Use Of Poison Baits Research Articles

Monitoring observations of the southernmost breeding population of Long-billed Vultures Gyps indicus (Scopoli, 1786) (Aves: Acciptriformes: Accipitridae) in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India

The Long-billed Vulture (LBV) population was systematically monitored across four nesting colonies in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR) throughout three extended breeding seasons. Breeding success rates between years ranged from 83.33% in 2018–2019 and 62.5% in 2020–2021. Nesting was monitored at the cliff sites, consistent with prior research. Overall population fluctuations were minimal, varying between 21 individuals in 2020–2021, 17 individuals in 2018–2019, and 16 individuals in 2019–2020. There was an apparent impact of forest fires and other human disturbance activities, and certain proactive conservation measures are proposed to help address these. There was indirect evidence of other threats including poison baits targeting wild carnivores and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) being widely available for use in domestic livestock. The study endorses the approach of establishing vulture-safe zones, which focus on addressing the local threats. This includes raising awareness about wildfire management, controlling toxic NSAIDs availability that are harmful to vultures, discouraging the illegal use of poison-baits, and highlighting the necessity of monitoring threats posed by power infrastructure. Due to the high mobility of LBVs, all these threats need addressing through large-scale vulture safe zone work (up to 100 km radius) surrounding the breeding colonies to secure the LBV’s long-term survival. These conservation actions are urgently needed.

Poisoned baits pose a threat to vultures in Nepal

Poisoning is the greatest threat to vultures globally. Asia’s vultures were driven to near extinction through poisoning by the veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac. Since the ban on the veterinary use of diclofenac in Nepal in 2006, there has been a partial recovery of vulture populations in the country. However, other threats are emerging, including other vulture-toxic NSAIDs, as well as other forms of unintentional poisoning. The use of poison baits, whereby animal carcasses are laced with poison to target carnivores, often results in the collateral deaths of vultures. Here, we summarize the data on the number of such poisoning incidents, and the number of vultures killed, between 2011 and 2023. A total of 224 vultures of seven species were found dead at 22 poisoning incidents across the country. Himalayan griffons accounted for over half of the fatalities (n = 108), along with 93 White-rumped vultures and small numbers of four other species. We recommend that conservationists raise the awareness of this issue with local stakeholders, and try to devise mitigation measures to reduce the threat of poisoning to vulture population.

Foraging Patterns of Non-Territorial Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca): A Case of Successful Adaptation

The Optimal Foraging Theory predicts that, to maximize fitness, animals adapt their foraging strategy that provides the most benefit for the lowest cost, maximizing the net energy gained. While the diet of many breeding raptor populations is well known, studies on the foraging patterns of non-territorial birds of prey (floaters) are scarce. In this study, we examined the foraging pattern of non-territorial Eastern Imperial Eagle, scrutinizing different aspects of its feeding ecology and behavior. We built a simple model of the optimal foraging strategy of floater eagles including the success of foraging as a currency as well as environmental factors such as seasons, type of prey, habitat, foraging techniques, and eagle age as a limitation affecting the foraging efficiency of birds. We found that floaters focused their diet exclusively on European Souslik, accounting for almost half (44.2%) of the eagle’s prey. Diet differences between floaters and breeders were due to higher Souslik and carrion consumption and lower Hedgehog predation by floater eagles. The diet diversity of breeding eagles (H = 3.297) was much higher than that of floaters (H = 1.748). Our model suggested that the foraging mode, habitat type, and season best explained the feeding success of non-territorial eagles (ΔAIC = 0.00, w = 0.42). Of all explanatory factors, “Kleptoparasitism” (β2 = −4.35), “Rodents” (β2 = −4.52), “Pasture” (β2 = 2.96), “Wheat” (β2 = 4.41), “In the air” (β2 = 4.16), and “Other habitats” (β2 = 4.17) had a pronounced effect. The factors “Spring–summer season” (β2 = −0.67) and “European Souslik” (β2 = −2.76) had a marginal effect in our models. Generally, the mean success rate of attack modes used by non-territorial eagles was 0.54 ± 0.50. Floaters successfully obtained food through: kleptoparasitism (43.10%), carrion feeding (24.14%), and high soar with vertical stoop (14.66%). Several important issues for the conservation of non-territorial Eastern Imperial Eagles arose from our research. The strong relation of floaters with the European Souslik calls for specific conservation measures aimed at the conservation of this type of prey and the restoration and appropriate management of its grassland habitats. The importance of the scavenging behavior of juvenile birds requires increased control of the use of poison baits and subsequent prosecution by state institutions. Protecting the most important temporary areas, improving institutional control against the use of poison baits, and intensifying awareness-raising campaigns among pigeon-fanciers and hunters are also of crucial importance for effective species conservation.

