SEDL / STP / STP625-EB / STP27050S

An Exclosure Method for Quantifying Vertebrate Pesticide Residues from Rangeland Vegetation

Tietjen, HP
Research biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver Wildlife Research Center, Denver, Colo.

Pages: 5    Published: Jan 1977

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Abstract

Tests to quantify the amount of zinc phosphide (Zn³P²) residues deposited on range vegetation were run in conjunction with field efficacy trials of this rodenticide against black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus). The tests were designed to evaluate the experimental design and, if the technique proved feasible, to determine residue levels at normal and exaggerated rates of application. Four exclosures were used, each treated with a specific multiple of the bait application rate used in the efficacy trials (X0, X1, X3, and X10). Random vegetation samples were clipped in each exclosure on Days 1, 15, 30, and 60 posttreatment. The on-site exclosure method yielded an accurate estimate of treatment-related residue values and should prove useful for other rodenticidal agents.