Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

The Prairie Naturalist Volume 2, No. 1. March, 1970

The Prairie Naturalist

EDITORIAL: Speaking of Ecologists ▪ Paul B. Kannowski

NEEDED: AN ETHICAL BASIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ▪ Gordon L. Iseminger

THE POPULATION PARADOX ▪ Gary L. Pearson

THE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS—A CALL TO ACTION ▪ Glen A. Sherwood

NORTH DAKOTA—1970 ▪ Philip B. Aus

A Permanent Type Poison Station For Porcupine Control, William A. Neitro

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

A method has been devised to protect the poison strychnine-salt blocks used in controlling porcupines, Erethizon dorsatum, from the weather, killing of non-target animals and vandalism. An aluminum poison bait station has been developed which is light weight, durable, camouflaged, and safe. These structures are easily constructed and are relatively inexpensive when longevity is considered. Porcupines are controlled effectively and economically using this method

Trapping - The Oldest Profession, William D. Fitzwater

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

While trapping is probably the oldest pursuit of man, predating hunting and agriculture, it has not undergone many drastic changes since the first primitive attempts. An arbitrary classification of traps [improvised traps, snares-and nets, cage traps, spring traps and glues] is discussed and examples of each group given. As the behavioral and physical characteristics of vertebrate animals vary so much, it is impossible to discuss trapping procedures in any detail, but certain principles apply to most situations. These are: (1) need for an understanding of the target species' habit patterns, (2) selection of a trap size and design suitable for …

Studies In Microencapsulation Of Rodenticides, P. B. Cornwell

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Warfarin, zinc phosphide, norbormide and alphachloralose have been microencapsulated by the technique of coacervation and fed to laboratory rats (R. norvegicus) and mice (M. musculus). Results are given of experiments in which the concentration of rodenticide, wall material and phase ratio have been varied separately and in combination. Experiments are also reported in which normal and encapsulated rodenticide has been fed together in the same test diet.

Chemosterilants As An Approach To Rodent Control, Rex E. Marsh, Walter E. Howard

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Capitalizing on research directed toward oral contraceptives for humans, a wide variety of compounds are now under study for their practical value in inhibiting rodent reproduction to suppress detrimental populations. This paper discusses the specifications of ideal rodent chemosterilants and the advantages of chemosterilants over other methods of control, and compares the potential values of chemosterilants acting on females, males, and both sexes. Specific situations are detailed where chemosterilants will be most valuable in rodent control, together with proposed methods of application. Chemosterilants are not expected to become a panacea for control, but since they are based on sound biological …

A Vehicle Mounted Bait Dispenser, Richard E. Griffith Jr., James Evans

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

A 3-inch-diameter plastic tube mounted on a truck was designed for distributing bait (cut carrots or grain) for mammal control. Baits are fed into the tube by an operator standing in the truck bed. The device is light-weight and detachable and permits rapid, accurate placement of bait along a line on the ground or in a plowed furrow.

Pocket Gopher Problems And Control Practices On National Forest Lands In The Pacific Northwest Region, Paul R. Canutt

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Pocket gophers of concern to foresters in the Pacific Northwest belong to the genus Thomomys (13). The two species believed responsible for most conifer damage are the northern pocket gopher (T. talpoides) which occurs east of the Cascade mountains in Washington, Oregon, and south into the northeastern edge of California and the nearly identical Mazama pocket gopher (j_. mazama), which ranges throughout western Oregon and into north central California (13). Pocket gopher damage is best known to agriculturalists who for many years have suffered losses to root, hay, fruit, and bulb crops, as well as damage to irrigation canals (23). …

Rodenticides - Problems And Current Research, F. P. Rowe, J. H. Greaves, R. Redfern, A. D. Martin

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Regarded from both the economic and health aspects, the control of rodents is a pressing world wide problem. Continued improvements in food storage facilities, crop husbandry and environmental control are likely to do much in the long-term to help reduce rodent populations and damage. Looking ahead again, it is possible that biological control methods involving for example the use of reproduction inhibitors or rodent predators or diseases may ultimately be developed for rodent control purposes. In the immediate future however it is likely that rodent control operations will continue to be based on the use of rodenticides.

