Bananas could be croc killers in Costa Rica
Intensive pesticide use in the country’s banana plantations was contaminating blood samples taken from species such as the spectacled caiman in protected conservation areas, according to the research.
Global demand for fruit has resulted in pesticide use across Central America doubling in the past 20 years. In Costa Rica, which ranks second in the world for intensity of pesticide use, claims the report, contamination is compounded by environmental conditions and slack enforcement of regulations.
Its author Paul Grant, from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, warned top predators, such as caiman, were particularly vulnerable to exposure to pesticides.
“Caiman near banana plantations had higher pesticide burdens and lower body condition,” said Grant. “This suggests that either pesticides pose a health risk to caiman, or that pesticides harm the habitat and food supply of caiman, thereby reducing the health of this predator.”
A voracious predator, large caimans feed on fish, crustaceans and even wild pigs.
10% of the world’s total
Banana plantations are big business in Costa Rica, which exports up to 1.8M tonnes per year – 10% of the world’s total.
Meanwhile, the pressure group Survival International claims Indians in Paraguay are being threatened by the destruction of their forest home to make way for cattle destined for the European market.
Recent satellite images reveal the Brazilian company Yaguarete Pora had felled forest in northern Paraguay; the home of Ayoreo Indians, claims the group.
In addition to forest clearance, Yaguarete’s activities are placing the uncontacted Ayoreo in extreme danger by exposing them to diseases against which they have no immunity, it added.
Yaguarete could not be contacted to comment on the claims.
