Terrell P. Salmon

Characteristics of American Crow Urban Roosts in California

American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) roost in urban areas across the United States creating problems resulting from fecal droppings, noise, and health hazards. With little information about roosts, managers have been unable to respond to questions from the public about roost problems or design control programs. We counted crows flying into Woodland, California, to roost, surveyed roosts for occupancy, and recorded features of 87 roost trees and 62 randomly selected nonroost trees from August 1992 through July 1994. Some crows roosted in town all year, with peak abundance from September through January. Roost trees had greater height, diameter at breast height (dbh), and crown diameter and volume than nonroost trees (P < 0.001 all cases). Most roost trees were located over an asphalt or concrete substrate (P < 0.001) in commercial areas of the city, rather than in residential areas (P < 0.001), and were subjected to greater disturbance from vehicles and people (P < 0.01). Ambient light levels and interior canopy temperatures during winter were greater at roost trees than nonroost trees (P < 0.001 both cases). There were seasonal changes in roost trees selected with an increased (P < 0.001) use of deciduous trees (elms [Ulmus spp.], mulberries [Morus spp.], oaks [Quercus spp.], and ashes [Fraxinus spp.]) in residential areas during summer months as opposed to the concentrated use of evergreen oaks, alders (Alnus spp.), and conifers (Pinus spp. and Sequoia spp.) in commercial areas during winter. We developed a logistic regression model with 4 variables that correctly classified status of 85% of roost or nonroost trees.

Perceived damage and areas of needed research for wildlife pests of California agriculture.

Many wildlife species cause extensive damage to a variety of agricultural commodities in California, with estimates of damage in the hundreds of millions annually. Given the limited availability of resources to solve all human-wildlife conflicts, we should focus management efforts on issues that provide the greatest benefit to agricultural commodities in California. This survey provides quantitative data on research needs to better guide future efforts in developing more effective, practical and appropriate methods for managing these species. We found that ground squirrels, pocket gophers, birds, wild pigs, coyotes and voles were the most common agricultural wildlife pest species in California. The damage caused by these species could be quite high, but varied by agricultural commodity. For most species, common forms of damage included loss of crop production and direct death of the plant, although livestock depredation was the greatest concern for coyotes. Control methods used most frequently and those deemed most effective varied by pest species, although greater advancements in control methods were listed as a top research priority for all species. Collectively, the use of toxicants, biocontrol and trapping were the most preferred methods for control, but this varied by species. In general, integrated pest management practices were used to control wildlife pests, with a special preference for those approaches that were efficacious and quick and inexpensive to apply. This information and survey design should be useful in establishing research and management priorities for wildlife pest species in California and other similar regions.

Comparison of 0.005% and 0.01% diphacinone and chlorophacinone baits for controlling California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi)

Abstract.Diphacinone and chlorophacinone, first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, are frequently used for control of California ground squirrels (Spermophilus beecheyi) in agricultural and rangeland areas in California, USA. Owing to growing concerns over the risks to non-target species associated with the use of these rodenticides, the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed that the concentration of baits for above-ground use should be reduced from 0.01% to 0.005% active ingredient. We conducted field trials to compare the efficacy of 0.005% and 0.01% chlorophacinone and diphacinone baits in broadcast and spot applications for control of California ground squirrels on rangeland. We found no significant difference in efficacy owing to bait type, concentration or application method. Repeat testing is needed in other habitat types (e.g. crop areas) where alternative foods might reduce the effectiveness of a 0.005% bait application.

Chapter 6 – Vertebrate Pest Control Chemicals and Their Use in Urban and Rural Environments

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the approaches and techniques used in vertebrate pest management to illustrate and to put into proper perspective the use of vertebrate pesticides compared to other methodologies. Vertebrate pests are a diverse group of animals and include amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Most wildlife species are considered pests only in relatively few circumstances and may be neutral or highly desirable in most situations. Some of the many types and situations of vertebrate pest problems are referenced, establishing the basis for the use of vertebrate pest control chemicals, both nontoxic repellents and lethal agents. Vertebrate pesticides are targeted to very specific habitats or to only the offending animals or populations. For example, when rodenticides are used efficiently for long-term population suppression, only small amounts of pesticides are needed. Control strategies are selected to be as target specific as possible, using the minimal amount of pesticide. A variety of approaches are employed, including exclusion by fencing, netting, or rodent and bird proofing of buildings; habitat modification; selective crop cultural practices that include resistant crop varieties; and pest-frightening methods. The scope and magnitude of vertebrate problems affect a wide and varied range of activities and health issues. Vertebrate pesticides are represented by two major groups of agents, the lethal or toxic compounds selected or developed for killing the pest animal and the chemical repellents that are used to discourage pests from feeding or gnawing on some item or to repel them from a particular area.

Small Grain Production Manual (complete)

Author(s): Jackson, Lee; Fernandez, Bonnie; Meister, Herman; Spiller, Monica; Jackson, Lee; Williams, Jack; Kearney, Tom; Marsh, Brian; Wright, Steve; Jackson, Lee; Munier, Doug; Kearney, Tom; Pettygrove, G S; Brittan, Kent; Mathews, Marsha; Jackson, Lee; Fulton, Allan; Bali, Khaled; Mousli, Zak; Jackson, Lee; Jackson, Lee; Godfrey, Larry; Natwick, Eric; Wright, Steve; Jackson, Lee; Whisson, Desley; Salmon, Terrell; Jackson, Lee; Canevari, Mick; Orloff, Steve; Vargas, Ron; Wright, Steve; Wilson, Rob; Cudney, Dave; Jackson, Lee; Collar, Carol; Orloff, Steve; Mathews, Marsha; Wright, Steve; Jackson, Lee; Mitchell, Jeff; van Horn, Mark; Munier, Doug; Jackson, Lee; Marsh, Brian; Jackson, Lee; Kearney, Tom; Garcia, Sergio; Jackson, Lee; Canevari, Mick; Vargas, Ron; Wright, Steve; Jackson, Lee | Abstract: The Small Grain Production Manual is a 14-part free online publication that presents essential information on producing wheat, barley, oat, triticale, and rye, from growth and development through seedbed preparation, fertilization, and irrigation, to pest management, crop rotation, cover cropping, and harvesting and storage. The manual also includes an overview of small grain production in California, as well as a handy troubleshooting guide. Color photographs, drawings, charts, graphs, tables, and references. This download includes all 14 parts of the Small Grain Production Manual.