Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conferences
Date of this Version
October 1987
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The impact of wildlife damage on the profitability of apple farming in New York's Hudson Valley was determined by vise of a Standard Net Present Value (NPV) analysis as a means to measure long-term impact. Data were gathered through questionnaire and interview of a stratified random sample of 39 growers that represented 17% of the regional growers. Data concerning species causing damage, extent of wildlife damage and types of controls used were combined with current and long-range costs including revenue lost through damage and control costs. Limitations of the analysis are discussed along with results that indicate an annual equivalent cost flow for all wildlife damage between $3.8 and $3.85 million or $184 to $188 per acre. This study shows that a typical grower experienced combined revenue losses and control costs of $12,500 during 1986. Fifty-two percent of this was associated with wildlife controls, 40% with revenue losses and the remainder with tree replacement costs. Over a 25-year period beginning in 1985, the NEV of control costs and revenue losses is projected to total between $53 and $62 million depending upon whether a 3.5% or 5.0% discount rate is used.