VERTEBRATE DAMAGE CONTROL RESEARCH IN AGRICULTURE


 INTRODUCTION



About one-half of the world's population is actively engaged in agri-
culture. In spite of this, and in spite of many advances in agricul-
tural technology, millions of people in scores of nations still suffer
hunger, malnutrition, and starvation. The reasons for this are many
and complex, but certainly one important factor is food loss to crop
pests. Vertebrate pests (primarily rodents and birds) are responsible
for much of this loss but, historically, they have not received the
degree of attention given to other agricultural pests. Most published
discussions on food losses or agricultural pests inevitably focus on
pathogenic organisms or arthropods, while making only passing mention
of vertebrate pests. Hence, with few exceptions, little organized and
reliable information on the species involved, degree of damage, or the
resultant economic impact, is available.

In recent years, however, the role of vertebrate depredations in agri-
culture is attracting more interest in developing nations. Recognizing
this, the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) has sup-
ported a research program at the Denver Wildlife Research Center
(DWRC) to evaluate these situations and, when circumstances warrant,
develop means to reduce or eliminate the damage. The overall objec-
tive of this project is to increase the available human food supply in
developing countries and reduce the risk of severe losses caused by
vertebrate pests. The ultimate goal of the research program is to
develop biologically sound, safe, effective, and economical control
methods which are suitable and practical for small farmers and accept-
able in the broader context of agricultural development.

Attainment of these goals is approached by: (1) in-country programs;
(2) outreach activities from the DWRC as requested by AID/Washington
or AID Missions; and (3) problem-oriented research activities at DWRC.
Vertebrate damage problems in Africa, Asia, and Latin America are
continuously reviewed. Current bird and mammal damage research and
development is also reviewed with the aim of adapting new techniques
or materials to specific problem situations.

The Denver Wildlife Research Center has, for many years, been recog-
nized throughout the world as a leader in development of vertebrate
pest control technology. The large, experienced staff is comprised of
specialists in diverse fields such as ecology, physiology, pharma-
cology, wildlife biology, nutrition, statistics, animal psychology and
behavior, chemistry, and electronics. Several staff members have