Destruction Of Conifer Seed And Methods Of Protection, M. A. Radwan

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

ABSTRACT: Agents responsible for tosses of conifer seed and methods for seed protection are reviewed. Published information indicates that much seed is destroyed, especially by seed-eating rodents and birds. Improvement of existing protective methods and development of new chemical means are necessary to overcome the problem.

Mole Control, Lee W. Kuhn

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

ABSTRACT: Four kinds of moles are found in the Pacific coast states but only the Townsend mole (Scapanus townsendii) in Washington and Oregon and the broad-handed mole (Scapanus latimanus) in California are considered economically important. Damage in agricultural areas is caused by mole mounds and burrow systems which reduce pasture production, make harvesting difficult by breaking or plugging machinery, contaminate hay and silage thus, retarding proper curing, contribute to soil erosion and make ready-made homes for invading meadow mice, pocket gophers, and other rodent pests. Moles also damage lawns, gardens, flower beds and occasionally eat or destroy valuable seeds and …

Methods Of Controlling Jackrabbits, James Evans, Paul L. Hegdal, Richard E. Griffith Jr.

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Since 1963, biologists of the Denver Wildlife Research Center have been investigating methods of alleviating agricultural damage by the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus). Of the several approaches to control, most biological methods (predation, habitat manipulation, disease and parasites, and chemosterilants) appear impractical with present knowledge. Mechanical control except for fence barriers, usually has limited effectiveness. Currently, the most useful approach is still chemical control. Improved baiting techniques and several chemical control agents, including an experimental toxicant highly selective for jackrabbits, are described.

Olfaction In Rodent Control, Walter E. Howard, Rex E. Marsh

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

A brief survey is presented of current knowledge on olfaction in rodents and the various roles that odors may play in modifying rodent behavior. Some species at least utilize olfactory cues: to locate food items; to recognize their mother and mates; to mark territory; as an involuntary population density regulator; possibly to recognize predators; as a warning cue against a repellent or toxic substance (poison-bait shyness); and probably, for many other behavioral purposes. The value of using artificial odors in rodent baits to increase bait acceptance is not yet well documented. The addition of attractive natural odors may increase detection …

Control Of Freshwater Fish With Chemicals, Robert E. Lennon

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Fish toxicants have been used for nearly 60 years by sport fishery managers to remove predaceous or competing fishes from gamefish waters. The reclamation of lakes and streams by poisoning unwanted fish is considered to be one of the better management tools, and the demand for reclamations is increasing as more waters come under intensive management. Many chemicals have been tried as fish toxicants, but the insecticides rotenone and toxaphene have been most widely used despite their disadvantages of non-selectivity between wanted and unwanted fishes, persistence in water, and toxic effects on aquatic invertebrates. Research in the past 20 years …

Standardization Of Procedures For Developing Vertebrate Control Agents, Nelson B. Kverno

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

In research to develop methods for controlling damage by vertebrates, chemical evaluation procedures vary with every investigator, so that data cannot be meaningfully compared. Toxicology is one common area where standardization is both applicable and desirable. It is recommended that standard guidelines be developed through an international body recognized by the members of the discipline.

Rodent Control Problems In Developing Countries, Robert Z. Brown

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

None of the so-called developing countries has an adequate rodent control program at present. In only a few of these countries is any rodent control research occurring despite the fact that rodent problems are actually quite serious in many regions and potentially so in others. Expertise, techniques and materials from the developed countries are of limited usefulness because of major differences in rodent species involved, standards for food handling and sanitation, and in the cultural contexts in which rodent control must occur. Trained personnel, both for control work and the basic research needed, are in very short supply. In addition, …

The Outlook For Vertebrate Pest Control, Howard A. Merrill

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Because of the increased concern for the environment and the public's positive action toward preservation of all forms of plant and animal life, future control methods for pest animals will require a greater degree of specificity than in the past. Vertebrate pest control does not face a very promising future unless the independent and cooperative effort of both industry and government is expanded. The time has passed when one could use a chemical simply because it was a good poison or repellent. Now, especially when food or feed crops are involved, it is necessary to know a lot more about …

The Pocatello Supply Depot, Adolph Zajanc

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

The Pocatello Supply Depot is operated by the Division of Wildlife Services, Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, a branch of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service--all a part of the Department of Interior. The major purpose of the Supply Depot is to provide rodent and predator control materials not available to the general public, to cooperating Federal, State and private agencies. On occasion materials are also provided to Canada and to South American countries as well as other foreign countries after a review of justification by the Central Office.

