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Hydeskov HB, Arnemo JM, Lloyd Mills C, Gentle LK, Uzal A. A Global Systematic Review of Lead (Pb) Exposure and its Health Effects in Wild Mammals. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:285-297. [PMID: 38345465 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic nonessential metal, known mainly for causing poisoning of humans and wild birds. However, little is known about Pb exposure and its associated health effects in wild mammals. We conducted a global systematic literature review to identify peer-reviewed studies published on Pb exposure in wild mammalian species and the health effects they identified. In total, 183 studies, conducted in 35 countries and published over 62 yr (1961-2022), were included in the review. Only 6% (11/183) of the studies were conducted in developing countries. Although 153 mammalian species were studied, most studies focused on species that are easy to access (i.e., hunted species and small mammals that are easy to trap). Therefore, carnivores and scavengers were less frequently studied than herbivores and omnivores. Despite all studies reporting Pb concentrations, only 45 (25%) studies investigated health effects and, of these 45 studies, only 28 (62%) found any health effect in 57 species. All health effects were negative and ranged from subclinical effects to fatality. Methodologies of Pb sampling and quantification and reporting of results varied widely across the studies, making both Pb concentrations and health effects difficult to compare and evaluate. Thus, there is a need for more research on Pb exposure and its health effects on wild mammals, especially as carnivores and scavengers could be used as sentinels for ecosystem health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle B Hydeskov
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Evenstad, Anne Evenstads Vei 80, 2480 Koppang, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Faculty of Forest Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skogsmarksgränd, 90736 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Chris Lloyd Mills
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Louise K Gentle
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
| | - Antonio Uzal
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst Campus, Brackenhurst Lane, Southwell, NG25 0QF, UK
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Penttinen I, Nebel C, Stjernberg T, Kvist L, Ponnikas S, Laaksonen T. Large-scale genotypic identification reveals density-dependent natal dispersal patterns in an elusive bird of prey. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2024; 12:16. [PMID: 38360667 PMCID: PMC10870540 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00447-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natal dispersal, the distance between site of birth and site of first breeding, has a fundamental role in population dynamics and species' responses to environmental changes. Population density is considered a key driver of natal dispersal. However, few studies have been able to examine densities at both the natal and the settlement site, which is critical for understanding the role of density in dispersal. Additionally, the role of density on natal dispersal remains poorly understood in long-lived and slowly reproducing species, due to their prolonged dispersal periods and often elusive nature. We studied the natal dispersal of the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) in response to local breeder densities. We investigated the effects of the number of active territories around the natal site on (a) natal dispersal distance and (b) the difference between natal and settlement site breeder density. We were interested in whether eagles showed tendencies of conspecific attraction (positive density-dependence) or intraspecific competition (negative density-dependence) and how this related to settlement site breeder density. METHODS We used a combination of long-term visual and genotypic identification to match individuals from their breeding site to their natal nest. We identified natal dispersal events for 355 individuals hatched between 1984 and 2015 in the Baltic Sea coast and Arctic areas of Finland. Of those, 251 were identified by their genotype. RESULTS Individuals born in high-density areas dispersed shorter distances than those born in low-density areas, but settled at lower density breeding sites in comparison to their natal site. Eagles born in low natal area densities dispersed farther but settled in higher density breeding sites compared to their natal site. CONCLUSIONS We show that eagles might be attracted by conspecifics (positive density-dependence) to identify high-quality habitats or find mates, but do not settle in the most densely populated areas. This indicates that natal dispersal is affected by an interplay of conspecific attraction and intraspecific competition, which has implications for population dynamics of white-tailed eagles, but also other top predators. Furthermore, our study demonstrates the value of long-term collection of both nestling and (non-invasive) adult DNA samples, and thereafter using genotype matching to identify individuals in long-lived and elusive species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Penttinen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Carina Nebel
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Torsten Stjernberg
- Finnish Museum of Natural History, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Kvist
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Suvi Ponnikas
