Study

Non-target species mortality and the measurement of brodifacoum rodenticide residues after a rat (Rattus rattus) eradication on Palmyra Atoll, tropical Pacific

  • Published source details Pitt W.C., Berentsen A.R., Shiels A.B., Volker S.F., Eisemann J.D., Wegmann A.S. & Howald G.R. (2015) Non-target species mortality and the measurement of brodifacoum rodenticide residues after a rat (Rattus rattus) eradication on Palmyra Atoll, tropical Pacific. Biological Conservation, 185, 36-46.

Summary

Control mammalian predators on islands for seabirds

A study in 2011 on Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean (Pitt et al. 2015) reported that after applying rodenticide to eradicate black rats Rattus rattus, rodenticide was not detected in red-footed booby Sula sula carcass. Rodenticide was below detectable levels in both a whole-body and liver-only sample. Rodenticide (Brodifacoum 25W: Conservation) was spread across the island in July 2011 (3 doses, 72–80 kg/ha/dose, most spread by helicopter). One red-footed booby carcass, with an unknown cause of death, was collected in the 22 days after rodenticide application began.

A study in 2011 on Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean (Pitt et al. 2015) reported that after applying rodenticide to eradicate black rats Rattus rattus, rodenticide was not detected in sooty tern Onychoprion fuscatus or black noddy Anous minutus carcasses. Rodenticide was below detectable levels in both whole-body and liver-only samples. Rodenticide (Brodifacoum 25W: Conservation) was spread across the island in July 2011 (3 doses, 72–80 kg/ha/dose, most spread by helicopter). Three carcasses, with unknown causes of death, were collected in the 22 days after rodenticide application began.

Control mammalian predators on islands for wildfowl

A study in 2011 on Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean (Pitt et al. 2015) reported that after applying rodenticide to eradicate black rats Rattus rattus, a northern pintail Anas acuta carcass was found with low but detectable levels of rodenticide. The rodenticide concentration was 0.06 µg/g in the liver, and <0.01 µg/g across the whole body. The paper suggests a lethal dose is around 0.1–0.5 µg/g. Rodenticide (Brodifacoum 25W: Conservation) was spread across the island in July 2011 (3 doses, 72–80 kg/ha/dose, most spread by helicopter). Bird carcasses were collected across the island over the 22 days after rodenticide application began.

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust