THE SITUATION OF GRAIN-EATING BIRDS IN SOMALIA

Research into the biology and control of pest birds in Somalia has continued intermittently since 1971 under UNDP funding of four projects. Data have been gathered on the identification, distribution, and status of the principal pest species to agriculture. These species include the Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea), of which northern and southern races occur, and several other ploceid weavers (Ploceus spp.) which may damage cereal crops. The movements, food habits, and corresponding impact of these species on agriculture in Somalia are discussed in detail. As a result of the information obtained during these years of research, emphasis has recently shifted to developing the indirect control capacity of the Bird Control Unit and evaluating methods for directly protecting a crop. Scouting teams for locating concentrations of pest birds have been organized and initial control operations undertaken. Trials of frightening and scaring devices and techniques, physical barriers, and chemical repellents have been evaluated, but only on a limited scale and with variable results. The whole arena of managing bird pests is new in Somalia and progressing slowly. However, the necessary framework is being established upon which a crop protection strategy, integrating methods of indirect and direct control, can be implemented

WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

Greetings and welcome to Fort Collins. We at the National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) have had the privilege of organizing and hosting four international symposia since 1993. The first three were on the topics of contraception and wildlife, repellents in wildlife management, and the economics of wildlife damage management. Today, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our fourth symposium: the International Symposium on Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species. I know our Symposium’s organizing committee has strived to bring you a diverse group of international speakers….all of whom are working on the cutting edge of invasive species research, management, and eradication. More specifically, much work is being done in the areas of early detection, rapid response, biological and economic impacts, prevention and control, resource recovery, public education and support, and global initiatives

Feather Morphology as an Age Indicator in Mandarin Ducks

Author Institution: Environmental Studies Center, Bowling Green State UniversityAn investigation of known-age Mandarin ducks {Aix galericulata) indicated that primary feather length and secondary feather markings could be used to separate the majority of yearling from adult birds. The lengths of the 7th, 9th, and 10th primaries of adults of both sexes were longer than the corresponding feathers in yearlings. The 7th and 9th primaries probably would provide the greatest ageing accuracy, since their lengths were significantly different when the same females were measured as yearlings and adults. Color patterns on the secondaries could not be used to segregate age groups reliably

Wildlife damage management research needs: perceptions of scientists, wildlife managers, and stakeholders of the USDA/Wildlife Services program

This paper presents the results of a nationwide research needs assessment of the important wildlife-human conflict issues and associated research needs of the USDA:APHIS-Wildlife Services (WS) program and its stakeholders. Thirty-six WS State Directors, 23 WS/National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) scientists and 6 members of the National Wildlife Services Advisory Committee (NWSAC) to the US Secretary of Agriculture responded to a request for participation. This paper compares these current research needs with previous regional and national research needs assessments for wildlife damage management in the United States. Important national problems identified included issues related to aviation, timber, agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock industries, as well as wildlife-borne diseases, invasive species, and overabundant wildlife populations. This assessment provides useful input, along with legislative and administrative guidance. to NWRC for allocating resources to specific research projects that address the WS program\u27s needs for knowledge and new methods. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd

Dry season nesting of the Golden sparrow near Richard-Toll, Sénégal

A small, dry season Passer luteus nesting colony was studied near Richard-Toll, Senegal in April and May 1975. Differences between this colony and wet season colonies included a) smaller nests of somewhat different material ; b) lower nesting success ; and c) the presence of weed seeds in the diet of nestlings

An Integrated Strategy to Decrease Eared Dove Damage in Sunflower Crops

Eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) damage mature sunflowers in Uruguay. Although repellents might be useful as a control method, durability and expense have discouraged their use. In the present report, we describe laboratory, aviary, and field research designed to evaluate methiocarb and calcium carbonate as durable, economical repellents. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was as effective as CaCO3 /methiocarb in combination in deterring consumption of sunflowers. Moreover, treating field borders with CaCO3 or the CaCO3 /methiocarb combination was as effective as treating the entire field for at least 12 days. This period is sufficiently long to deter damage to sunflower during the critical period just before harvest. We conclude that CaC03 can provide an economical tool to reduce bird damage to sunflower in Uruguay

PROTECTING RIPENING SORGHUM WITH METHIOCARB FROM BIRD DAMAGE IN SENEGAL

The simultaneous completion of the rainy season and nesting of granivorous birds between October and November in the Sudano-sahelian region of Senegal often results in very extensive bird damage to cereal crops. This occurs from both increased bird populations, due to the presence of juveniles as well as from their accompanying change in diet from insects to seeds. The damage is caused by several species of birds, most notable the Red-billed Dioch (Quelea quelea) and the Village and Black-headed Weavers (Ploceus cuculiatus and Ploceus capitalis) . The Buffalo Weaver (Bubalornis albirostris) and the Glossy Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus) also are at times serious crop depredators. Traditionally, farmers employ many different frightening techniques to chase or scare birds from their crops. The methods provide at best only temporary relief and require considerable time and energy. A possible solution to the bird problem involves the use of chemical repellents applied directly to the ripening grain. The purpose of the trial reported here was to evaluate methiocarb or Mesurol [4-(methylthio)-3,5 xylyl N - methylcarbamate] as a bird repellent on ripening sorghum. The study was undertaken as a part of the Regional UNDP/FAO Project “Research into the Control of Grain-eating Birds,” aimed at the development and improvement of control techniques to prevent or reduce bird damage to cereal crops. The effectiveness of methiocarb as a nonlethal bird repellent has been demonstrated on several types of crops, among them cherries (Guarino, et al., 1974), blueberries (Bollengier, et al., 1973), sorghum (Mott and Lewis, 1975) and rice (DeHaven, et al., 1971). Trials by DeGrazio and DeHaven (1974) on wheat and rice in eastern Africa also have shown promise. Likewise, the Quelea Project has obtained some success with it against Passer Iuteus, Quelea quelea, and ploceus capitalis when applied to both ripening millet and rice (Bruggers, 1975, 1977)

Setting research priorities at Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Research Center

As director of the Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC), I frequently have been asked how the NWRC determines, prioritizes, and implements its research agenda. To answer this question, I will start by giving both a historical overview and an update of the NWRC. The mission of the NWRC is to provide science-based tools and information to resolve human–wildlife conflicts