Wildlife predators that prey on rats in Cape Town may not live long enough to tell the tale.
A new study by the University of Cape Town’s Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa found that rat poisons have made their way into the food chain in the Table Mountain National Park.“We detected at least one of the four most toxic rat poison compounds … in six of the seven species tested,” said Dr Jacqueline Bishop, lead project superviser.
These animals already face increasing habitat loss as well as threats from vehicle collisions, poachers and fire, said lead author Laurel Serieys, a postdoctoral research fellow at the institute. “Vineyards in Cape Town don’t use rat poisons to protect their vines,” Bishop said. “Caracals regularly hunt in vineyards and it is here that they are likely to be exposed to poisoned rats.”123rf/Stuart Porter
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rat poison a growing threat to peri-urban wildlife in Cape Town – UCT study | Cape TimesUrban rat poisons are spilling over into Cape Town’s natural environment, threatening species such as caracal, mongoose, otter and owl.
Read more »
Magistrate orders photo ban of suspect in hijacking, murder of Cape Town surfer | Cape TimesThe court has ordered a ban of the publishing of photographs of a suspect arrested in connection with the hijacking and murder of a Scarborough surfer
Read more »
Bill could damage tourism sector in Cape Town | Cape ArgusInterested parties including and the provincial government have slammed the Tourism Amendment Act, saying it could damage the sector in Cape Town. TheCapeArgus
Read more »
Muslim community in Cape CBD hit by fines, call to prayer complaints | Cape ArgusIn the Bo-Kaap, worshippers at the Mogamediyah Mosque were slapped with parking fines, while in District Six a complaint was lodged about the Adhan.
Read more »
Premier-elect Alan Winde lays out his vision for Western Cape | Cape ArgusWinde said his top priorities during his first 100 days in office would be jobs, education and health, as well as ensuring safer public transport, and energy and water security. TheCapeArgus
Read more »
Cape Town wine farm granted interdict after BLF land occupation fearsD'Aria Vineyards in Durbanville, Cape Town has secured an interdict in the Western Cape High Court against what appears to be threats by Black First, Land First to occupy wine farms in the Western Cape.
Read more »
Second ammunition stash found at Cape Town dumping siteCape Town metro police found a second stash of ammunition discarded at one of the city's main dumping sites.
Read more »
Second ammunition stash found at Cape Town dumping site'These rounds when fired are highly destructive to the human body, and it is a concern that ammunition is being disposed of at a public landfill site.'
Read more »
Cape Town man sentenced for murdering man who allegedly impregnated girlfriendByron Davids was sentenced earlier this week for killing Denzil Thorpe in September last year.
Read more »
CHRIS THURMAN: Joburg and Cape Town not the only ones in the art raceRegional bias often sidelines creative work from provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal
Read more »
Second ammunition stash found at Cape Town dumping siteCape Town metro police found a second stash of ammunition discarded at one of the city's main dumping sites.
Read more »