S18.2: Solving the problems of pesticide misuse for avian conservation in southern Africa

Avian populations all over the world face the constant threat of poisoning by a variety of chemicals. Agricultural chemicals (agricultural remedies or agrochemicals as referred to in this paper) play an important role in the poisoning of birds and are often blamed for the demise of avian populations in many countries (Nisbet 1988; Walton 1994). Poisoning is a constant problem in South Africa and results in the death of wild birds, mammals and domestic animals (Fourie et al. 1995). The Poison Working Group (PWG) was established as a specialist working group of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) to focus on the poisoning of wildlife. The EWT is a non-governmental conservation organisation aiming its efforts at the preservation of biodiversity in Southern Africa. The PWG aims to address the poisons issue through data assimilation, dissemination, analysis and investigation on a scientific and interactive basis, and to take appropriate action.

In this paper a brief overview of selected cases of bird poisonings in South Africa will be presented to illustrate the underlying reasons for avian poisoning. Very few scientific references are available for cases mentioned in this contribution as very few have been formally documented. Many of the incidents are recorded by word of mouth and by working closely with the farming community in South Africa. Solutions to the problems of wildlife poisoning will be discussed.

Poisoning of birds has many origins. Agrochemicals are often blatantly blamed for the death of birds, while the underlying causes for such incidents are not identified or understood by those who try and impose bans on agrochemicals. In order to address the threats, it is important to understand why poisoning incidents occur.

This refers to incidents where an agrochemical is intentionally applied to kill birds. Four sub-categories may be identified under deliberate poisoning:

In South Africa the Agriculture Pests Amended Act of 1989 makes provision for the legal control of the Redbilled Quelea Quelea quelea lathamii by means of a fenthion formulation produced by Bayer (Pty) Ltd. Bayer’s product, Queletox, is the only agricultural remedy registered under the Fertilisers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act No. 36 of 1947). No other products are registered or may be used for the control of any other avian species in South Africa. Queletox is restricted for use only by the National Department of Agriculture in the national quelea control campaign.

Land owners often resort to the illegal application of agrochemicals to control birds perceived to be agricultural pests. A variety of chemicals are used for such purposes and have an impact on a variety of bird species.

This is one of the most serious threats to game birds, waterfowl and cranes in South Africa and is escalating as the socio-economic crisis in the country deepens. Agrochemicals are mostly stolen from farm stores and used in grain baits where game birds and waterfowl are abundant. Waterholes are also poisoned to collect birds and animals for food.

This is of growing concern in South Africa. Several incidents in which large numbers of vultures were killed for traditional medicine have occurred in the eastern parts of South Africa over the last three years.

A number of different categories may be listed under accidental poisoning:

Incidents of cranes, game birds and seedeaters are reported when certain organophosphate and carbamate agrochemicals are applied according to recommendations and registration of such products.

Vultures, scavenging eagles and corvids are seriously affected by the misuse of a variety of agrochemicals and vermicides in carcasses and small baits aimed at controlling problem animals. Problems animals such as the Blackbacked Jackal Canis mesomelas, Caracal Felis caracal, Feral Dog Canis vulgaris, Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta, Brown Hyaena Hyaena brunneae, African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus and other smaller carnivores are often a menace to small stock farmers, cattle farmers and game ranches. Poisoning seems to be the easiest option for controlling such problem animals, but have dire consequences for birds of prey.

A number of cases where unregistered products were used for rodent control resulted in the death of game birds, waterfowl and seedeaters due to primary poisoning. Birds of prey and owls became the victims of secondary poisoning in these incidents.

Cases of entire roosts of Barn Owls Tyto alba capensis and Spotted Eagle Owls Bubo africanus perishing after rodenticides were used, have been recorded. There is strong indication that birds of prey such as Yellowbilled Kites Milvus migrans parasitus and Blackshouldered Kites Elanus caeruleus may also be affected by secondary poisoning with second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides.