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Durkalec MM, Nawrocka A, Kitowski I, Filipek A, Sell B, Kmiecik M, Jedziniak P. Lead, cadmium, and other trace elements in the liver of golden eagles and white-tailed eagles: recent data from Poland and a systematic review of previous studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:38566-38581. [PMID: 36585589 PMCID: PMC10039830 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-25024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), being apex predators and facultative scavengers, can bioaccumulate different environmental contaminants, including toxic elements that may adversely affect their health. We analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and other metals and metalloids, including arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), thorium (Th), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) in liver samples taken from three golden eagles and 36 white-tailed eagles that were found dead across Poland to verify their exposure. We also used a systematic review to summarize the available literature data on Cd, Pb, and other studied elements in the liver of both eagle species. Analyses of trace elements in the liver samples of the Polish eagles revealed interspecific differences in Cd, Cu, and Mn and differences in Co, Mn, Tl, and Zn among study regions. All elements tested except Pb were below the suggested thresholds linked with adverse health effects in birds. The hepatic Pb found in almost half of all the tested individuals suggests environmental exposure to this toxic element. One of the tested white-tailed eagles had hepatic Pb above the threshold of sublethal poisoning. Although our results seem optimistic, as previous Polish studies showed a higher prevalence of birds with hepatic Pb exceeding the toxicity threshold, they indicate that exposure to this toxic metal could still pose an additional threat to the health of Polish eagles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Marcin Durkalec
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Nawrocka
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Ignacy Kitowski
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Filipek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Bartosz Sell
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Mirosława Kmiecik
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - Piotr Jedziniak
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
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Ratajc U, Lourenço R, Espín S, Virosta PS, Birrer S, Studler D, Wernham C, Vrezec A. The importance of population contextual data for large-scale biomonitoring using an apex predator: The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 860:160530. [PMID: 36574555 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Top predators are often used as sentinel species in contaminant monitoring due to their exposure and vulnerability to persistent, bioaccumulative and, in some cases, biomagnificable contaminants. Some of their ecological traits can vary in space and time, and are known to influence the contamination levels and therefore information on ecological traits should be used as contextual data for correct interpretation of large-scale contaminant spatial patterns. These traits can explain spatiotemporal variation in contaminant exposure (traits such as diet and dispersal distances) or contaminant impacts (traits such as population trend and clutch size). The aim of our research was to review the spatial variation in selected contextual parameters in the Tawny Owl (Strix aluco), a species identified by the COST Action European Raptor Biomonitoring Facility as one of the most suitable candidates for pan-European biomonitoring. A considerable variation in availability of published and unpublished contextual data across Europe was found, with diet being the most extensively studied trait. We demonstrate that the Tawny Owl is a suitable biomonitor at local scale but also that taking spatial variation of other contextual data (e.g. diet) into account is necessary. We found spatial gaps in knowledge about the species ecology and biology in Southern Europe, along with gaps in certain population parameters (e.g. population trends) in several countries. Based on our findings, we proposed a minimal recommended scheme for monitoring of population contextual data as one of the first steps towards a pan-European monitoring scheme using the Tawny Owl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urška Ratajc
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Rui Lourenço
- MED Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE Global Change and Sustainability Institute LabOr Laboratory of Ornithology, IIFA, University of Évora, Pólo da Mitra, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
| | - Silvia Espín
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Sánchez Virosta
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Simon Birrer
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland
| | | | - Chris Wernham
- British Trust for Ornithology (Scotland), Unit 15 Beta Centre, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF, Scotland, UK
| | - Al Vrezec
- Department of Organisms and Ecosystems Research, National Institute of Biology, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Slovenian Museum of Natural History, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Vainio RK, Jormalainen V, Dietz R, Laaksonen T, Schulz R, Sonne C, Søndergaard J, Zubrod JP, Eulaers I. Trophic Dynamics of Mercury in the Baltic Archipelago Sea Food Web: The Impact of Ecological and Ecophysiological Traits. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:11440-11448. [PMID: 35921287 PMCID: PMC9387095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We investigated trophic dynamics of Hg in the polluted Baltic Archipelago Sea using established trophic magnification (TMFs) and biomagnification factors (BMFs) on a comprehensive set of bird, fish, and invertebrate species. As different ecological and ecophysiological species traits may affect trophic dynamics, we explored the effect of food chain (benthic, pelagic, benthopelagic) and thermoregulatory strategy on trophic total Hg (THg) dynamics, using different approaches to accommodate benthopelagic species and normalize for trophic position (TP). We observed TMFs and most BMFs greater than 1, indicating overall THg biomagnification. We found significantly higher pelagic TMFs (3.58-4.02) compared to benthic ones (2.11-2.34) when the homeotherm bird species were excluded from models, but not when included. This difference between the benthic and pelagic TMFs remained regardless of how the TP of benthopelagic species was modeled, or whether TMFs were normalized for TP or not. TP-corrected BMFs showed a larger range (0.44-508) compared to BMFs representing predator-prey concentration ratios (0.05-82.2). Overall, the present study shows the importance of including and evaluating the effect of ecological and ecophysiological traits when investigating trophic contaminant dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riikka K. Vainio
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | | | - Rune Dietz
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Toni Laaksonen
- Department
of Biology, University of Turku, FI-20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Ralf Schulz
