Piece Atri B-OoNe Boh b Brit N 11 
ee 
“The Wildlife Society observes that the insidious effects of 
DDT and its metabolite DDE are being first determined by 
ecologists working with conspicuous species of birdlife. As 
the evidence of DDE-produced steroid disease as a widespread 
phenomenon continues to mount, the Society sees no reason 
to doubt that many less conspicuous species will be found to 
be similarly affected. 
“The Society is glad to note statistics on decreasing use of 
DDT in the United States, but it is appalled by the continued 
export of this insecticide by American companies, particularly 
those involved in programs of aid to developing nations by the 
United States which will have a destructive impact not only on 
the faunas of other countries but also a continuing effect on our 
own wildlife as DDE continues to circulate in the world’s atmos- 
phere. The Society is concerned by the build-up of DDE in 
certain lakes, and it regards the DDE contamination of our great 
ocean systems as deserving immediate research on the signifi- 
eance of high residue levels ... reported in fish and in plankton- 
feeding birdlife. 
“The Wildlife Society does not believe that a miracle 
chemical deserves continued use when it or its breakdown pro- 
duct do not remain at the point of application, when it can and 
does travel to the ends of the earth, when—after 25 years of 
use its practical half life as a biologically active compound 
cannot be measured, and when it is known to be wiping out a 
spectacular species of birdlife such as the peregrine falcon in a 
region as large as the United States. DDT is a chemical of 
extinction. Its manufacture, sale and use should be stopped 
at once.” 
Mindful of the accumulated data and the sound objections by biologists 
1e far reaching effects of DDT, the Survey’s Wildlife Pesticides Coordi- 
ng Committee considered the following three major factors in with- 
ving the recommendation of DDT for treatment of elms. 
1. The effectiveness of methoxychlor for control of elm bark beetles. 
2. The persistence and worldwide distribution of DDT, with consequent 
ral contamination of the environment and proven deleterious effects 
1 mammals and birds. 
3. The possibility of legally unacceptable residues of DDT in crops 
ie the export market. Illinois is the leading exporter of agricultural 
ucts. 
CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? 
Third class mail—like copies of THE AUDUBON BULLETIN— aren't 
forwardable anymore. Therefore, if you’re changing your address, 
i's important you advise the IAS office (1017 Burlington Ave., 
Downers Grove, Ill.) at least four weeks before you plan to move. 
Otherwise, you'll simply lose the issue—and mistakenly blame the 
management—and cost your Society 10c for each copy returned 
as undeliverable. 