Two serious incidents of avian poisoning resulted from mismanaged quelea control operations in the early 1990s in South Africa. The first of these occurred at the Nylsvlei Nature Reserve east of Nylstroom on February 5, 1992. The Department of Agriculture sprayed a roost of Redbilled Quelea with Queletox in reedbeds within the boundaries of the reserve. Allegedly, more than 62 species of non-target birds were affected during this operation. Amongst these were migrants species such as Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica and several egret species. Carcasses of dead birds were conveniently lost by government officials to prevent sound investigation of the incident. The PWG started lobbying against the practice of using an avicide ad lib for the control of quelea.

Following the Nylsvlei incident, a second disastrous quelea control operation occurred on February 6, 1993 at Dwaalboom west of the mining town of Thabazimbi in the Northern Province. A dense stand of Acacia millifera was used by large numbers of Redbilled Quelea as a roosting site and birds of prey and owls cashed in on the abundant food supply to feed on the quelea for an extended period of time. The control operation in which Queletox was used was unjustified as no cash crops within the feeding area of the quelea were threatened by the birds. Members of the PWG visited the site to assess the damage and retrieve dead and poisoned birds of prey and owls. More than 150 carcasses of different species were collected. These included Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax, Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi, Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus, Black Kite Milvus migrans migrans, Yellowbilled Kite Milvus migrans parasitus, Blackshouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus, Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus, Spotted Eagle OwlBubo africanus, Barn Owl Tyto alba capensis and Whitefaced Owl Otus leucotis. Fifteen live birds of prey were also recovered for treatment at the Animal Rehabiltation Centre in Pretoria.

The PWG forced the Minister of Agriculture to place a moratorium on the control the Redbilled Quelea until such time as the control procedures were more acceptable to the conservation community. This also led the appointment of a special commission by the Minister of Agriculture to compile a new policy on the control of the Redbilled Quelea. The PWG also chaired a research sub-committee to initiate and evaluate research on the Redbilled Quelea and its control. Several research programmes were funded by the Department of Agriculture to seek more acceptable and effective control mechanism for the Redbilled Quelea. Since the adoption of the new policy and control procedures, the incidents of avian poisonings due to quelea control operations diminished dramatically.

Such incidents are not very common in South Africa as the Redbilled Quelea is the only species that poses a real threat to crops. The PWG has been notified of one incident in 1996 where a landowner on the Lower Orange River close to Upington performed an illegal quelea control operation. The landowner used a private crop spraying operator to exterminate Redbilled Quelea in reedbeds on the river bank with monocrotophos. Such action and the use of monocrotophos for quelea control are strictly prohibited by law. Although the PWG did not receive any confirmed reports of non–target species being affected by the incident, it can be assumed that many birds perished as a result of the operation. The landowner was seriously reprimanded by the Department of Agriculture.

During November 1997, a landowner on the Limpopo River (northern border of South Africa) west of Messina poisoned a waterhole to kill Egyptian Geese Alopochen aegyptiacus that were allegedly posing a threat to cash crops. The PWG received news from concerned farmers on the Zimbabwean side of the river. Four Nile Crocodiles Crocodylus niloticus and seven African Elephants Loxodonta africana also died in the immediate area of the waterhole. Carcasses of the Egyptian Geese were sent to the PWG for toxicological analysis. The Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) performed qualitative analysis and found high levels of monocrotophos in all samples.

Farmers all over South Africa used to kill corvids of al three local species with poisoned baits. Black Crows Corvus capensis and Whitenecked Ravens Corvus albicollis were mostly targeted in small stock farming areas as crows have the tendency to peck out the eyes of new born and still born lambs and goat kids. There was also a belief amongst peanut farmers that Black Crows ate nuts once the harvested nuts were collected in middens. Black Crows were actually preying on rodents in the middens and not on peanuts. Large scale poisoning of crows led to the demise of the Black Crow in many parts of South Africa and an extension of the range of the Pied Crow Corvus albus. Farmers mostly used hens eggs that were injected with fenthion (trade name Lujet) or diazinon (trade name Dazzle) and left those in prominent spots for the crows. Both products were extensively used as blow fly remedies in sheep farming in the arid regions of South Africa. According to farmers, one egg would kill as many as four crows. One farmer also mentioned the use of dieldrin as an effective crow eradicator. Fortunately this practice appears to have disappeared in South Africa. Where crows do become a serious problem during lambing season, farmers are advised to shoot the first crows that become habituated to attacking new born animals. Selective removal of such birds usually precludes any further incidents.

