Pesticide and
herbicide exposure may not kill chelonians outright, but may weaken their immune
systems, making them more susceptible to diseases that will kill them or make
them more vulnerable to predators. Birth defects and hormonal imbalances have
also been tied to synthetic pesticide and herbicide contact in a wide range of
animal species, including humans. Furthermore, chemical applications destroy the
food supply for turtles and tortoises. Whether delicious slugs, mineral-rich “weedy”
dandelions, or delectable marsh rice rats are the target of chemical-wielding
human ire, they are also the sustenance for box turtles, Texas tortoises, and
snapping turtles among other wildlife. So, next time you feel your irritation
mounting when encountering “weeds” or “pests” on your property, try and see them
from the point of view of Texas’ native wildlife: as savory specials on the daily
menu. If you still can’t come to terms with the slug munching on your tomatoes,
try some non-chemical alternatives, such as those prescribed at http://www.herbicides-pesticides.com,
or foster a more natural environment that encourages the free, long-term pest
control services of turtles and other wild neighbors. See
Top
ten ways Texans can help our turtles and tortoises
Tip 1
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- 10 ©
Bonnie Wroblewski
http://www.dovekeywildlife.org
May 25, 2011
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