Use of poisoned baits against wildlife. A retrospective 17-year study in the natural environment of Extremadura (Spain)

This study reports the results obtained from toxicological analyses of different types of baits referred to the laboratory of the Toxicology Area (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cáceres, Spain) over a 17-year period (2002–2018). These baits were suspicious materials found in the environment of the region of Extremadura (Western Spain), where such malpractices are a problem to be addressed, as wide livestock farming and hunting activities are combined with a significant wealth of wildlife (especially birds of prey). A total of 246 baits, including 32 commercial chemical products to be used in baits, were analysed. Samples from 183 cases were received and classified according to the material used for their preparation and the toxic substance found. Overall, the most common bait consisted of meat preparations (56.3% of cases) intended to eliminate predators considered ‘annoying’ for livestock and hunting practices, such as carnivores and scavengers. It should be noted that contact baits (as fenthion-impregnated perches) were also detected (7.6%). Regarding the substances detected, anticholinesterase compounds (organophosphates and carbamates) were the most commonly used substances for the preparation of baits (detected in 85.3% of positive baits). Moreover, 8% of the positive baits presented more than one toxic substance in their composition. Due to the types of toxic compounds and the methods used to prepare the baits, this study shows that the malicious use of highly toxic substances in the environment to kill wildlife is a common and current issue and poses a serious risk to different species.

Evolution of the vulture population on a Mediterranean island. The Sardinian instance (Italy)

On the Italian island of Sardinia at the beginning of the 20th century there was still an established population of the Bearded Vulture (about 35 pairs), Black Vulture (about 150 pairs) and the Griffon Vulture was “very common”. However, in the early decades of the 20th century there was a rapid and catastrophic reduction of the vulture populations on Sardinia, with the extinction of Bearded Vulture (1968-69) and the Black Vulture (1961), and the contraction of the population of Griffon Vulture (1000-1400 birds in 1945 to 100-140 birds in 1975 and 12 breeding pairs in 2007). The collection of skins and eggs, followed by hunting, poaching, killing and the use of poisoned baits for pest control were the main causes of the decline of the vultures on Sardinia. These causes were accompanied by an increase of disturbance at the breeding sites, and by a gradual decrease of pastoralism, which has led to a reduction in food availability. More recently, there have been unsuccessful attempts to reintroduce Bearded Vultures and Black Vultures, whereas after various restocking and greater protection projects, the Griffon Vulture population has increased (to 57 pairs and 230-250 birds in 2019). The Egyptian Vulture bred in Sardinia for the first time in 2019. Currently, collection and killing of vultures, and the legal use of poisoned baits have all been removed in Sardinia and the environmental situation now seems appropriate for new attempts to reintroduce the two extinct species.

Animal mortality and illegal poison bait use in Greece.

The present study describes the use of poison baits against so-called pest species in Greece and explores various aspects of this illegal practice. Data were collected from 2000 to 2016, and a total of 1015 poisoning incidents in rural areas causing the death of 3248 animals were examined. In 58.7% of investigated cases, the motives remained unknown; in the remaining cases, human-wildlife conflicts and retaliatory actions among stakeholders (e.g., hunters vs. livestock breeders) were found to be the main reasons for poison bait use. The target animals for these actions were mainly mammalian carnivores, and stray canids, all of which were blamed for livestock and game losses. Avian scavengers were the wildlife species most affected by secondary poisoning (30% of the wildlife fatalities), whereas shepherd dogs accounted for 66.4% of domestic animal losses. Toxicological analyses showed that a wide range of chemical substances were used, mostly legal or banned pesticides (e.g., carbamates, organophosphates, and organochlorines) and potassium cyanide. Furthermore, the widespread trafficking of black marketed insecticides was also recorded, with methomyl (in powder form) and carbofuran being most common. The majority of poisoning events (72%) took place outside protected areas, while in approximately 73.4% of them, no official reporting to the competent authorities was made. Overall, the study highlights the significant impact of illegal poison bait use on wildlife in Greece and addresses its extreme socioeconomic complexity. The need for an integrated national anti-poison strategy is discussed.

