Biological control of vertebrates - a review and an assessment of prospects for Malaysia

Wood B. J., . (1986) Biological control of vertebrates - a review and an assessment of prospects for Malaysia. [Proceedings Paper]

Manipulation of predators and parasites against vertebrate pests had not generally been effective. Among possible reasons were that natural enemies were dependent to control populations vertebrates had complex and adaptable physiology after decimation and relatively small numbers Predators appeared only to remove surplus animals above an environment support level. Most predators had a non-specific diet and can had severe side-effects in new localities especially if there were no effective native predators - e.g. island ecosystems. The few recorded importations involve small carnivores against introduced rats and rabbits e.g. the Indian mangoose to Caribbean and Pacific Islands and mustelids to Australia and New Zealand. Predator numbers appeared more effected by prey than vice versa e.g. if rats were controlled by baiting in Malaysian oil palms snakes tended to disappeared. It was possible to enhance the effect of predators by supporting them or altering the environment e.g. cats on farms by feeding or owls in oil palms by giving nesting sites. Parasites diseases may carry risks for non-target species including man. Naturally occurring forms flared up when vertebrate host populations build up but evidence of their effect was equivocal although myxomatosis had greatly reduced the occurrence of rabbits. Baits employing acute pathogens had success against rats. In Malaysia the coccidian Sarcocystis orientalis which required pythons as an intermediate host is lethal to rats. These pests infected by helminths. There was prospects for use of such parasites. No dramatic achievement in biological control of vertebrates was expected by possibilities for rats Malaysia's most serious vertebrate pests were worth pursuing especially in the context of recent reports of warfarin resistance. There was need for more concerted effort which could be part of a greater national focus on biological control.

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Abstract

Manipulation of predators and parasites against vertebrate pests had not generally been effective. Among possible reasons were that natural enemies were dependent to control populations vertebrates had complex and adaptable physiology after decimation and relatively small numbers Predators appeared only to remove surplus animals above an environment support level. Most predators had a non-specific diet and can had severe side-effects in new localities especially if there were no effective native predators - e.g. island ecosystems. The few recorded importations involve small carnivores against introduced rats and rabbits e.g. the Indian mangoose to Caribbean and Pacific Islands and mustelids to Australia and New Zealand. Predator numbers appeared more effected by prey than vice versa e.g. if rats were controlled by baiting in Malaysian oil palms snakes tended to disappeared. It was possible to enhance the effect of predators by supporting them or altering the environment e.g. cats on farms by feeding or owls in oil palms by giving nesting sites. Parasites diseases may carry risks for non-target species including man. Naturally occurring forms flared up when vertebrate host populations build up but evidence of their effect was equivocal although myxomatosis had greatly reduced the occurrence of rabbits. Baits employing acute pathogens had success against rats. In Malaysia the coccidian Sarcocystis orientalis which required pythons as an intermediate host is lethal to rats. These pests infected by helminths. There was prospects for use of such parasites. No dramatic achievement in biological control of vertebrates was expected by possibilities for rats Malaysia's most serious vertebrate pests were worth pursuing especially in the context of recent reports of warfarin resistance. There was need for more concerted effort which could be part of a greater national focus on biological control.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Bibliography 58 ref. Summary En
AGROVOC Term:	PLAGAS
AGROVOC Term:	VERTEBRADOS
AGROVOC Term:	CONTROL BIOLOGICO
AGROVOC Term:	MALASIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:25
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/13988

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