Farmers in the Bushveld region of South Africa reported the use of fenthion as a poison to kill doves that have a severe impact on sunflower. Several joint attempts by farmers and the PWG to get the well known avicide alpha-chloralose registered for limited use on doves, failed. The PWG is currently re-investigating the possibility of alpha-chloralose as a means of controlling doves. Such action is urgently required to prevent the large scale poisoning of birds by illegal application of other agrochemicals.

Farmers in the grain producing areas of the Eastern Cape allegedly poisoned vast numbers of Southern Crowned Cranes Balearica regulorum during the mid-1980s. It is not known what product was used, but it may possibly have been monocrotophos. Cranes are still perceived by some farmers to be a pest in newly planted maize (Zea maize) fields, ripe wheat and maize on the cob. Farmers are now experimenting with "trap crops" – these are small fields where a cheap and attractive cash crop is planted to coincide with the germination of grain. It is believed that cranes will prefer the dense stands of greenery to the sparse stands of germinating maize.

In August 1996, the town clerk of Nababeep, a small town in Namaqualand ordered the manager of the granary to poison doves with grain soaked in fenthion (Lujet). These birds were feeding on spilt grain at the silos and soiled cars with defecation marks all over the town. The Poison Working Group issued a formal warning to the town clerk and advised the granary manager to clear up the spilt grain.

Home owners all over South Africa have methods of killing problem birds. The most common practice is to inject demeton-S-methyl (trade name Metasystox) or fenthion (trade name Lebaycid) into half an orange to kill various species of mouse birds (Colius and Urocolius spp.) and other frugivorous passerines that may eat fruit and home grown vegetables. A report of dieldrin being used in the same way was also received by the PWG. Home owners are encouraged to use bird netting over their fruit trees to keep birds away from fruit in stead of poisoning birds.

Most of the incidents of avian poisoning investigated by the PWG relate to the illegal use of a variety of agrochemicals to kill birds as a source of protein. It is very difficult to apprehend the culprits but the PWG nevertheless investigates all reported incidents. Grain in the form of crushed maize, wheat, barley or mixed fowl feed is soaked in an insecticide and then selectively placed where game birds and waterfowl would have free access to it. Neat insecticide is often also poured into drinking troughs or waterholes to kill birds and game animals as sources of protein. This leads to the death of very large numbers of birds and other animals and also results in secondary poisoning as predators cash in on the dead and dying specimens. The results are disastrous and often ends in the eradication of entire flocks of birds on farms. Species most affected are Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris, waterbirds of several species, other game birds, doves, pigeons, Blue Cranes Anthropoides paradiseus and Southern Crowned Cranes Balaerica regulorum. Raptors are also affected when scavenging on carcasses of such birds.

On December 4, 1996 the owner of a farm 15 km west of Ventersdorp found twelve dead White Storks Ciconia alba and several other dead birds at the farm dam. Upon closer investigation the PWG found dead Yellowbilled Ducks Anas undulata, Cape Wagtails Motacilla capensis, Little Stints Calidris ruficollis and Common Sandpipers Tringa hypoleucos in the shallow waters. An empty bag with bluish granular powder and maize seed covered in blue powder were also found on the scene. The maize seed was littered around the dam and in the shallow water. Toxicological analysis by the OVI confirmed the author’s suspicion that carbofuran was used to kill the birds. All carcasses, seed and empty bags were removed and handed over to the South African Police Services for further investigation. The culprit was never apprehended, but no further poisoning ever occurred on the farm.