SOME OBSERVATIONS ON SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DETERIORATION OF CROP PLANTATIONS AND FOREST FLORA BY PORCUPINES IN CONSORT WITH CONTROL TECHNIQUES

The goal of this article is to inform community regarding porcupines damage, and deliver guidelines for their harmless, real and liable elimination. The utmost apparent attribute of porcupines is their extensive, piercing and shakable quills, which shelter backs of the physiques that make them hit, as a threatening to probable raiders. In general, porcupines occur the maximum in mountainous and gravelly states, however these may adjust in many territories like extremely wet plantations and somewhat territory comprising of prairies, foothills, deserts and tropical forests. Porcupines can become a pest by eating of carrots and other root vegetables, clovers, roots, fruits as well as foraging on the farm crops. A definite indication of porcupine burrow is a mound of feces at entering site of cave or hollow tree. In this global region, Hystrix indica Kerr is most plentiful and scattered species, and has been familiarized as a severe pest of fruit orchards, vegetables, flowering plants, forage grasses in pastures or rangelands and traditional as well as non-traditional crops. When porcupines inflict optimum damage, then their control actions must be adopted. A pest controlling expert can provide skill to recognize the porcupines problematic and decide the superlative promising way out to decide the pest annoyance. Prior to executing a loss managing method, evaluate the porcupines incidence by means of watching for shattered quills, fecal masses beneath nourishing and sleeping plants, or distinctive injury marks to trees in a region. Manipulate habitat to attract more natural predators to control porcupine populations, place aluminum flashing around mature tree trunks and enclose small trees with wire baskets, and enclosure areas with electric or nonelectric fencing, to stop porcupines from gnawing at their bark. Implement forest management practices to reduce food supply and some wood preservatives applied to trees, and use of poison baits may provide partial damage relief. During late spring and summer activity periods, shooting of pest is most effective option, and use steel leg-hold traps lured by salt-soaked ingredients and placing proximate to alive burrows or else frequently used tracks.

Evaluating the efficiency and house mice response to Faragir and snap traps in Mashhad, Iran

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a small mammal of the order Rodentia. In general, this species inflicts many direct and indirect economic losses and public health problems. Mainly economic losses are the damage to building installations, building structures, and stored products, poultry farms. Trapping is an effective and often used common method of controlling mice. To decrease the use of poison baits and environmental protection, controlling mice by traps is very important. In this study, the efficiency of Faragir trap (multicatch live trap) compared to the snap trap (single capture dead trap) in controlling house mice in Mashhad were evaluated. Also mice trapping pattern and mice response to Faragir trap were assessed. In trapping period, peanut baits were replaced in all traps, 40 Faragir traps and 40 snap traps were set for five consecutive nights in poultry farm, agricultural farm field and building. Faragir traps were also visited daily; number of captured mice was recorded and the captured mice were retained inside traps until the end of trapping period. To reduce experimental error; the places of traps were not changed during this study and after trapping in each place, all traps were washed with hot water and maintained in fresh air for three days, so that the smell of previously captured mice goes away. The factorial analysis of variance on trap efficiency against Mus musculus indicated that the main effects of trap type, place and trapping nights and the interaction of place × trapping nights were significant, but the interaction of the trap type × place and trapping nights × trap type were not significant. However, trap success against Mus musculus for Faragir and snap traps, were achieved 35.5 and 18.5% respectively. Generally, both of traps were more effective indoor compared to outdoor in mice control.

Inspective and toxicological survey of the poisoned baits and bites

Cases of intentional animal poisonings are still widespread in Italy, even if the improper or malicious use of poisoned baits is banned. This represents a serious threat to pets as well as wildlife species, but also an environmental and human health concern. A retrospective study was performed based on baits sent for toxicological analysis to the laboratories of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno (IZSM) in Southern Italy over a five year period. Analyses were carried out by using different analytical techniques in relation to the toxicants. Results show a trend different from other countries, as well as from that reported for Northern Italy. The molluscicide metaldehyde proved to be the most common substance detected in our laboratory (63.9%) followed by organochlorine insecticides (29.2%), organophosphine insecticides (11.1%) and anticoagulant rodenticides (9.7%). Other rodenticides, such as strychnine and zinc phosphide were detected only one time in baits. Among the organochlorine insecticide, endosulfan (both alpha and beta isomers) occurred as the main poisoning agent. The incidence of poisoning cases detected in the present survey is extremely alarming and pointed out that actions have to be made to reduce this illegal practice and its environmental impact.

