Potential effects of environmental contaminants on recovery of the Aplomado falcon in south Texas

Article Abstract:

Attempts to reintroduce the endangered aplomado falcon into its former range in the southwestern US were not significantly successful until 1993 when 26 fledglings were released. The release of the birds in the Laguna Atacosa National Wildlife refuge, where organochlorine compounds have been used in the past, provided a good opportunity to study the hazards jeopardizing the falcon's future. The study examines the level of organochlorines in the blood of aplomado falcons and assesses the extra contaminant burdens associated with eating contaminated prey. It is shown that amounts of PCBs and organochlorines were below detection levels, although traces of mercury in the meadowlark prey species were high.

Observations, Natural history, Endangered species, Pollutants, Falcons, Rio Grande Valley

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Accumulation and mobilization of organochlorine contaminants in wintering greater scaup

Article Abstract:

Several studies have assessed organochlorine pesticide and PCB concentrations in wildlife, but few have looked at changes in residue levels in wintering waterfowl. A study of greater scaup wintering in Long Island Sound documented changes in organochlorine contaminants, using lipid-weight reporting measures. It found that the abdominal fat pad (AFP) weight fell significantly over the latter part of the winter, and an increase in residues of contaminants in breast muscle. Lipid-weight reporting measures may be more appropriate than traditional methods

Habitats, Ducks

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Monitoring great horned owls for pesticide exposure in southcentral Iowa

Article Abstract:

The introduction of organophosphorus pesticides (OP) in agricultural fields have affected non-target wildlife most especially primary consumers, such as rodents. The possibility that secondary consumers, such as avian predators, may also be affected has not been established. OP exposure cannot be accurately monitored because its residues are rapidly processed in and eliminated from the body. OPs are also as short-lived in the fields.

Physiological aspects, Organophosphorus compounds, Organic phosphorus compounds, Horned owl, Great horned owl

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