vertebrate pest management part 1 roger a. baldwin ucce wildlife specialist, uc davis
TRANSCRIPT
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Vertebrate Pest ManagementPart 1
Roger A. Baldwin UCCE Wildlife Specialist, UC Davis
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What Are Vertebrate Pests?
• Nonhuman species of vertebrate animals that are currently troublesome locally, or over a wide area, to one or more persons, either by being a health hazard, a general nuisance, or by destroying food, fiber, or natural resources.
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Current Control Strategies
• Currently, we focus on an integrated approach that utilizes a number of strategies and tools to control vertebrate pests.
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Importance of Biology/Ecology
• Understanding the biology and ecology of vertebrate pests will guide management decisions.
• Example:
- ground squirrels
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Management Strategy
• Identify the vertebrate pest species.
• Assess options for managing this species.
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Management Strategy
• Develop and implement a management plan you deem most appropriate.
• Monitor after implementation of management actions to determine effectiveness and to assess potential reinfestations.
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Species Identification (Ground Squirrels)
• Gray-brown fur with semi-bushy tail.
• Are social.
• Damage includes girdling of trees, consumption of forbs and grasses, chewing of irrigation lines, and abundant burrow openings.
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Species Identification (Ground Squirrels)
• Squirrels are active throughout the day and are frequently visible.
• They prefer to burrow next to buildings, on field edges, and alongside fencerows and roadsides.
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Species Identification (Pocket Gophers)
• Burrowing rodent about 6-8 in long; rarely seen above ground.
• Gopher mounds are plugged and often fan-shaped.
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Species Identification (Pocket Gophers)
• They feed on taproots weakening and/or killing plants.
• Then can girdle trees, particularly below ground.
• Mounds can also kill plants and can create weed seed-beds.
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Species Identification (Moles)
• Are burrowing mammals with a pointed snout and broad feet that eat worms and insects.
• As such, moles cause less damage to gardens than gophers, though linear ridges and mole mounds do cause damage.
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Species Identification (Moles)
• Mounds are volcano shaped with the plug in the center of the mound.
• Can also be identified from raised earth indicating underground tunnels
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Species Identification (Meadow Voles)
• Have dark grayish brown fur and are 4-6 inches in length.
• Populations tend to cycle, exhibiting irruptive growth patterns.
Vole Population Cycling
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1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Vol
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Species Identification (Meadow Voles)• Dig shallow burrows and leave well-worn trails. Fecal pellets
are often present.
• Primary damage caused by girdling of stems, consumption of vegetation, and gnawing of irrigation pipe.
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Species Identification (Tree Squirrels)
• Four species found in California, though the eastern Fox squirrel causes the most damage.
• Are diurnal.• Will consume nut crops,
dig holes in lawns, chew on cables, and nest in buildings.
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Species Identification (Hares & Rabbits)
• Jackrabbits are hares, but they are the most common rabbit-like pest in agricultural settings.
• Are larger and have longer ears than cottontails.
• Damage caused through foraging on stems and leaves of plants.
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Species Identification (Hares & Rabbits)
• Cottontails are true rabbits.
• They are smaller and have shorter ears.
• Typically a bigger pest than jackrabbits in urban settings.
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Species Identification (Deer)• Can cause significant damage
to crops and gardens, especially when in close proximity to forested and riparian areas.
• Most damage will occur during dawn, dusk, and at night, so identification of footprints and scat may be needed to determine deer were the cause of damage.
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Species Identification (Birds)
• Number of birds that can be pests.
• These include ducks, geese, crows, magpies, starlings, house finches and scrub jays.
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Assessing Options
• How bad is the infestation?
• Is it bad enough to warrant control?
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Assessing Options• What time of year is it?
• What are the different costs for potential treatments?
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Assessing Options
• Are endangered species potentially present in your area? Consult your county Ag Commissioner to find out.
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What Control Options are Available?
Habitat modification
BaitingBurrow
fumigationTrapping Exclusion Repellent Frightening Shooting
Pocket gopher X X X X X
Ground squirrel X X X X X
Meadow vole X X X X
Hares & rabbits X X X X X X
Tree squirrels X X X
Deer X X X
Birds X X X X X X