Behavioral evidence of hunting and foraging techniques by a top predator suggests the importance of scavenging for preadults

Scavenging may be a regular feeding behavior for some facultative raptor species occupying low quality habitats and/or with little experience in hunting techniques. However, its importance has been largely underestimated due to methodological limitations in identifying the real proportion in the diet. Here, through direct observations, we assessed the hunting and foraging success of the threatened Spanish imperial eagle Aquila adalberti determining the influence of age, sex, breeding status, habitat quality, prey type, and landscape characteristics. From 465 observations, Spanish imperial eagles used hunting in flight (42%), scavenging (30%), hunting from a perch (16%) and kleptoparasitism (12%). Our model suggests that Prey size and Prey type best explain hunting success, followed by Landscape and Sex. Our findings suggest that Spanish imperial eagles increase hunting success with age, with scavenging and kleptoparasitism regularly used as juveniles. The absence of relationships with any of the variables considered suggests that kleptoparasitism is an opportunistic behavior used sporadically. Scavenging is also independent of habitat quality and landscape characteristics. Accordingly, low prey density is not a driver of carrion use for preadult individuals, suggesting that a lack of hunting ability obliges this age‐class to use this alternative feeding technique regularly. As a result, the threatened Spanish imperial eagle population is also prone to mortality related to the illegal use of poison baits and, potentially, veterinary drugs (i.e., diclofenac).

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ БИОАКУСТИЧЕСКОГО ОТПУГИВАТЕЛЯ ПТИЦ ДЛЯ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ЧИСЛЕННОСТЬЮ ПТИЦ НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ ПОЛИГОНА ТВЕРДЫХ БЫТОВЫХ ОТХОДОВ ГОРОДА БАРНАУЛА

<p>The complex of measures on safety, considerable importance is the monitoring system and integrated the fight to reduce the number of air flight hazard species of birds (rooks, crows, magpies, hawks, etc.). Experience has shown that even periodic shooting does not give the desired effect, ie. A. The bird population is very mobile and able to move quickly scattered and maneuvering that practically negates all efforts for their physical elimination. The use of poisoned baits is prohibited and is ineffective, t. To. Various species of birds have different food preferences. Our research is devoted to finding a solution to this problem. As the main operational measures for scaring birds we offer the use of bio-acoustic instrument with a sound recording, effectively acting on air flight hazard species of birds, including corvids and Black Kite, which are not optional in many similar devices. Application of bioacoustics devices does not require an additional set of fireworks scare, but also an integral character of the device significantly increases the efficiency of the impact on birds and allows for a few minutes to eliminate concentrations of birds in large areas.</p><p>The study analyzed information on aircraft collisions with birds, considered the scheme of air traffic, as well as the general plan for the landfill site, the Civil Aviation documents ornithological flight operations, carried out the operational test site survey. OAO Ekokompleks operates only in Barnaul licensed landfills for disposal of solid waste, located at the address: Barnaul, Cosmonavtov Prospekt, 74. The total area of the polygon - 328,679.7 square meters, the amount of dumping per year - 1800 thousand cubic meters Coordinates: 53 ° 23'24 "N, 83 ° 37'54" E.</p><p>Availability of the current municipal landfill waste at a distance of 6.3 km from the aerodrome reference point Barnaul, in violation of the requirements of Claim 59 of the Federal Rules of use of air space of the Russian Federation of 11.03.2010 number 138. The conditions of surrounding environment determine the composition and behavior of birds, attending a training ground and pose a potential hazard to aircraft operations. On landfill dumping is carried out various types of waste, including food, are used by some species of birds as food. According to a preliminary survey, the main species of birds that use the landfill as a forage habitat - black kite, corvids - gray, crow, rook, jackdaw and gulls - silver and black-headed gull. Based on many years of observations and data analysis of the circumstances and consequences of collisions of Russian aircraft with birds stand air flight hazard species of birds, creating the greatest threat to flight safety. To the list of air flight hazard species include the black vulture, hooded crow, rook, magpie, jackdaw.</p>

Wildlife poisoning in Crete and the intentions of local interest groups to engage in anti-poisoning actions

