ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Pocket gopher
;
avoidance response
;
mustelids
;
2-propylthietane
;
3-propyl-1,2-dithiolane
;
3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dithiolane
;
anal-gland compounds
;
operational application
;
Thomomys talpoides
;
Mustela spp.
;
controlled-release devices
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract This paper reports on laboratory bioassays and a large-scale field trial of synthetic mustelid anal-gland compounds in controlled-release devices designed for operational application to burrow systems of northern pocket gophers (Thomomys talpoides). The field study was conducted in an apple orchard in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. In laboratory bioassays, a 1∶1 mixture of 2-propylthietane and 3-propyl-1,2-dithiolane from the stoat (Mustela erminea) and 3,3-dimethyl-1,2-dithiolane from the ferret (M. putorius), dispensed in clay pellets (activated alumina), produced a significant avoidance response by gophers. All resident gophers were permanently removed from 4-ha control and treatment blocks prior to placement of stoat odor in burrows. As indexed by soil mounds, significantly fewer gophers colonized the treatment (40) than the control (68) removal area during a 5.5-month overwinter experiment. There was also a significant difference when comparing the number of mounds between pre-(79) and posttreatment (40) censuses. In addition, most gopher activity tended to occur on the perimeter of the treatment block. Abundance of gophers showed little difference between additional 4-ha control and treatment blocks where gophers had not been removed. The results of this study provide an alternative technique to toxicants for pocket gopher control on forest and agricultural land.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01016502
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