Anticoagulant rodenticides in mesocarnivores of the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Anticoagulant rodenticides are widely used in rodent pest control; nevertheless, not only rodents are compromised by these compounds, but also non-targeted species are exposed, and secondary poisonings are therefore gaining relevance. One of the biological groups most affected by this type of poisoning are mesocarnivores, both in the Iberian Peninsula and worldwide. This is due to factors as varied as: their diet and the new changes it is undergoing (decrease in their main prey, coexistence with super-predators, etc.), adaptations to the new environments they are colonising (anthropisation of the ecosystem, farming systems and urban areas) and their ethology, with scavenging (together with the practice of illegal baiting) becoming very important in this case. Mesocarnivores are the second group of animals most affected by secondary poisonings by anticoagulant rodenticides, only preceded by raptors; however, the real impact of these compounds on their populations is not known and is believed to be much greater. This is mainly due to the notorious lack of specific studies on this problem in our country (only two), in comparison to others such as Great Britain or France, which, although not numerous, far outnumber our own. In addition to the few population impact studies, there is a lack of research articles on the sympths and problems caused by sublethal exposure to these toxins, which can lead to the death of the predator without being the main cause. A more exhaustive analysis and study of the real implications of anticoagulant rodenticides on peninsular mesocarnivores, the risks mitigation procedures for their use and the new alternatives for pest control is therefore required.