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

Abstract

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