Untilled Utah field becomes vole heaven

[chonsigirl]

Oh, but will other critters pick up the zinc too, and get hurt?

[chonsigirl]

Ecological Effects:

Effects on birds: Zinc phosphide is highly toxic to wild birds The most sensitive birds are geese (LD50 of 7.5 mg/kg for the white-fronted goose). pheasants, mourning doves, quail, mallard ducks, and the horned lark are also very susceptible to this compound. Blackbirds are less sensitive [8].

Effects on aquatic organisms: Zinc phosphide is highly toxic to freshwater fish. The fish species which have been evaluated include bluegill sunfish (LC50 of 0.8 mg/L) and rainbow trout (LC50 of 0.5 mg/L) [1]. Carp were also found to be susceptible to zinc phosphide, especially in weakly acidic water.

Effects on other organisms: Zinc phosphide is also toxic to non-target mammals when ingested directly [8]. Nearly 60 studies have been conducted on the toxicity of this rodenticide to wild animals. Secondary toxicity to mammalian predators (animals eating other animals that had been exposed to the compound) from zinc phosphide is rather low, primarily because the compound does not significantly accumulate in the muscles of target species [8]. Some of the toxic effects to predators have been due to the ingestion of zinc phosphide that was in the digestive tract of the target organism. Studies on secondary organisms have focused on coyotes, fox, mink, weasels, and birds of prey. Under field conditions, most of the toxic effects to non-target wildlife are due to direct exposures resulting from misuse or misapplication of this rodenticide [8].

http://extoxnet.orst.edu/pips/zincphos.htm

[chonsigirl]

Well, it is a controlled substance, what I read aid it was not readily available in the heavy dosages. The site I quoted form was from another university, in a different state.

[Garden_Grower365]

Well if this poison is so dangerous, what do you recommend? Obviously these people have to do something. What is the best and safer alternative?