Some Vertebrate Pest Problems In Japan, Tatsuo Udagawa

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

The wildlife in Japan does more damage in outbreaks in forestry than in agriculture. Hares annually damage in excess of 250 thousand acres. Voles annually damage 50 to 100 thousand acres; in some areas great damage may occur suddenly. The giant flying squirrel damages areas of replanted trees in southern areas of Japan. The Himalayan black bear strips the bark on tree trunks. In agriculture, the sparrow and the duck do an excessive amount of damage in rice fields, and the boar does conspicuous harm in the plowed fields of mountain villages. In Okinawa, sugar cane is attacked by Rattus …

The Role Of The Wildlife Refuge In Relief Of Vertebrate Pest Damage In Agriculture, John B. Cowan

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Wildlife Refuges in the upper Sacramento Valley of California carry out a very significant role in the relief of wildlife problems to agriculture. The degree and diversity of vertebrate pest control effort by these refuges vary with local conditions and with environmental and budgetary limitations. Both the California Department of Fish and Game and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service consider the relief of crop damage to agriculture one of their most important functions. This is demonstrated by existing programs at the Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges and the California Fish and Game Gray Lodge Wildlife …

Bird Damage Problems In Latin America, John W. De Grazio, Jerome F. Besser

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

In 1968 and 1969, biologists of the Denver Wildlife Research Center made field surveys in six Latin American countries to obtain information on bird damage problems in agriculture under an agreement with the Agency for International Development. Species of icterids, fringillids, psittids, columbids, and anatids caused most of the damage. Grain sorghum, corn, and rice were damaged most heavily. Other crops such as soybeans, wheat, cacao, and mangoes were also damaged, but seldom seriously.

Reproduction Inhibitors For Bird Control, M. R. Woulfe

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Reproduction inhibitors are intended to maintain or control a population at a desired level; toxicants aim at elimination of the population. Azocosterol hydrochloride (SC-12937; 20,25-diazocholestenol dihydrochloride) is a long acting inhibitor of ovulation in the pigeon (Columba liyia) by interfering with cholesterol synthesis and egg yolk formation. Corn impregnated with SC-12937 at the 0.1% level by weight and fed for 10 days has been found to inhibit or diminish reproduction for 5-6 months. Population turnover rate, mortality and longevity of the feral urban pigeon are also discussed.

House Finch (Linnet) Control In California, Thomas K. Palmer

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

The house finch or linnet, Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis (Say) is a protected migratory nongame bird indigenous to California and found abundantly in all but the northern and mountainous areas. These finches attack more than twenty different crops and damage is demonstrated by fruit pecks, seed removal, and disbudding. When house finches cause agricultural damage control measures must be carried out under the general supervision of a county agricultural commissioner. Control practices involve the use of toxic baits, trap-decoy stations, and bio-acoustical devices. Most importantly, these control methods have been demonstrated to be safe, selective, and successful when employed by persons …

Importation Of Wildlife, Holger S. Larsen

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

The importation of live birds, mammals, reptiles, fish and amphibians into the United States is a growing problem to law enforcement agencies of the Federal and State governments. Importation of the above types of animals into the United States is supervised by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, of the U. S. Department of the Interior. The function is of a regulatory nature: 1. to insure that no prohibited species enter the United States; 2. to enforce compliance with certain Federal Acts such as (a) the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, (b) the Lacey Act, Title 18 USC, Sec. 42, …

Current Work On Bird Hazards To Aircraft, Victor E. F. Solman

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

Collisions between birds and aircraft have caused loss of human life and millions of dollars worth of property damage. The advent of even larger planes may reduce airframe damage, but it seems doubtful that engine damage will be significantly reduced. Dealing with the problem biologically, involves combating the hazards caused both by birds on or near the ground at airfields, and by birds on mass migrations at altitudes up to several thousand feet above ground. Airports can be designed or altered to minimize their attraction to birds. The chance arrival of a flock of birds must be treated as an …

