Impact of pesticide on the population of species in the Hadejia -Nguru wetlands of northern Nigeria

Abstract

Impacts of pesticide application on the population of birds and other wildlife species in Africa: Focus on Red-billed quelea control in Hadejia-Nguru wetlands Nigeria

Mohammed Inusa Nguru ¹, Umar Ali Mustapha², Samaila Audu Jovial ³and Abatcha Ahmed⁴

^1,2,3,4, Department of Science Laboratory Technology Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam

Abstract

It is often argued that agricultural intensification is necessary in order to overcome the challenges of food production for a rapidly growing human population. Pssesticides affect a diverse range of non-target species and may be linked to global biodiversity loss. Pesticides are used globally to support agricultural production and protect human and animal health in both domestic and commercial situations. Bird populations are directly affected by poisoning from organophosphate or carbamate insecticides and anticoagulant rodenticides. Sublethal poisoning of birds by organophosphates can lead to detrimental changes in behaviour. Since pesticides are designed to kill or adversely affect living organisms, by their very nature, they pose risk to humans, non-target plants and animals. Pesticides have contaminated almost every component of our environment. Pesticide residues are found in soil and air, and in surface and ground water across the nation, and urban pesticide uses contribute to the problem. Risks associated with pesticide use have surpassed their beneficial effects. Pesticides have drastic effects on non-target species and affect animal and plant biodiversity, aquatic as well as terrestrial food webs and ecosystems. The numbers of Afro-Palearctic migratory and Intra- African migratory birds are declining; the reasons for this development have not yet been determined. Among other factors, agricultural chemicals such as pesticides (mostly herbicides and insecticides) and fertilisers applied in African agriculture (as in Europe) might have an impact on their populations. Agrochemicals can kill birds directly, affect their metabolism, their reproduction and their food sources and destroy their habitats. This review paper highlighted the various application of pesticides in Africa within the range of red billed quelea which is a migratory pest bird in Africa focusing on Hadejia-Nguru wetlands. The paper highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of using pesticide in the environment and suggested the use of integrated pest management approach as a sustainable method in the environment.