PIECES OF SILVER: EXAMPLES OF THE ECONOMIC IMPACT AND MANAGEMENT OF THE SILVER GULL (\u3ci\u3eLARUS NOVAEHOLLANDIAE\u3c/i\u3e) IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Like a number of gull species, the silver gull Larus novaehollandiae has expanded its population in response to human food subsidy. The major anthropogenic food source is food waste at rubbish tips. Other sources of human food waste are also exploited. Many problems result from the activities of these birds, including human health and safety, economic impacts, and effects on the conservation of other species. My study examines aspects of the economic impacts of the silver gull on the human community of the Greater Melbourne Area comprising approximately 4065 km2 (1569 square miles). My data collection method involves identifying sites where problems have been experienced and completing questionnaires during face to face interviews with the managers of those sites. Data collected at this early stage of the study demonstrate that there are significant, quantifiable economic impacts associated with the superabundance of the silver gull in this area. Other impacts, such as reduced amenity and potential health hazards are equally real but more difficult to quantify. Costs include damage to structures and products, damage prevention measures, and loss of production. Information about the costs of these problems will be presented to the relevant landfill management authorities to encourage them to consider alternative means of disposing of putrescible waste, rather than by open landfill disposal, because even current best practice management of open landfill sites (rubbish tips) provides ample opportunity for silver gulls and certain other bird species to exploit this food source. Controlling access by the silver gull to food at rubbish tips would be an important first step in managing the population of this species

Neglected to death. by Ian Temby

tag=1 data=Neglected to death. by Ian Temby. tag=2 data=Temby, Ian tag=3 data=Criminology Australia. tag=6 data=July/August 1990 tag=7 data=19,20. tag=8 data=DEATHS IN CUSTODY tag=9 data=JOHN BARRY MEMORIAL LECTURE tag=10 data=Deaths in custody are distressing, not least to those who run the systems. There are two relevant systems in place. One is government, and the other comprises the prisons and lock-ups in a given jurisdiction. tag=11 data=1990/2/10 tag=12 data=328 tag=13 data=CABDeaths in custody are distressing, not least to those who run the systems. There are two relevant systems in place. One is government, and the other comprises the prisons and lock-ups in a given jurisdiction

A test of targeted and passive capture of Australian elapids with a brown tree snake trap

All reptiles in Australia receive statutory protection. However, Australia is home to many of the world’s most highly toxic venomous snakes, and when these snakes, or similar-looking snakes, come into human proximity, conservation issues are routinely disregarded and the snakes are killed. A secure and effective snake trap could allow dangerously venomous snakes to be removed from the vicinities of humans in safety (for both humans and snake). Towards this end, we conducted a demonstration trial to see if the trap widely used on Guam to capture brown tree snakes (Boiga irregularis) could be applied in a suburban Australian setting to safely remove dangerous snakes without killing them

Pieces of silver : examples of the economic impact and management of the silver gull (Larus novaehollandiae) in Melbourne, Australia

Like a number of gull species, the silver gull Larus novaehollandiae has expanded its population in response to human food subsidy. The major anthropogenic food source is food waste at rubbish tips. Other sources of human food waste are also exploited. Many problems result from the activities of these birds, including human health and safety, economic impacts, and effects on the conservation of other species. My study examines aspects of the economic impacts of the silver gull on the human community of the Greater Melbourne Area comprising approximately 4065 km2 (1569 square miles). My data collection method involves identifying sites where problems have been experienced and completing questionnaires during face to face interviews with the managers of those sites. Data collected at this early stage of the study demonstrate that there are significant, quantifiable economic impacts associated with the superabundance of the silver gull in this area. Other impacts, such as reduced amenity and potential health hazards are equally real but more difficult to quantify. Costs include damage to structures and products, damage prevention measures, and loss of production. Information about the costs of these problems will be presented to the relevant landfill management authorities to encourage them to consider alternative means of disposing of putrescible waste, rather than by open landfill disposal, because even current best practice management of open landfill sites (rubbish tips) provides ample opportunity for silver gulls and certain other bird species to exploit this food source. Controlling access by the silver gull to food at rubbish tips would be an important first step in managing the population of this species.<br /

The Victorian living with possums policy : a review

Possums in urban areas can cause problems for residents when they live in the roof cavity of homes. The Victorian Living With Possums policy was implemented by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) in 1997 to address the ineffective, illegal and inhumane nature of possum management practices. Human-possum conflicts in urban areas can be difficult to resolve, and it is therefore important that the Living With Possums policy is effectively reaching the community and other stakeholders (e.g. vets, local councils).This study represents Stage 1 of a two-part research project that aims to examine community awareness of and compliance with the policy and relevant legislation. A pilot questionnaire was designed and distributed to a sample of individuals who have recently hired possum traps from local councils or private organisations within metropolitan Melbourne. Preliminary findings indicate that although there is some level of awareness about the Living with Possums policy, there is evidence of non-compliance and a lack of understanding about the detailed policy guidelines. In Stage 2 of this project, questionnaires will be distributed to a larger sample of individuals who are experiencing conflicts with possums in order to examine just how widespread this lack of compliance and awareness is. <br /

Field trials of the efficacy of 'Grain 96-1': A methyl anthranilate bird repellent

Effectiveness of 'Grain 96-1', a methyl anthranilate (methyl 2 aminobenzonate, MA) based bird repellent, was examined to quantify the reduction in consumption of treated oats. Field trials at Horsham, Victoria, demonstrated more birds, mainly Long-billed Corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris), were observed feeding on untreated compared to treated (0.4% and 0.8% w/w MA) oats. However, there was no significant difference in the quantity of 0.4% (w/w) MA treated oats consumed by birds compared to untreated. Treatment of oats at a higher concentration (0.8% w/w MA) significantly reduced the quantity consumed (t = 15.97, d.f. = 3, P<0.001) compared with untreated oats. Relationship of bird behaviour to the effectiveness of methyl anthranilate as a bird repellent is discussed