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To what extent do Australian raptors scavange stock carcasses?

To: "Karen" <>
Subject: To what extent do Australian raptors scavange stock carcasses?
From: "michael norris" <>
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 14:14:57 +1100
Hi Karen

I'm copying this to the list in case anyone thinks it is worth correcting my mistakes.

The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority has reviewed most "pesticides". I haven't read (or reread) the detailed reports but, from memory, these are the points most relevant to birds in Melbourne and nearby. (But don't forget the frogs, ants, lizards, possums, quolls,....)

1080 - highly lethal to dogs (which is why it is not often used for foxes or rabbits in urban areas). Occasional bird casualties.

Pindone - not highly lethal to dogs (which is why - even though it is banned in the UK and USA - it is used on rabbits...). Risks to pigeons if the poision is hidden in oats - carrots are used instead in Bayside. Some raptor casualties eg. goshawk.

Brodifacoum and other second generation anticoagulant rat poisons as available in supermarkets in products such as "Talon". Poison practically any animal - humans, possums - through cumulative effects (but antidotes available). I suspect sick-looking Black-shouldered Kites around here had eaten that sort of stuff by scavenging. Congrats to John Young for getting cane growers to use other poisons so the owls would return and help control rats instead of being exterminated.


Mike Norris




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