Hi all You may be aware that a potential locust problem is looming in the wheatbelt of SA, Vic and NSW (and probably elsewhere). The SA government is planning a control program using aerial spraying. I have been told that two types of sprays are to be used; one that kills every insect and even small lizards etc; and another one that is more expensive but apparently affects locusts only (I don’t know the names of these sprays, or how one can be so specific as to only target locusts). Does anyone know of any follow-on effect on birds (apart from the loss of food source if all insects are killed?) The SA Dept of Environment (now DENR) appears to be identifying no-fly zones eg conservation / national parks and near waterways. Farmers wanting to do their own thing can receive a subsidy towards the cost of the sprays but of course they’d be more likely to choose the cheaper, kill-everything spray. This morning on ABC radio a resident from the Vic wheatbelt suggested that National Parks etc. should also be sprayed. I’m bringing this to everyone’s attention as it is likely to become another stand-off between farmers and the environment as the locust outbreaks start happening in a few weeks time. cheers
Peter Waanders
Southern Birding Services
PO Box 420 Waikerie, 5330 South Australia
mob.: 0409 763172
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I did suggest a much more environmentally-friendly solution on Bush Telegraph a couple of months ago! Denise L Goodfellow
on 3/9/10 10:42 AM, Wendy at woobinda@pipeline.com.au wrote:
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This topic is being discussed on ABC Radio National Bush Telegraph RIGHT NOW. Repeated tonight 1am http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bushtelegraph/ wendy
Thanks Chris. I’ve found out the names of the sprays:
Chlorpyrifos 500 EC Registered for the control of Locusts. Apparently toxic to fish, bees and other insects ; and Green Guard SC Biological Insecticide for locusts and grasshoppers
I’m worried that widescale spraying with the first one will eliminate the food source for many insectivorous birds that are just hanging on in patches of remnant native vegetation in an otherwise largely agricultural landscape.
cheers
Peter Waanders Southern Birding Services PO Box 420 Waikerie, 5330 South Australia mob.: 0409 763172 sat.: 0424 212889 SA Birding: http://www.sabirding.com E-mail1: waanders.peter@gmail.com E-mail2: info@sabirding.com
On Fri, Aug 13, 2010 at 11:16 AM, Chris Sanderson wrote: href=”mailto:waanders.peter@gmail.com”>waanders.peter@gmail.com href=”mailto:info@sabirding.com”>info@sabirding.com href=”mailto:birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au”>birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au ============================== To unsubscribe from this mailing list, send the message: unsubscribe (in the body of the message, with no Subject line) href=”mailto:birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au”>birding-aus-request@vicnet.net.au
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Hi Peter,
It’s difficult to give an answer to your questions without knowing the sprays used. Follow on effects on birds certainly can occur depending on the chemical and its tendency to bioaccumulate. Some poisons affect mammals more, some affect birds more. I too would be interested in hearing about the one they claim is specific to locusts/insects, I’ve not heard the claim before (though this is definitely not my area of expertise!)
I would be very surprised if anyone took seriously a request to spray a national park, but I suppose politicians aren’t always sensible in their decisions.
Regards, Chris
On Fri, Aug 13, 2010 at 11:11 AM, Peter Waanderswrote:
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