The Organisation Of Rabbit Control (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) In Western Australia, A. R. Tomlinson, C. D. Gooding

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

ABSTRACT: Under Western Australian legislation, landholders have an obligation to control rabbits on their properties; local authorities the responsibility to supervise their work whilst the Agriculture Protection Board has a Statewide supervisory and co-ordination role. Prior to 1950 (when the Agriculture Protection Board was formed) the central role was in the hands of a Government department which, through lack of staff and money was unable to provide adequate supervision, and rabbits were in plague proportions. Since 1950, the Board has actively engaged in a vigorous policy aimed at tighter control and supervision. To enable this, the Board has entered into …

Conference Participants -- 4th Vertebrate Pest Conference,

Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings: 4th (1970)

The Fourth Vertebrate Pest Conference was the largest ever, with 275 registered participants and an estimated additional 50 to 75 persons who attended portions of the conference but did not register. The attendance was made up of individuals having varying interests in vertebrate pest problems, including foresters, agriculturalists, conservationists, pest control operators, vector control specialists, health officials, wildlife specialists, product distributors and manufacturers, instructors and researchers from twenty nine states plus the District of Columbia. Participants from Canada, England, Germany and Japan provided an international touch which contributed greatly to the success of the conference.

Algal Growth And Decomposition: Effects On Water Quality, Edward G. Foree, John S. Tapp Jr.

KWRRI Research Reports

The chemical composition of algae grown in batch culture depends mainly on environmental conditions, nutrient availability, presence of predators, cell age, and species. The effects of nutrient availability and cell age on the composition of three unialgal cultures (algae + bacteria) and one hetergeneous culture (algae + bacteria + microscopic animals) were evaluated. The cultures were grown in batch culture under both nutrient-abundant and nutrient deficient conditions and the changes in compositions were observed. Luxurious uptake where nutrients are incorporated into cellular protoplasm at levels greater than those necessary for growth, and super-luxurious uptake, where some nutrients are stored rather …

Closed Conduit To Open Channel Usu Stilling Basin, Gordon H. Flammer, Gaylord V. Skogerboe, Chi-Yuan Wei, Hameed Rasheed

Reports

Criterion have been developed for designing a stilling basin to serve as a transition from closed conduit flow to open channel flow for a fully submerged pipe outlet. The unique feature of the stilling basin is the short-pipe energy dissipater so located and designed as to provide maximum energy dissipation for the basin configuration. The expanding characteristics of a submerged jet were used in establishing the length of the stilling basin. The unsteadiness of the water surface and the relative boil height in the model basin were used as the criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the structure for energy …

Hydrologic Inventory Of The Uintah Study Unit, Lloyd H. Austin, Gaylord V. Skogerboe

Reports

The 1963 Utah State Legislature authorized the Utah Water and Power Board (now the Utah Division of Water Resources) to develop a state water plan in order to give coordination and direction to the activities of all state and federal agencies concerned with Utah's water resources. To facilitate the development of this plan, a proposal was submitted through the State Planning Coordinator in the Governor's Office to the Urban Renewal Administration of the Housing and Home Finance Agency. Funding was approved effective May 19, 1966, under the Urban Planning Assistance Program authorized by Section 701 of the Housing Act of …

Water Resources News, Volume 2, No. 2, February 1970

Water Current Newsletter

Evaporation Reduction
National Science Foundation Announces a New Program
The Universities and Environmental Quality
Guidelines Will Be Issued for Federal Programs Affecting the Environment
Conservation and the Environment - Big Political Issue?
National Land Use Policy Act of 1970
The Safety of Community Water Supply Systems
River System Engineering - Summer Short Course
OWRR Holds Fifth Annual Water Resources Research Conference
Environmental Health Service Organized at HEW
Algae-Eating Fish - A Possible Way to Control Eutrophication?
Resources for the Future Considerse Non-Monetary Benefits for Conservation Goals
Agreement to Require Discharges of Wastes Into the Nation's Waterways to Reveal Their Pollution …