmental Programs, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Walter E. Howard — Professor and Ecologist, Wildlife and Fisheries Biology, University of California, Davis …

Pyrotechnics For Bird Control, Geral L. Long

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

It is a little disputed fact that each year birds cause damage through crop depredation, roosting activities, and bird/aircraft strike damage with occasionally associated loss of life . Stephen (1961) cites an article by Elkins (1957) which said ducks cause millions of dollars of loss to barley, oats, and wheat crops in Canadian prairies. Damage to ripening cereal grain crops in the western United States is one of the most widespread bird problems (DeGrazio 1964). Zajanc (1962) reports these losses are estimated at $15 million annually in three western states alone where blackbirds feed in fields of rice, corn, small …

Bird-Vectored Diseases, P.M. Gough, J.W. Beyer

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Although property damage and losses can be inflicted by wild birds throughout the entire year, avian-vectored diseases of livestock are primarily a winter phenomenon in the Great Plains states. Reasons for this include the following: (1) During the winter season the birds congregate in flocks of sufficient size to be of epidemiologic significance. (2) There is a high degree of interaction between birds and livestock only when limited food induces the birds to forage among confined animals and when adverse weather forces the birds to seek shelter in housing units for livestock. (3) Colder temperatures increase the time of survival …

Tranquilizer Use In Wildlife Damage Control, Jerry Hoilien, David Oates

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Acceptable handling of problem or nuisance animals has been a concern of the general public and many local, state, and federal agencies. In the past, handling of these animals involved physical restraining techniques. These techniques exposed not only the "restrainer" but the "restrainee" to potential physical damage. Equipment utilizing Sucostrin as the immobilizing agent was developed to minimize these hazards.

Keynote Address - Wildlife Damage Control And The Cooperative Extension Services, James E. Miller

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Since the establishment of the Extension Service within the United States Department of Agriculture in 1914, in accordance with the mandate of the Smith-Lever Act, Extension personnel have recognized the need and responsibility to provide educational programs to assist clientele both rural and urban. These programs from the "grass roots" level to the Federal level are based on the "long established premise that assisting people with factual, effective and practical educational programs to help them solve problems, evaluate alternatives and make objective decisions, would provide these people with information that would enable them to help themselves. Wildlife damage control was …

Coyote Management: A Rationale For Population Reduction, Dale A. Wade

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Historic and anecdotal information on coyote depredation and population control is presented, with case histories from specific areas. Population reduction methods, their application and their limitations are described. Situations in which coyote population management is desirable and some of the restrictions imposed by laws and regulations are discussed.

Commercial Exhibitors & Workshop Participants -- Fifth Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

A total of 10 firms and 120 people registered. They came from 30 states, the District of Columbia, and two Canadian provinces.