Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
exist, it actually remains very diffi cult to gather the necessary evidence required to prove an ille-
gal wildlife poisoning case. One key issue regards the maintenance of 'chain of custody' (i.e., a
legal record of sample handling and transport between the point at which the sample is collected
and that at which forensic analysis is completed) since there is no clarity in the system regarding
who should collect then transport samples to the laboratory. There is also a lack of human capacity
(i.e., of experts to determine animal poisoning has occurred), and of legal procedures for investigat-
ing poisoning incidents.
Another issue is the perception of wildlife poisoning in some laboratories. For example, at the
Veterinary Institute (Veterinary University of Zagreb), carcasses are often deemed too decomposed
to investigate. Dead birds, submitted for analysis, are often rejected by the Institute on this basis.
This seems unusual when poisoning is suspected, since a poison can be clearly detected in a highly
decomposed carcass given the correct procedures. Numerous laboratories within Europe are able to
determine the presence of poisons in carcasses that are highly decomposed. One colleague stated (off
the record), that when there is suspicion of poisoning, it is normal practice to say that the carcass is
too decomposed. If poison were confi rmed, scientists might be called as expert witnesses to testify
in court, and they could then 'lose' time, for which they would not be compensated.
Without offi cial recognition that wildlife poisoning is a problem, it is diffi cult to estimate the
number of incidents linked with carbofuran or other compounds. State institutions involved in bio-
diversity conservation do not currently collect data on poisoning incidents, and there is no sampling
protocol in place for animals suspected to have been poisoned. There is legal protection, in the sense
that laws to protect animals exist, however, in reality, if one discovers dead eagles in the environ-
ment (for example), there is no mechanism in place in terms of who to contact, who should collect
the carcass, where to send the samples for analysis, and importantly, who will seek out the culprit?
Even if a culprit is identifi ed, the prevailing legal process seems fl awed. Within Croatia, there are
regular cases regarding corruption at the government/judicial level, hence, wildlife poisoning (for
many) can appear to be a minor problem. When poisoning incidents occur, the most common reac-
tion is to avoid them, i.e., the police will say that they are not in charge of wildlife crime, and government
inspectors of all kinds will try to hand off a case to someone else.
5.7.6 Recommended steps to address the current threat posed by carbofuran
In a country where the existence of illegal poisoning must fi rst be acknowledged within government,
there remains a need for a concerted campaign. At the moment, it is almost impossible to take any
action against perpetrators. There is no conservation organisation dedicated to this issue, and authori-
ties do not currently have an interest in this problem. While the problem should be solved at the govern-
ment level, there is a need to establish coordination between NGOs and the government, and to present
government bodies with sound recommendations as to the methods necessary for effective action.
One important objective should be to develop and implement an awareness program. The aim
should be to increase knowledge regarding the repercussions of wildlife poisoning on ecosystems, and
this process should take into account the attitudes of Croatian people. This programme must include
stakeholder consultation, should model how to control illicit activities, model how ecosystems interact,
monitor results/outcomes, and review systems on an ongoing basis. There is also a need to establish
measures by which Croatia can regulate the production, distribution, selling and transportation of poi-
sons such as carbofuran. The aim must be to prevent and ultimately stop deliberate and illegal use.
All measures conducted by an 'anti-poisoning campaign' should be based on the overall objective
of dissuading those who are considering the use of poisons. The campaign must establish mech-
anisms regarding long-term action against illegal poisoning. Conservation and the stabilisation of
Croatian endangered species must be prioritised, and measures should focus on populations in jeop-
ardy due to poisoning (i.e., vultures). Habitat loss and fragmentation are also major threats to large
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