The primary legislation governing agrochemicals in South Africa is the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act (No. 36 of 1947). Despite recent amendments, regulatory shortfalls persist, failing to protect the environment and citizens. Agriculture covers approximately 38% of South Africa’s land surface, with nearly 14 million hectares of land being cultivated. With approximately 500 active ingredients registered, making up thousands of agrochemical products, South Africa accounts for 2% of global agrochemical use and is the largest user in sub-Saharan Africa.
Higher toxicity is frequently reported in birds than in mammals. This is due to several physiological processes. For example, birds have relatively smaller livers compared to mammals of a similar size. As the liver is essential for detoxification, this means that birds may be less efficient at eliminating harmful compounds from the body. These traits make birds excellent barometers of ecosystem health. As a highly mobile and monitored group, changes in bird assemblages can indicate negative environmental changes that will similarly impact other species groups.
Agrochemicals can either directly or indirectly impact birds. Direct impacts can be divided into lethal or numerous sub-lethal effects. The latter can affect physiological processes and behaviour, which in turn reduce reproductive success, feeding efficiency, and migratory capabilities, to name just a few (Check out our sub-lethal impacts resource to find out more). Indirect impacts can have a similar effect, whereby reducing food sources impacts breeding success and overall survival. Herbicides reduce ground cover, reducing potential nesting sites and anti-predator cover. They also reduce plants that insects and even some bird species feed on. Following an integrated pest management strategy and choosing less toxic agrochemicals can help reduce the negative impacts of agrochemicals on birds.
