Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
350 F was used (www.agromanual.cz/download/pdf_bezpecnost/bl_furadan_350_f.pdf). One litre of
Furadan 350F contains about 375 grams of carbofuran as an active ingredient. LD 50 values of 2 and
19 mg/kg have been reported for mice and dogs, respectively (Cornell University 1993, and refer to
Chapter 2). Taking into account the average size of an adult otter (6 kg) and using a 'best case scenario
of lethality' (i.e., the higher lethal dose of 19 mg/kg), one litre of Furadan 350F in theory contains
enough carbofuran to kill more than 2 500 otters, a fi gure that exceeds the whole population of the
species within the country (PolednĂ­k et al. 2007). We obtained this mortality estimate as follows:
1. Multiplying the LD 50 of 19 mg/kg by the average weight of the otter, 6 g, which gives a result
of 0.132 g. We use this value to represent the amount required to kill one otter.
2. Dividing the amount of (carbofuran) active ingredient in 1 litre of Furadan 350F, 375 g, by the
number of grams of active ingredient required to kill one otter, 0.132 g, which gives a value of
2 840 otters.
Here, we report on poisoning of otters and other piscivorous species based on our experience
within two nature conservation and monitoring entities. The Agency for Nature Conservation and
Landscape Protection of the Czech Republic (Czech acronym: AOPK CR) is a governmental body
that was established in 1995 by the Ministry of the Environment. Its primary aim is to protect the
nature and landscapes of the Czech Republic. To do this, AOPK CR monitors trends in selected habi-
tats and populations of endangered and/or specially protected wildlife species and provides technical
and expert support. It also implements practical measures to conserve nature and landscapes within the
24 Protected Landscape Areas and the 208 National Nature Reserves and National Nature Monuments
in the Czech Republic. Other activities include administering national subsidy programmes and some
European Community funds intended for nature and landscape conservation, payment of fi nan-
cial compensation for damages caused by specially protected animals and for loss of property to
agriculture, forestry and fi shpond management. Finally, AOPK participates in international nature
conservation and landscape protection efforts and is a Scientifi c Authority of the Convention on the
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in the Czech Republic.
ALKA Wildlife is a nongovernmental, nonprofi t organisation that was established in 2007. It
focuses primarily on applied ecological research of various mammalian and bird species. Despite
its short history, it has achieved an important position as a partner for State nature conservation
authorities. The ALKA team has signifi cantly contributed to the Eurasian otter management plan
proposal for the Czech Republic and in cooperation with AOPK CR, it is responsible for designing
and carrying out the monitoring of otters. Moreover the team is coordinating nationwide monitoring
of the saker and peregrine falcons ( Falco cherrug and Falco peregrinus , respectively). The scope of
the team extends far beyond these three species and ALKA is involved in the research and conservation/
monitoring of other species such as wildcat ( Felis silvestris ), European mink ( Mustela lutreola ) and
American mink ( Neovison vison ).
Several substances have recently been recorded in connection with wildlife poisoning in the
Czech Republic: carbofuran, strychnine, methomyl and the anticoagulant agent warfarin. Of these,
carbofuran has been used most often in the last years, however, since its use is now prohibited,
methomyl (which is not restricted) has also been used. These compounds are used to lace different
types of baits such as fi sh, eggs, meat and remains of small game species. Depending on the bait
used and where it is placed (e.g., at the water's edge, at feeding sites, near houses with domestic
animals) different species are affected, including birds of prey (most commonly Buteo buteo, Milvus
sp. Circus sp., Haliaeetus albicilla ), carnivores ( Vulpes vulpes, Lutra lutra, Martes foina ) and the
occasional scavenger (Corvidae).
Most of the wildlife poisoning cases are proven by analysis of the stomach content and liver, by
gas chromatography (with use of nitrogen-phosphor detector, NPD) at our State Veterinary Institute.
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