On the same day a farmer close to Potchefstroom reported more than sixty waterfowl dead in a rivulet on his farm. There was a labour dispute between the landowner and the labour force the previous day and the landowner was warned of retaliation by the labourers. A sample of the carcasses, mostly Yellowbilled ducks, was analyzed by OVI and tested positive for the organophosphate methamidophos.

In August 1997 birdwatchers saw birds apparently intoxicated at the Marievale Bird Sanctuary close to Nigel. The species involved were waterfowl, game birds and waters. On advice of the PWG, birds watchers cleared up scattered grain and dead birds. The total number of birds affected could not be ascertained as intoxicated birds took refuge the dense reedbeds. The grain tested positive for monocrotophos.

Bethlehem in the Free State is notorious for poisoning cases. During November 1997 a farmer found a flock of 32 dead Helmeted Guineafowl in the cattle kraal. They appeared to have eaten grain that was strewn around the kraal. No samples were retrieved for toxicological analysis. During July 1998 another farmer found hundreds of dead Helmeted Guineafowl and one intoxicated Cape Eagle Owl Bubo capensis on harvested lands north of Bethlehem. Although no poisoned grain could be found the owl displayed the typical symptoms of organophosphate poisoning, i.e. spastic paralysis of the legs and general lethargy. The owl most possibly fed on dead guineafowl and suffered from secondary poisoning.

Blue Cranes are often severely affected by poisoned grain laid out for game birds. Recent incidents involve two cases in the Western Cape, the one at Dipka close to Swellendam during July 1998 and the other between Montague and Barrydale in September 1998. At Dipka 13 Blue Cranes ingested poisoned grain and died immediately. Given the history of poisoning in the Western Cape, the PWG suspected that diazinon was used. The Barrydale case involved three Blue Cranes of which two survived. The dead bird was submitted for toxicological analysis, but results were still outstanding at the time of this paper. During July 1998 thirteen Blue Cranes also perished east of Denver in Gauteng after ingesting grain soaked in monocrotophos. Only one bird survived. Unusually high levels of the toxin was detected in the intestines of all specimens.

In November 1997 three Southern Crowned Cranes died after eating grain poisoned with monocrotophos on a maize farm close to Ugie in the Eastern Cape. The landowner suspected that the cranes may have eaten newly germinated maize and that they may have been affected, but the post mortem and toxicological analysis prove that it was malicious poisoning. Fresh maize seed was found in the stomachs of all the specimens and tested positively for monocrotophos.

In December 1997, staff of the ESKOM depot close to Vereeniging in Gauteng noticed large numbers of doves, pigeons, Helmeted Guineafowl and francolins apparently intoxicated in and around the depot. The PWG sent ESKOM staff on a scouting mission to find the source of poisoning and they discovered large amounts of mixed fowl feed scattered near a shallow pan in the maize fields. Dead birds of various species and seed were submitted for toxicological analysis and all tested positive for monocrotophos. More than 300 dead birds were collected within a week.

The region around Hoedspruit in the Northern Province is also one of the most problematic areas as far as poisoning is concerned. A case investigated by Brian Jones of the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in July 1996 involved a local resident who poisoned a waterhole with aldicarb. Many game birds, passerines, small carnivores and small game died in this incident.

At Dullstroom in the Mpumalanga province, farmers report that local inhabitants brew their own poison from the bulbs of Moraea plants and use this in grain to kill game birds. The PWG has not yet received any confirmed report of such poisoning. Reports of Blue Cranes dying after eating poisoned grain have been received from Dullstroom but could not be confirmed yet.

During April 1998, a flock of 22 Helmeted Guineafowl were killed by grain poisoned with fenamiphos close to Roodeplaat Dam east of Pretoria. Traces of guineafowl being slaughtered were found at the scene.

