The Provincial Institute for the Protection of Nature on Thursday 13 March of 2014 held the lecture on the topic: Stop poisoning of birds of prey. The lecture was held by Marko Tucakov - ornithologist, Associate in the Provincial Institute. This lecture is part of the eco-campaign conducted by the Provincial Institute, which is co-financed by the City Administration for Environmental Protection, of the City of Novi Sad.

During the lecture a poster, leaflet and eco-spot "Stop poisoning of birds of prey" were presented, published by the Provincial Institute for Nature Protection.

Misuse of pesticides largely decimate the fauna, not just those who are in agri-production terms considered harmful, but the strictly protected species, including some of the world's rare. The lecture was given answers to the questions: How do you fight against the abuse of pesticides in nature? How and with whom to do to stop this? Provincial Institute for Nature Protection, the agency that is legal guardian of strictly protected species in Vojvodina, with this campaign provides an answer to these and other questions about the impact of agricultural poisons on wildlife.

A large number of birds die each year as a result of poisoning. The reason is human negligence, carelessness, ignorance, abuse and

CARBOFURAN

Although poison baits have been long forbidden, lately, unfortunately, they have become a common method of control of "unwanted" animals. Most commonly used for these purposes, is the composition Furadan, a widely available insecticide carbofuran. A few drops of this poison can kill almost every living thing. This poison is misused to kill foxes, jackals and other carnivores. Birds of prey are often collateral damage. Setting up of toxic baits, which are dangerous to humans, can be a criminal offense. Nevertheless, there is still no one in Serbia convicted for misuse of Furadan.

What is carbofuran?

The carbofuran is carbamate insecticide. Compositions whose base is carbofuran were classified as highly toxic. The European Union banned the use of cabofurana in 2008 and is prohibited, for its use and transport and storage also. The same has been done and in the United States and Canada.

How carbofuran kills?

Carbofuran is a neurotoxin that blocks the nerves, causing muscle paralysis, leading to suffocation. It is highly toxic if inhaled or applied through the skin. Very small doses have lethal effect of several days of intoxication. They cause serious damage to health or even death after a few hours, the introduction of large quantities of toxins leads to rapid death.

The poisoning of protected birds has risen rapidly in the past few years

The number of registered cases of carbofuran poisoning and discovered baits has grown significantly in the last ten years. The effects of poisoning have become drastic, especially when it comes to the number of poisoned birds of prey. In Serbia, about 115 nesting pairs of white-tailed eagles and in some years it has been found up to 10 birds poisoned with carbfuran. Also vulnerable are: cruiser, buzzard, raven, Marsh Harrier, Black Kite and other birds who use in their diet, among other things , the bodies of dead animals. Only a small number of poisoned animals is being found and reported, so it is difficult to objectively assess the impact of toxins on animal populations. The main danger lies in the random and indiscriminate effects of poison. Common and rare species are poisoned, often many of them around a poisoned bait. Secondary poisoning happens when birds of prey are being poisoned after eating another animal that has consumed the poisoned bait, this is also dangerous. Parts of muscles, intestines or whole animals  are being used as baits. There were also founding of punctured and the contaminated eggs, where the opening is sealed with wax. It is not possible to distinguish poisoned bait from nontoxic corpse or part of it.

When animals are poisoned we cannot notice the typical symptoms, except in birds, where the typical posture is with hanging wings and head and clenched claws. Poisoned animals usually die rapidly. The only reliable method to confirm poisoning is a chemical test with the samples of dead animals.

Prevention of poisoning

Farmers! If you use insecticides, avoid Furadan. Its toxicity and the fact that it represents a danger to human health, are sufficient reasons to choose another drug of similar efficacy. If you still want to use Furadan, be careful before use, read the instruction manual supplied with each package of pesticide and follow solely on him. Do not leavetreated seed on the surface of the soil.

Hunters! Do not poison predatorsc with Furadan, or any other poison, for any reason. It is against the law, and it is almost certain to be fatal to animals that you do not want to poison.

Reporting a poisoning

If you find a suspicious bait or poisoned corpse:

1. Do not touch!

Never touch the bait or dead animal, keep children and pets away from them. Do not damage the markings on the findings: Do not move anything or walk around if it is not necessary.

2. Note everything!

Take pictures or record the details or the whole situation, if possible.

3. Call the police (192)!

Report findings to the police and insist on the on-site investigation. The police are required to inform the competent veterinary authority and the inspection of environmental protection. You can call the inspection of environmental protection independently of the police. It is necessary to set out the following information: who reported the finding, what are you reporting (finding of tainted bait and poisoned protected species), where the finding occurred (an accurate description of an event or a place to wait out the police). In case you are not sure how to proceed, please notify the Provincial Institute for Nature Protection and if the finding is in the protected area, also inform the manager of that protected area.

Contacts