Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Rare And Endangered Wildlife Problems And Solutions, Howard R. Leach

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Worldwide concern over vanishing species prompted a World Wildlife Conference in Washington, D. C. on February 12 - March 2, 1973 which resulted in a Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Enactment of the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1973 by Congress places all endangered species native to United States under jurisdiction of the Federal Government.

The California Endangered Species Conservation and California Species Preservation Act enacted by the California Legislature in 1970 has resulted in a listing of 49 California animals declared rare or endangered. Efforts to protect and enhance threatened species are …

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 …

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. …

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 …

Vertebrates...And The Conflicts In Public Image, Donald D. Miller

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

A few words about words.

A word is a trigger of a thought. It is a symbol which turns the switch of action. It can build rocket ships or cut diamonds. It can levy taxes or drop bombs. But to us, the real power of words is found in their ability to unlock one of the greatest resources of all--human thought.

A single word can start the mind racing to find a multitude of associations—-drawing out background, stored information—-and weaving a pattern of thought. At times these word-inspired thoughts are actually packaged in the brain in an extensive network of …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

Feral Hogs-Boon Or Burden, Daniel C. Pattern

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa L. ) have long been considered a pest by most land managers because of the potential range and pasture damage that can result from their feeding habits. In recent years however, second only to deer, feral hogs have become the most sought after big game animal in California. Their great reproductive capacity coupled with the ruggedness of their preferred habitat has allowed the California State Fish and Game Department to set liberal seasons and bag limits. The freedom to work within the states liberal framework has prompted some private land managers to look at controlled …

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.

Urbanized Wildlife, Robert L. Pope

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Man with his continual movement and his need to construct has devastated the wilderness. Provided with man's year-round lush vegetation, his sheltered and protected area, wildlife has adapted to urbanization.

Urbanized wildlife is not always tolerated by man. Management of vertebrate pests in urban areas is specialized. Toxic baits or hazardous techniques are avoided to prevent exposure to people, pets, and other non-targets. Birds, as woodpeckers, crows, and hawks, which are urbanized wildlife in wooden and other structures of parks, residences, and airports, can be controlled by wire screens, topping trees, or removing their food source. Rodents, as rabbits and …

Small Mammal Census And Control On A Hardwood Plantation, Andrew Radvanyi

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

For centuries, Man has been at conflict with and has suffered untold crop losses to ubiquitous small mammals. Such losses may range from unnoticed removal of vegetation in hay and grain fields to 95-99 percent losses in unprotected orchards or forest plantations. A most dramatic and conspicuous type of damage occurs where large numbers of meadow voles cause excessive tree girdling damage to a wide variety of plantation grown trees.

Surveys of small mammal populations carried out on a hardwood plantation in southern Ontario during 1971-72-73 indicated the magnitude of the rodent problem. Control measures using broadcasting of anticoagulant-treated grain …

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 …

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.

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.

Closing Remarks–Sixth Vertebrate Pest Conference, Charles C. Siebe

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

On behalf of the California Vertebrate Pest Committee I would like to thank you for the interest and attention that you have shown throughout this Conference.

It is the participation of those interested in vertebrate pest control that make for the success or failure of our Conference.

We have had participation during this Conference from people from ten foreign countries and twenty-seven states.

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 …

Experiments With Sounds In Repelling Mammals, John L. Stewart

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Since its introduction for use in repelling birds , a number of people have found that Av-Alarm is effective for control of certain mammals. This includes not only those familiar to North Americans (deer, elk , coyotes), but also various less familiar species, even anthropoids (baboons) and bats. A number of example cases are described. A concept theory is presented in order to explain why certain sounds are more effective than others, and why sounds originally meant for bird control are also effective with mammals. The theory helps to predict untested situations , and also suggests when complex repelling sounds …

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 …

Feral Burros And Wildlife, Richard A. Weaver

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Feral burro have caused devastating damage to the vegetation and soil which has resulted in a deterioration of the entire biota. Wildlife numbers have declined where there is competition with burro for food, water or space.

The Department of Fish and Game made a burro survey in conjunction with bighorn investigations. There are an estimated 3,400 free-roaming wild burro in California. They are found in 7 of the 14 bighorn study areas and have caused problems in each of these areas.

