Improperly using pesticides in your garden in one Aussie state could attract a whopping fine of $500,000. That’s the case in NSW, where the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has regularly investigated native bird deaths linked to suspected use of poisons.
In the last few weeks of December, it received several reports of dead and dying Australian white ibis in suburbs across southwest Sydney. While these incidents are believed to have been caused by a naturally occurring botulism neurotoxin that’s found in soil or water left to become stagnant, a series of separate mass mortalities involving other native species proved highly suspicious.
The EPA confirmed with Yahoo News that even when pesticides are discovered in toxicology reports, catching those responsible is a challenge.
“We work with specialists from other organisations, such as local councils, wildlife groups and NSW Government agencies, however, investigations can be challenging as it is often difficult to identify a source or suspect after suspected poisoning events have occurred,” it said.
This picture shows a sulphur-crested cockatoo, a species poisoned on several occasions in Sydney in 2023. Source: Getty
Authorities find controlled poison in cockatoos and ravens
In September 2023, members of the public discovered over 20 sick or dead birds in the Sutherland Shire – a densely populated region in Sydney’s south. Cockatoos were affected in Gymea, Gymea Bay, Miranda and Grays Point, and testing undertaken by the EPA found high levels of the insecticide methomyl in their systems.
This chemical can be used by home gardeners in low concentrations. But it has 57 commercially approved uses in Australia including killing mites on crops, and controlling flies at rubbish dumps and animal farms.
Cockatoos were discovered with high levels of methomyl in the Sutherland Shire. Source: Google Earth/Airbus/Data SIO/NOAA/Getty
Controlled poison discovered in more native birds
The Sutherland Shire event followed another confirmed mass poisoning in April when cockatoos, magpies, ravens and pigeons were found dead in Engadine and Randwick – densely populated suburbs in Sydney’s south and east. In some of those cases, the EPA detected the highly-controlled chemical Alpha-Chloralose in their systems. This pesticide is not available for public use and can only be used by trained technicians for bird and rodent control.
In both the April and September cases, the EPA was unable to confirm whether the bird deaths were accidental or intentional.
Alpha-Chloralose was discovered in the bodies of cockatoos in Randwick and Engadine. Source: Google Maps/Landsat/Copernicus/Data SIO/NOAA/Getty
Corporations face millions in fines for misuse of poisons
The use of unregistered pesticides or using any pesticide that harms non-target animals or plants can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for individuals and $2,000,000 for corporations.
“To help safeguard wildlife from harm, we engage with landowners, community members and industry to educate them about the risks associated with improper chemical or pesticide use,” the EPA explained in a statement.
“Correct and safe pesticide use requires those using pesticides to follow all label and permit instructions, including avoiding the use of expired pesticides and ensuring they are disposed of safely and in compliance with regulations.”
Anyone with information about bird poisonings in NSW is urged to call the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.
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