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The short‐term effects on birds and mammals of the use of chlorpyrifos to control leatherjackets in grassland
Author(s) -
CLEMENTS R. O.,
BALE J. S.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
annals of applied biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1744-7348
pISSN - 0003-4746
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-7348.1988.tb02039.x
Subject(s) - carrion , biology , chlorpyrifos , grassland , zoology , ecology , pesticide
SUMMARY The impact on birds and mammals of treating two grass fields in Devon and Yorkshire with chlorpyrifos (Dursban 4*) to control leatherjackets was assessed. Both fields had leatherjacket populations in excess of 3 million/ha. Samples of leatherjackets and earthworms were collected for chlorpyrifos residue analysis at intervals before and after spraying. Samples of leatherjackets and earthworms, were also obtained for residue analysis from a nearby unsprayed field, 7 and 10 days after the day on which the treated field was sprayed. Observations of birds and mammals were made for 2 h at dawn and dusk, on two days before spraying and on six occasions afterwards. Several species of birds, many of which appeared to feed on leatherjackets brought to the surface by chlorpyrifos treatment, and three species of mammals were observed in the treated fields. Some of the bird species, e.g. magpie and carrion crow, together with hares were present frequently and it is probable that the fields were part of their feeding territories and that the same individuals were returning to feed at frequent intervals. At least some of the birds, e.g. starlings and carrion crows appeared to feed on leatherjackets. None showed any immediate sign of abnormal behaviour and the consistent reappearance of the territorial species during the study period suggests there were no longer‐term effects. Thorough searches were made of the field, its hedgerows and ditches for dead birds and animals on seven occasions. None was found.