<
https://theconversation.com/lethal-second-generation-rat-poisons-are-killing-endangered-quolls-and-tasmanian-devils-250035>
"Humans have been poisoning rodents for centuries. But fast-breeding rats and
mice have evolved resistance to earlier poisons. In response, manufacturers
have produced second generation anticoagulant rodenticides such as
bromadiolone, widely used in Australian households.
Unfortunately, these potent poisons do not magically disappear after the rodent
is dead. For example, it’s well known owls who eat poisoned rodents suffer the
same slow death from internal bleeding.
Our new research shows the problem is much bigger than owls. We found
Australia’s five largest marsupial predators – the four quoll species and the
Tasmanian devil – are getting hit by these poisons too.
Half of the 52 animals we tested had these poisons in their bodies. Some had
died from it. These species are already threatened by foxes and feral cats. Rat
poison is yet another threat – and one they may not be able to survive. Other
countries have moved to ban these poisons. But in Australia, they’re widely
available."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