Although several incidents of this nature have been recorded in the literature, only two recent cases will be mentioned. A flock of about 55 African Whitebacked Vultures died after feeding off a carcass laced with organophosphate poison near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga at the end of 1996. Heads and feet were removed from a number of the carcasses which pointed to a traditional medicine case. Suspects were apprehended by Mpumalanga Parks Board and convicted.

In July 1996 eleven domestic donkey carcasses were poisoned with sodium monofluoroacetate. The carcasses attracted a large number of vultures of which at least seven were found dead at the scene. Heads and feet were removed from the vultures. This was the first case in which successful analysis of monofluoroacetate was performed by the OVI.

Reports of birds being poisoned under normal agricultural practices are fairly uncommon in South Africa. This may be attributed to a number of factors such as fear of prosecution and indifference to poisoning of birds or blatant acceptance of the loss of birds in agriculture. Cranes have been severely affected by certain agrochemicals. Farmers on the Mpumalanga highveld in the Carolina district reported that Blue Cranes started disappearing in their area when monocrotophos was introduced as a crop protection product. Monocrotophos had such a vast impact on cranes in the Overberg region of the Western Cape that manufacturers unanimously decided to withdraw monocrotophos from the Western Cape grain farming areas in the late 1980s.

Aldicarb and carbofuran have been implicated in the mortality of game birds and cranes. No confirmed reports could be found, but anecdotal reports from farmers indicate that birds that dig out newly planted seed are susceptible to poisoning by aldicarb and carbofuran. There is a tendency amongst individual farmers to use aldicarb and carbofuran as seed dressings instead of applying it in the planting furrows. This would evidently lead to poisoning should birds dig out seed.

A case of methamidophos poisoning was reported from Levubu in the Northern Province in December 1995. Normal application of the product on brassica resulted in the death of large numbers of small insectivorous birds. Bayer (Pty) Ltd was informed about the incident and the company changed the registration and instructions immediately to avoid further poisoning of birds.

A report of game birds and doves being affected by cadusafos reached the PWG in February 1998 from the Eastern Cape. Closer investigation revealed that the product was used in a centre pivot irrigation system and thus affected the birds. This mode of application is against the registration of the product.

Many incidents of vultures and other scavenging raptors dying at poisoned carcasses have been recorded in South Africa. Poisons of a wide variety are misused by farmers all over South Africa for problem animal control. It is illegal to use any poison in a carcass while certain conservation authorities do allow the use of strychnine in single lethal dose baits.

During February 1993 more than 60 African Whitebacked Vultures Gyps africanus died at a horse carcass laced with strychnine to eradicate Blackbacked Jackal on a farm close to Tosca in the Kalahari region of the Northwest Province. The landowner was found guilty and sentenced in the local magistrates court. Two years later 64 African Whitebacked Vultures were poisoned on a farm near Mareetsane in the same region. No samples were submitted for analysis and the responsible person was never identified.

Recent cases of vulture poisoning were reported to the PWG form Roedtan in the Northern Province. One Cape Griffon Gyps coprotheres was collected form a farm dam and submitted for toxicological analysis but all test were negative. The PWG suspected that monofluoroacetate was possibly involved. Two African Whitebacked Vultures were found dead in the same area during July 1998 and carcasses tested positive for monofluoroacetate.

In September 1998 two Tawny Eagles and one Pale Chanting Goshawk were found dead at two different poisoned baits that were laid out for problem animals in the Northern Cape. All samples tested positive for carbofuran and charges were laid at the local police station for further investigation.

A farmer close to Hoedspruit in the Northern Province laced the head of an ungulate with carbofuran to exterminate Blackbacked Jackal. Three Lappetfaced Vultures Torgos tracheliotus, two Whiteheaded Vultures Trigonoceps occipitalis, one Yellowbilled Kite and a Blackbacked Jackal were found dead at the bait. The bait and bird carcasses were analyzed by OVI and carbofuran was confirmed. The PWG laid charges against the landowner, but the state prosecutor refused to follow up the charges.

