Ecosystem Protection
What is Ecosystem Monitoring?
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) monitors ecosystems to expand protections to help preserve the State’s biodiversity and protect the environment. Ecosystem monitoring and ecotoxicology evaluations are part of the Department’s continuous evaluation of pesticides after they have been registered for use in California.
Ecosystem Monitoring Studies
In 2021, we expanded monitoring programs to study the impact of pesticide use on ecosystems. We are working with researchers to study the potential effects of pesticide use on non-target plants, animals, and various species in California.
Ongoing Ecosystem Monitoring Studies
The following studies are in progress with research partners.
Rodenticide Exposure in Urban Carnivores
Exposure to rodenticides in urban carnivores is under evaluation by researchers with the University of California system. Their goal is to develop a process to use coyote scat to monitor for anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in Southern California. The study is tracking 12 coyotes with GPS collars and collecting scat for the identified coyotes and other untracked coyotes to determine exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides.
Pesticide Exposure in California Bats
Exposure to pesticides in California bats is under evaluation by the University of California, Davis, is using both field sampling and existing frozen samples of bats to determine pesticide exposure in the bat community.
Pesticide Edge Effects
Pesticide edge effects are being studied by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They are investigating potential pesticide exposure for species inhabiting protected wildlife areas next to agricultural fields.
Ecosystem Monitoring Reports
The following studies have been completed.
Honey Bee Foraging in Strawberry
This study, conducted by the California Strawberry Commission and completed in June 2023, assessed honey bee foraging preference in strawberry fields adjacent to natural areas or other strawberry fields to determine the extent honey bees use strawberry nectar and pollen. While honey bees were readily found in strawberry fields, there were no consistent patterns in foraging behavior.
Salvaged Otters
Otters were collected by the Department of Fish and Wildlife and tested to assess exposure to pesticides and other contaminants in the Northern California Bay-Delta area. The pilot study was completed in 2023.
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Still have a Question or Need More Information?
Please contact us with questions or visit the Contact Us page on our website to connect with other programs at DPR.
Email: cdprweb@cdpr.ca.gov