Recent Changes In Federal Bird Control, Gene H. Wilson

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 6th (1974)

Probably the most significant changes in U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service legislation that might have an effect on those engaged in animal control work would have to do with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 recently amended, and one piece of proposed legislation which I'll mention at closing.

In March 1972, an amendment to our treaty with Mexico became effective. And more recent, the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 had a section added to it having to do with airborne hunting.

About two years ago, the amendment to the Mexican treaty added …

B707: Analysis Of Waste Disposal Problems Related To Maine Poultry Processing Plants, F. Richard King, Forest M. French

Bulletins

This study analyzed waste disposal problems related to Maine poultry processing plants. The problems of the Maine plants are quite typical of those found in the industry outside Maine. Two exceptions to this generality are amount of water used and cost of replacement and operation of the treatment facility. Maine plants appear to use more water than plants located in competing areas but they are of larger average size and have access to municipal water supplies and therefore are not particularly disadvantaged.

Some Concepts In Rangeland Management, R B. Hacker

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The arid and semi-arid zones of Australia occupy about 75 per cent of the land mass. The pastoral industries are located within these zones and, although productivity per unit area is low, the region nevertheless constitutes one of the nation's valuable renewable resources.

If properly managed, such a resource may be maintained as a productive asset indefinitely.

An Historical Review Of Oil Spills Along The Maine Coast 1953-1973, Edward H. Shenton

Maine Collection

An Historical Review of Oil Spills Along the Maine Coast 1953-1973

by Edward H. Shenton

Prepared for The Maine State Planning Office, Coastal Planning Group and The Research Institute of the Gulf of Maine (TRIGOM), August, 1973.

TRIGOM Publication No. 3

Contents: Introduction / A Chronology of Significant Oil Spills / A Summary of Biological Impacts / Spill Statistics / Discussion of Results / Conclusions of the Study / Recommendations for Future Research / Appendices

The Federal Waste Water Treatment System Construction Grant Program: What It Requires Of States And How It Works, L. C. Leopold

Marine Affairs Theses and Major Papers

This paper is the result of a study conducted to inform the author as to how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) relates to state and intrastate programs that deal with waste water treatment systems in a coastal state. The investigation centered on how EPA actually manages its functions and assistance directed towards state-level and local-level efforts to control sewage treatment facilities. The study was not limited only to the federal-to-state-flow dynamics. It also looked at areas of purely state function, state-to-local flow, and also the opposite situation of local-to-sate-to-federal oriented inputs.

Sensitivity Of Vertebrate Embryos To Heavy Metals As A Criterion Of Water Quality, Wesley J. Birge, John J. Just

KWRRI Research Reports

Embryonic and/or larval stages of the leopard frog (Rana pipiens), domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) and the goldfish (Carassiua auratus) were treated with cadmium chloride, mercuric chloride, lead chloride, zinc chloride and sodium arsenite. The principal objectives were (1) to determine the sensitivity of vertebrate embryos to certain metals which are of consequence in water pollution, and (2) to ascertain the suitalility of vertebrate embryos as bioassay organisms for monitoring metallic pollutants within water resources. Vertebrate embryos are found to be highly sensitive to the toxic effects of all the metals studied. Concentrations of mercury as low as 10 ppb, with …

Sport Hunting As A Method Of Damage Control, L. Boddicker

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

Predator damage control is an area of concern to the livestock producer. He is also often the most likely person to choose sport hunting of coyotes as a recreational activity. Sport hunting of problem coyotes can be an effective tool.

Agricultural producers want to know the skills to control depredating wildlife. A high powered rifle, traps, and various related equipment are standard for most livestock production operations.

Through the Extension effort we attempt to help the producer develop wildlife damage control skills. It is also our responsibility to help develop alternatives to aid the livestock producer with persistent wildlife damage …

Crayfish, Leech, And Snail Control

Great Plains Wildlife Damage Control Workshop Proceedings

We have effective results in controlling crayfish in our ponds using Baytex. Baytex is a higly toxic compound that effects the nervous system of many organisms. Used in small concentrations it will kill crayfish without hurting fish. We use Baytex at 40 ppb. We normally dilute the required amount of chemical with water and then mix it thoroughly in the pond. Leeches can be controlled using Dylox. Masoten is another trade name for dylox. The recommended rate of application is 1/2 ppm. This should be applied in a manner so it is thoroughly mixed in the ground. Recommened treatment for …