Rodents cause crop damage in wheat mainly on the Springbok Flats of the Northern Province of South Africa. Although excellent rodenticides are available for rodent management in open fields, some farmers misuse agrochemicals for rodent management. In August 1996 a farmer west of Potgietesrust poisoned wheat with monocrotophos and laid this out in an open wheat field. Over three hundred Helmeted Guineafowl, sixty owls (Barn Owls, Spotted Eagle Owls and Marsh Owls Asio capensis) and Blackshouldered Kites were found dead on the farm and neighbouring farms. The conservation authorities refused to lay charges against the farmer.

During the same time three Tawny Eagles were recovered in a critical condition after they fed on francolin east of Pietersburg. Investigation by the PWG revealed that a farmer used grain soaked in monocrotophos to control rodents and francolin died after feeding on the grain. The Tawny Eagles survived and were released.

Species most affected by poisoning

The following birds are seriously affected by poisoning with agrochemicals:

(1) Gallinaceous birds, particularly the Helmeted Guineafowl.

(2) Waterfowl, in particular Egyptian Geese and Yellowbilled Ducks.

(3) Doves and pigeons: Laughing Doves Streptopelia senegalensis, Cape Turtle Doves Streptopelia capicola, Redeyed Doves Streptopelia semitorquata and Rock Pigeons Columba guinea.

(4) Corvids, especially Black Crows.

(5) The Blue Crane and Southern Crowned Crane.

(6) Barn Owls and Spotted Eagle Owls.

(7) Frugivorous and seedeating garden birds.

(8) All birds of prey, particularly scavenging birds of prey.

(1) Organophosphates. Organophosphates feature strongly in avian poisoning. Monocrotophos is currently the most widely misused agrochemical in South Africa. Diazinon, fenthion, methamidophos, fenamiphos, parathion, oxydemeton-S-methyl, chlorpiriphos and dimethoate are also detected in poisoned specimens.

(2) Carbamates. Aldicarb and carbofuran are the only carbamates that have a significant impact on birds.

(3) Organochlorines that have been detected in poisoned birds include dieldrin, DDT and endosulfan.

(4) Strychnine is still posing a threat to birds of prey when the product is used in an indiscriminate manner.

The PWG is actively combating the misuse of agrochemicals through a number of conservation projects:

This programme is aimed at hosting workshops and training courses for commercial farmers that will enable them to use agrochemicals with a minimal impact on the environment. Special workshops are presented on problem animal management, responsible use of agrochemicals, integrated pest management, protective gear and safety equipment. More than 17,000 commercial farmers have been addressed since 1993.

The Crop Protection and Animal Health Association (AVCASA) initiated the programme to educate emerging farmers on the safe ands responsible use of agrochemicals. The PWG participates in this programme by presenting specialist lectures at farmer days and training courses.

A 24 hour help line offers all members of the community advise on responsible pest control. Articles on responsible use of agrochemicals are published monthly in a variety of magazines and newsletters. Public talks on the poisoning issue are presented at social clubs, schools and other venues. An average of 100 radio talks per annum in different languages are aimed at enlightening the public on the issues of poisoning and safe and responsible use of agrochemicals. Regular television programmes are used to highlight critical poisoning issues.

The PWG aims to investigate all reported or alleged incidents of poisoning in Southern Africa. The site is visited by a knowledgeable person, samples are collected for analysis and charges are laid where deemed necessary. The Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) performs all toxicological analyses.

All cases of poisoning of wildlife are recorded on a central database. Newspapers articles, radio reports and rumours of poisoning are also followed up and recorded on the database. The database is used to identify problem areas in the country.

A database with relevant information on the most commonly used pesticides is maintained to advise people on products for environmentally acceptable pest control.

The PWG participates in drawing up national policies on agricultural pest control, and legislation relating to agrochemicals.