In the mountains of Crete, a significant number of animals are poisoned each year. The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is home to significantly large pasture and hunting areas. In an effort to address wildlife poisoning, structured interviews were conducted with specific social groups (hunters, livestock farmers, environmental officers, veterinarians) relating to wildlife poisoning in Crete to explore their intention to engage in anti-poisoning actions. The survey was conducted from early 2013 to mid-2014 and a total of 415 people were surveyed. Survey results indicate that although barriers in effective biodiversity governance have created mistrust between local environmental authorities and local residents, the main social groups related to illegal use of poisoned baits are willing to support alternative methods to address predation impacts. This paper points out the clear need for social learning strategies aimed at local interest groups and for opportunities for more meaningful and democratic environmental policy processes in order to sustain the results of biodiversity conservation plans in the long term.

Baits, Budget Cuts: A Deadly Mix

![Figure][1] Bearded vulture with GPS transmitter.CREDIT: JORDI BAS The illegal use of poison baits is the most important non-natural factor in the the extinction of several European vertebrate megafauna over the previous two centuries. Yet the practice continues unabated today. Poison baits represent a serious threat to public health and a serious conservation problem for sustaining biodiversity at both European and global scales ([ 1 ][2]). Spain is home to important populations of several threatened vertebrate species. More than 8000 cases of illegal poisoning were reported in the period between 1990 and 2010, with victims including 53 bearded vultures ( Gypaetus barbatus ), 366 Egyptian vultures ( Neophron percnopterus ), 759 cinereous vultures ( Aegypius monachus ), 117 Spanish imperial eagles ( Aquila adalberti ), 2877 Eurasian griffon vultures ( Gyps fulvus ), 1981 red kites ( Milvus milvus ), 961 black kites ( Milvus migrans ), and 9 brown bears ( Ursus arctos ) ([ 2 ][3]–[ 5 ][4]). Several of these species are classified as endangered within the European Union (there remain only 170 pairs of bearded vultures, 323 Spanish imperial eagles, 1889 cinereous vultures, and 1900 Egyptian vultures). Moreover, Spain is home to more than 95% of all European avian scavengers and the world's entire Spanish imperial eagle population. Given this context, the damage to the conservation of European biodiversity caused by poisoning is considerable. In light of the current economic crisis, the Spanish government has cut funding for research and development, and its Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Environment has reduced investment by 31% with respect to 2011. As a result, research and conservation programs that can minimize the impact of illegal poisoning are at risk. Without the funds to monitor threatened species with satellite transmitters, to analyze animal carcasses found through this and other monitoring methods, and to continue with environmental education programs and research trap selectivity methods, illegal poisoning looms even larger. All the human and economic efforts of the past two decades could turn out to be futile and biodiversity be put at risk if research and conservation programs are paralyzed. 1. [↵][5]1. N. Richards , Carbofuran and Wildlife Poisoning: Global Perspectives and Forensic Approaches (Wiley-Blackwell, West Sussex, UK, 2012). 2. [↵][6]1. M. Hernandez, 2. A. Margalida , Ecotoxicology 17, 264 (2008). [OpenUrl][7][CrossRef][8][PubMed][9][Web of Science][10] 3. 1. M. Hernandez, 2. A. Margalida , Eur. J. Wildl. Res. 55, 415 (2009). [OpenUrl][11][CrossRef][12][Web of Science][13] 4. 1. A. Margalida 2. et al ., Bird Conserv. Int. 18, 1 (2008). [OpenUrl][14][Web of Science][15] 5. [↵][16]1. L. M. Gonzalez 2. et al ., Oryx 41, 495 (2007). [OpenUrl][17] [1]: pending:yes [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #ref-5 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1 in text [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2 in text [7]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DEcotoxicology%2B%2528London%252C%2BEngland%2529%26rft.stitle%253DEcotoxicology%26rft.aulast%253DHernandez%26rft.auinit1%253DM.%26rft.volume%253D17%26rft.issue%253D4%26rft.spage%253D264%26rft.epage%253D272%26rft.atitle%253DPesticide%2Babuse%2Bin%2BEurope%253A%2Beffects%2Bon%2Bthe%2BCinereous%2Bvulture%2B%2528Aegypius%2Bmonachus%2529%2Bpopulation%2Bin%2BSpain.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1007%252Fs10646-008-0193-1%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F18274896%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [8]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1007/s10646-008-0193-1&link_type=DOI [9]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=18274896&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fsci%2F338%2F6104%2F192.1.atom [10]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000254402500006&link_type=ISI [11]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DEur.%2BJ.%2BWildl.%2BRes.%26rft.volume%253D55%26rft.spage%253D415%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1007%252Fs10344-009-0255-6%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [12]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1007/s10344-009-0255-6&link_type=DOI [13]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000268309900011&link_type=ISI [14]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DBird%2BConserv.%2BInt.%26rft.volume%253D18%26rft.spage%253D1%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [15]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000255100100001&link_type=ISI [16]: #xref-ref-5-1 View reference 5 in text [17]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DOryx%26rft.volume%253D41%26rft.spage%253D495%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx

