Mitigating depredation losses is ongoing battle

摘要

Pecan nut loss caused by wildlife depredation results in major economic losses. In small orchards depredation may result in total crop loss. Several avian species feed on pecan nuts; the more problematic species include the American crow and blue jay(Aldous, 1944; Bannon, 1921; Hall, 1979; Leppla, 1980; Martin et al., 1951; Murray, 1975; Wilson, 1974). In addition, pecan is a food source for numerous mammalian species, including raccoon, white-tailed deer, eastern fox squirrel, eastern gray squirrel, southern flying squirrel, several mice and rat species, and others (ASM, 1988; Barber, 1954; Hall, 1979; Leppla, 1980; Martin et al, 1951; Murray, 1975; Wilson, 1974; Yeager and Elder, 1945).