Although the PWG is already active in the field of creating awareness on the safe and responsible use of agrochemicals, much more needs to be done. An extensive campaign is required to alert rural people about the dangers of eating poisoned game birds and waterfowl. The extension work amongst commercial and emerging farmers is of critical importance to minimize the impacts of agrochemicals on the environment.

The PWG believes that offering information on crop protection is important if poisoning is to be avoided. Advice should be offered by knowledgeable people on the products available, correct application equipment and procedures, protective clothing, proper rinsing and destruction of empty containers and integrated pest management. Agrochemicals play an important role in food production and if applied according to registration and recommendations, have little impact on Southern African wildlife. Insufficient knowledge and training leads to misuse and impact on wildlife. This can only be avoided through extensive awareness and training campaigns.

Problem animals evoke strong emotions in farmers and lead to the misuse of agrochemicals. Specialized courses on problem animal management are presented by the PWG to farmers. Such courses need to be extended to all parts of South Africa. The basic philosophy should change from problem animal eradication to habitat stabilization and restoration of small animal and game bird populations. Stable habitats offer carnivores a guaranteed prey base and would minimize livestock predation. Should problem animals, however, have a significant economic impact on livestock, they should be controlled in an integrated pest management system. Certain poisons may be used with positive effects in such an approach without posing a threat to non-target species.

Law enforcement as far as wildlife is concerned has never been of a good standard in South Africa. Several cases of deliberate and accidental poisoning of wildlife have been lost due to poor law enforcement. South Africa has good laws governing agrochemicals and their application. However, if law enforcement is of a poor standard, the laws are meaningless. The PWG is lobbying for amendments to relevant laws and stricter law enforcement in cases of wildlife poisoning. Every incident reported to the PWG is investigated and charges are laid where evidence warrants such action.

Storage principles for agrochemicals requires serious attention in South Africa. Farm stores, co-operatives, wholesale and retail stores are very seldom of acceptable standards. This results in easy access to agrochemicals by uninformed people and blatant misuse thereof. Agrochemicals have to be stored in well maintained and locked stores. Records need to kept of stocks in order to ensure proper management of products.

Accreditation for agrochemical dealers is not statutory law in South Africa. This results in unethical marketing in many cases which evidently leads to impacts on wildlife. The PWG and AVCASA are lobbying for stricter regulation of the marketing and sales of agrochemicals. Several member companies of AVCASA have already committed themselves to only selling their products through dealers who have full accreditation with AVCASA.

The author would like to acknowledge the support and support of the following institutions and individuals: The Crop Protection and Animal Health Association (AVCASA) and its members for technical and financial support; the Mazda Wildlife Fund for a vehicle donated since 1994; the Poison Working Group committee members for their expertise, work and support; the Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation South Africa for extensive financial support; the Animal Rehabilitation Centre and RESCUE for treating poisoned wildlife over ten years; Mustek Computers for supplying the computer hardware; landowners, conservators and members of the public that support the work of the PWG; Mr Jan de Beer of the inspectorate of Act No. 36 of 1947 for support in investigations and the toxicology laboratories of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute for prompt and accurate toxicological analysis.

REFERENCES

Fourie, N., Basson, A.T., Basson, M.K., Ferreira, G.C.H., van den Berg, H., Smith, J.C.S. & Labuschagne, L. 1995. Poisoning of wildlife in South Africa. In: Penzhorn, B.L. (ed.) Proceedings of the SASOL Symposium on Wildlife Rehabilitation. Onderstepoort: SA Veterinary Association Wildlife Group: 84-88.

Nisbet, I.C.T. 1988. The relative importance of DDE and Dieldrin in the decline of Peregrine Falcon populations. In: Cade, T.J., Enderson, J.H., Thelander, C.G & White, C.M. (eds) Peregrine Falcon Populations, Their Management and Recovery. Boise: The Peregrine Fund: 351-375.

Walton, B.J. 1994. The Peregrine Falco peregrinus of Morro Rock. In: Meyburg, B-U. & Chancellor, R.D.(eds) Raptor Conservation Today. Berlin: World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls: 777-791.