Science Magazine Podcast
How rat poison endangers wildlife, and using sound to track animal populations
Jul 11, 2024
Freelance science journalist Dina Fine Maron and guests discuss the harmful impact of rat poisons on wildlife, and the use of bioacoustics and AI to track animal populations. They cover the evolution of rodent control, challenges in identifying the effects of chemicals on animals, and the role of sound in monitoring ecosystems and species. The episode sheds light on the potential of AI in wildlife conservation and highlights specific projects using sound analysis.
35:46
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Quick takeaways
- Rodenticides pose risks beyond rodents, impacting diverse wildlife species and ecosystems.
- Bioacoustics and AI integration offer innovative solutions for tracking animal populations and behaviors.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Rodenticides
Over time, the development of rodenticides progressed from ancient methods such as using cats to chemical compounds like arsenic. Scientists introduced anticoagulant rodenticides in the 1950s which targeted the clotting ability of rodents. As resistance developed, second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides emerged in the 1970s, designed to be more lethal with prolonged effects in rodents and greater risks for the ecosystem.
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