The use of poison baits to control feral cats and red foxes in arid South Australia II. Bait type, placement, lures and non-target uptake

Context Poison baits are often used to control both foxes and feral cats but success varies considerably. Aims This study investigated the influence of bait type, placement and lures on bait uptake by the feral cat, red fox and non-target species to improve baiting success and reduce non-target uptake. Methods Six short field trials were implemented during autumn and winter over a five-year period in northern South Australia. Key results Results suggest that poison baiting with Eradicat or dried kangaroo meat baits was inefficient for feral cats due to both low rates of bait detection and poor ingestion rates for baits that were encountered. Cats consumed more baits on dunes than swales and uptake was higher under bushes than in open areas. The use of auditory or olfactory lures adjacent to baits did not increase ingestion rates. Foxes consumed more baits encountered than cats and exhibited no preference between Eradicat and kangaroo meat baits. Bait uptake by native non-target species averaged between 14 and 57% of baits during the six trials, accounting for up to 90% of total bait uptake. Corvid species were primarily responsible for non-target uptake. Threatened mammal species investigated and nibbled baits but rarely consumed them; however, corvids and some common rodent species ingested enough poison to potentially receive a lethal dose. Conclusions It is likely that several factors contributed to poor bait uptake by cats including the presence of alternative prey, a preference for live prey, an aversion to scavenging or eating unfamiliar foods and a stronger reliance on visual rather than olfactory cues for locating food. Implications Further trials for control of feral cats should concentrate on increasing ingestion rates without the requirement for hunger through either involuntary ingestion via grooming or development of a highly palatable bait.

The use of poison baits to control feral cats and red foxes in arid South Australia I. Aerial baiting trials

Context Feral cats and foxes pose a significant threat to native wildlife in the Australian arid zone and their broadscale control is required for the protection of threatened species. Aims The aim of this research was to trial aerial poison baiting as a means of controlling feral cats and foxes in northern South Australia. Methods Eradicat baits or dried meat baits containing 1080 poison were distributed by air over areas of 650 to 1800 km2 in trials from 2002 to 2006. Different baiting density, frequency, bait type and area were trialled to determine the optimum baiting strategy. Baiting success was determined through mortality of radio-collared animals and differences in the track activity of cats and foxes in baited and unbaited areas. Key results Quarterly aerial baiting at a density of 10 baits per square km successfully controlled foxes over a 12-month period, while annual baiting led to reinvasion within four months. Despite the majority of radio-collared cats dying after baiting, a significant decline in cat activity was only recorded during one of the eight baiting events. This event coincided with extremely dry conditions and low rabbit abundance. Rabbit activity increased significantly in baited areas over the study period in comparison with control areas. Conclusions Despite trialling different baiting density, frequency and area over a five-year period, a successful long-term baiting strategy for feral cats could not be developed using Eradicat baits or dried meat baits. Implications Broadscale control of feral cats in the arid zone remains a significant challenge and may require a combination of control methods with flexible delivery times dependent on local conditions. However, it is doubtful that current methods, even used in combination, will enable cat numbers to be reduced to levels where successful reintroductions of many threatened wildlife species can occur.

Long-Term Trends in Population Size and Breeding Success in the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) in Northern Spain

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) is considered a globally endangered avian scavenger. In the 1980s, Bardenas Reales Natural Park in northern Spain held the densest populations in Europe. There, the population of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), the main prey of this vulture, decreased dramatically after the arrival of the rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) in 1989, and did not recover. We monitored the population of Egyptian Vultures in Bardenas Reales from 1989–2007. During the study period, the number of breeding territories decreased from 56 to 26 (−54%). In contrast, the percentage of occupying pairs that laid eggs, the number of fledglings per pair, and the number of fledglings per successful nest remained stable, suggesting that the population decline was not attributable to reduced productivity. However, we found 34 dead birds, most of them poisoned, particularly in the second half of the study period (in 1996–1997 and 2004–2007), suggesting that high mortality rates could be contributing to the decline of this species. The fact that poisoning events mainly occurred outside the park suggested that the reduction in numbers of wild rabbits in Bardenas Reales Natural Park forced Egyptian Vultures to move into areas with greater human populations and higher mortality risks. We recommend implementing management measures and environmental education programs to prevent the illegal use of poisoned baits in the area surrounding the park.

