Thanks Chris. I've found out the names of the sprays:
Chlorpyrifos 500 EC Registered for the control of Locusts. Apparently
toxic to fish, bees and other insects ; and
Green Guard SC Biological Insecticide for locusts and grasshoppers
I'm worried that widescale spraying with the first one will eliminate
the food source for many insectivorous birds that are just hanging on
in patches of remnant native vegetation in an otherwise largely
agricultural landscape.
cheers
Peter Waanders
Southern Birding Services
PO Box 420
Waikerie, 5330 South Australia
mob.: 0409 763172
sat.: 0424 212889
SA Birding: http://www.sabirding.com
E-mail1:
E-mail2:
On Fri, Aug 13, 2010 at 11:16 AM, Chris Sanderson
<> wrote:
>
> Hi Peter,
>
> It's difficult to give an answer to your questions without knowing the sprays
> used. Follow on effects on birds certainly can occur depending on the
> chemical and its tendency to bioaccumulate. Some poisons affect mammals
> more, some affect birds more. I too would be interested in hearing about the
> one they claim is specific to locusts/insects, I've not heard the claim
> before (though this is definitely not my area of expertise!)
>
> I would be very surprised if anyone took seriously a request to spray a
> national park, but I suppose politicians aren't always sensible in their
> decisions.
>
> Regards,
> Chris
>
> On Fri, Aug 13, 2010 at 11:11 AM, Peter Waanders <>
> wrote:
>>
>> Hi all
>> You may be aware that a potential locust problem is looming in the wheatbelt
>> of SA, Vic and NSW (and probably elsewhere). The SA government is planning a
>> control program using aerial spraying. I have been told that two types of
>> sprays are to be used; one that kills every insect and even small lizards
>> etc; and another one that is more expensive but apparently affects locusts
>> only (I don't know the names of these sprays, or how one can be so specific
>> as to only target locusts). Does anyone know of any follow-on effect on
>> birds (apart from the loss of food source if all insects are killed?)
>> The SA Dept of Environment (now DENR) appears to be identifying no-fly zones
>> eg conservation / national parks and near waterways. Farmers wanting to do
>> their own thing can receive a subsidy towards the cost of the sprays but of
>> course they'd be more likely to choose the cheaper, kill-everything spray.
>> This morning on ABC radio a resident from the Vic wheatbelt suggested that
>> National Parks etc. should also be sprayed.
>> I'm bringing this to everyone's attention as it is likely to become another
>> stand-off between farmers and the environment as the locust outbreaks start
>> happening in a few weeks time.
>> cheers
>>
>> Peter Waanders
>>
>> Southern Birding Services
>>
>> PO Box 420
>> Waikerie, 5330 South Australia
>>
>> mob.: 0409 763172
>>
>> sat.: 0424 212889
>>
>> SA Birding: http://www.sabirding.com
>> E-mail1:
>> E-mail2:
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