Poisoning of wildlife in southern Africa

Wildlife can be poisoned by both plants and chemicals. The co-evolution of wildlife and toxic plants has resulted in an increased resistance to these substances as compared with domestic animals. Both groups of animals are however susceptible to chemical poisons. The results of experimental poisonings with Dichapetalum cymosum, Urginea sanguinea, Senecio retrorsus, Nicotiana glauca and prussic acid are discussed. The effect of poisoning of wildlife with Crotalaria spp. Geigeria spp, Lantana camara, chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, carbamates, strychnine, heavy metals and other plants and chemicals is reviewed.