The Expansion of Range and Population of the Barn Owl (Tyto alba javanica) in Peninsular Malaysia and in Sumatra and Adjacent Islands – A Review and Update on the Current Situation

Expansion in numbers and habitats of barn owl (Tyto alba javanica) has occurred in Peninsular Malaysia and in Sumatra and adjacent islands as a natural feature as a consequence of expansion of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantations with year round fruiting and build up of large populations of rats. The barn owl found itself filling an ecological niche as a predator of the rats. Initial barn owl populations in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra were low due to paucity of suitable nest sites but greatly expanded when plantation managements put up nest-boxes and owl populations grew to a level where total rat control without use of poison-baits was achieved and has been now sustained for one-and-a-half decades. In Sumatra, the barn owl was initially a vagrant originating from Java which built up a small resident but rare population and from which the Peninsular Malaysian barn owls derived again as vagrant migrants from Sumatra. Stages in development of the nest box design and density and the refinements that came about from commercial application arising from the initial research work in both countries are discussed. Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra have both seen the status of barn owls change from "Rare" to "Common " over a period of 20 years due to work with nest boxes in oil palm areas providing a commercial value to the estates. Where thisfull biological control is achieved, it has completely removed the dangers to non-target species that existed with all forms of baiting and in particular from "second generation " baits. Keywords: Barn owl, predation, rats, nest boxes, poison baits, non-target species, population increase

A bait-suspension device for the control of feral cats

The use of poison baits is an effective method for controlling feral cats. However, take of baits by non-target animals may place those animals at risk of poisoning and also reduces the availability of baits to the target animal, feral cats. Therefore, techniques that reduce non-target take of baits are desirable. Earlier trials have suggested that suspending baits might prevent most non-target animals from removing the baits while maintaining their attractiveness and availability to feral cats. This paper assesses the efficacy of a bait-suspension device to provide a relatively simple means of controlling feral cats (across age and sex classes). In addition, it confirms the high target specificity of the bait-delivery mechanism on Australia’s Christmas Island, where non-target species would have posed a problem with baits laid on the ground. The technique may have potential application on other islands where similar non-target species are threatened by baiting programs or at specific sites on the mainland where aerial or on-track deployment of feral cat baits may pose an unacceptable risk to non-target species.

The association of grouse moor in Scotland with the illegal use of poisons to control predators

In the UK uplands, there is a conflict between the maintenance of high densities of red grouse ( Lagopus lagopus scoticus) for sporting shoots and the conservation of birds of prey on grouse moors where shoots take place. Several authors have indicated that as a result of this conflict, illegal use of poisoned baits to control predators is more likely to occur on grouse moors, but this association has not been examined formally. Mapping a form of land management unique to grouse moors (‘strip muirburn’), we use a GIS analysis to show that records of illegal poison use from 1981 to 2000 were disproportionately associated with grouse moors in Scotland. The association between poisoning incidents in the uplands and grouse moors was stronger in later years of the study period. It is suggested that this was at least partly due to a decline in the illegal use of poisons away from grouse moors. There was no evidence of any temporal decline in poisoning incidents on grouse moors over the study period. This research indicates that illegal methods for controlling predators (including protected birds of prey) are associated with traditional field sports and points to the need for management action.

Attraction of <I>Vespula germanica</I> (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) Foragers by Conspecific Heads

The socialwasp Vespula germanica (F.) is a serious pest in many regions it has invaded. Control programs to reduce its populations are commonly based on the use of poison baits. These baits also attract nonpestiferous invertebrates and vertebrates. In this work we studied the attraction of V. germanica foragers by conspecific worker squashes, comparing the effect of head and abdomen squashes in wasps behavior. We found that head squashes attract V. germanica foragers, elicit landing and transportation to nests. Furthermore, the addition of squashed heads to a protein bait increased attraction. This could be an alternative to improve baiting programs.