Impact of - IDL-BNC @ IDRC - International Development Research ...

overlooked. In developing countries, the bulk of pesticide applications are by
hand; thus it is reasonable to expect that farmers and fieldworkers develop a
rather intimate knowledge of the field and surrounding areas. Fieldworkers
should be encouraged to report any instances of mortality, abnormal behaviour,
or disappearance of wildlife species from the field area. In addition, the
establishment of standardized surveys to estimate wildlife abundance and
diversity in intensively farmed landscapes should be considered. Wherever
relevant, rare, vulnerable, or ecological keystone species can play an important
role as indicator species.
To carry out wildlife monitoring in treated areas, it is necessary to have a sound
knowledge of the normal complement of species and the likelihood that these
species will be exposed during pesticide treatments. Investigators should keep
in mind that the diversity or abundance of species may have already been
affected by past pesticide use. Fletcher and Greig-Smith (1988) have suggested
several methods for quantifying the use of cropland by wildlife as part of an
impact-assessment program.
Baseline agricultural surveys
The ability to define wildlife impacts is often hampered by a lack of knowledge
about prevailing agricultural practices. Such information can be difficult to
obtain when growers are not willing to cooperate with investigators. In some
cases, lack of support from the local community may indicate a failure to
comply with existing pesticide regulations. Realistically, however, no amount
of policing can replace a good grower-education system and the full participation
of landowners and fieldworkers in promoting sound environmental
protection.
It is often necessary to conduct pure engineering or residue monitoring studies
to define the extent of hazard to a local wildlife population, e.g., measurement
of the proportion of granular insecticides or treated seed remaining on the soil
surface after agricultural machinery has been used. Another study of this type
might be measuring the level of residue remaining on foliar surfaces after
application of a liquid spray and at intervals before harvest.
Practical considerations for users of pesticides
and regulatory authorities
The following recommendations are made as the starting point toward more
environmentally friendly pesticide use to minimize damage to wildlife and
wildlife habitat.
Select the least toxic and the least persistent product available for the
use required. Consider whether spraying is essential. Assume that the
product is at least as toxic to birds and other wildlife as it is to humans.
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