- iES
Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, DE-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Christian Sonne
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jochen P. Zubrod
- iES
Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, Fortstrasse 7, DE-76829 Landau, Germany
- Zubrod
Environmental Data Science, Friesenstrasse 20, DE-76829, Landau, Germany
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Department
of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Postbox 358, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Norwegian
Polar Institute, FRAM Centre, Postboks 6606 Stakkevollan, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
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Helander B, Krone O, Räikkönen J, Sundbom M, Ågren E, Bignert A. Major lead exposure from hunting ammunition in eagles from Sweden. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148799. [PMID: 34246138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to lead (Pb) from ammunition in scavenging and raptorial birds has achieved worldwide recognition based on incidences of lethal poisoning, but exposure implies also sublethal levels with potential harmful effects. Background and elevated Pb levels in liver from 116 golden eagles (GE, Aquila chrysaetos) and 200 white-tailed sea eagles (WTSE, Haliaeetus albicilla) from Sweden 2003-2011 are here examined, with supporting data from a previous WTSE report and eagle owl (EO, Bubu bubo) report. GE and WTSE display seasonal patterns, with no Pb level exceeding a generally accepted threshold for subclinical effects during summer but strongly elevated levels from October. Fledged juveniles show significantly lower levels than all other age classes, but reach levels found in older birds in autumn after the start of hunting seasons. Pb levels in EO (non-scavenger) show no seasonal changes and indicate no influence from ammunition, and are close to levels observed in juvenile eagles before October. In all, 15% WTSE and 7% GE were lethally poisoned. In areas with high-exposure to hunting ammunition, 24% of WTSE showed lethal Pb levels, compared to 7% in both eagle species from low-exposure areas. Lethal poisoning of WTSE remained as frequent after (15%) as before (13%) a partial ban on use of Pb-based shotgun ammunition over shallow waters (2002). Pb levels increased significantly in WTSE 1981-2011, in contrast to other biota from the same period. A significant decrease of Pb in WTSE liver occurred below a threshold at 0.25 μg/g (dry weight), exceeded by 81% of the birds. Trend patterns in Pb isotope ratios lend further support to this estimated cut-off level for environmental background concentrations. Pb from spent ammunition affects a range of scavenging and predatory species. A shift to Pb-free ammunition to save wildlife from unnecessary harm is an important environmental and ethical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Helander
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jannikke Räikkönen
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Sundbom
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Ågren
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases (SVA), SE-75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Bignert
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden
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7
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Cai P, Zhu Q, Cao Q, Bai Y, Zou H, Gu J, Yuan Y, Liu X, Liu Z, Bian J. Quercetin and Allicin Can Alleviate the Hepatotoxicity of Lead (Pb) through the PI3K Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:9451-9460. [PMID: 34372660 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a common toxic heavy metal pollutant in the environment that seriously endangers the health of animals. The liver is a key target organ affected by Pb toxicity. Plant extracts allicin and quercetin have a strong antioxidant capacity that can promote the excretion of heavy metals by improving the body's antioxidant defense and chelating heavy metal ions. To explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of allicin and quercetin on Pb poisoning in chickens, 96 chickens were randomly divided into eight groups: control, Pb, allicin, quercetin, allicin + quercetin, Pb + allicin, Pb + quercetin, and Pb + allicin + quercetin groups. The chickens were given feed containing the above treatments for 90 days. The results indicated that Pb can affect the growth and development of the liver, damage the circulatory system, destroy the structure of mitochondria and nuclei in liver cells, cause an imbalance in the oxidation system, inhibit PI3K protein, and activate the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Allicin and quercetin, alone or in combination, can improve the antioxidant capacity of the liver and alleviate liver tissue damage caused by Pb. In summary, allicin and quercetin could alleviate oxidative damage and apoptosis in the Pb-poisoned chicken liver through the PI3K signaling pathway, with stronger effects achieved by their combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peirong Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qihang Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianying Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuni Bai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuezhong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu, China
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Habitat use by post-fledging white-tailed eagles shows avoidance of human infrastructure and agricultural areas. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-021-01482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractHabitat use studies provide invaluable information for the conservation of species that suffer from habitat loss or degradation. We used satellite telemetry to study the habitat use of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in relation to six habitat classes (artificial surfaces, agricultural areas, forests, semi-natural areas, wetlands and waterbodies) and five forest age classes (0–9, 10–19, 20–59, 60–99 and ≥ 100 years old) during the post-fledging period in Finland. The post-fledging period, defined here as the period between fledging and dispersal from the natal area, is a critical life-history stage. Our primary objective was to provide information that could be integrated into landscape planning, including wind-energy development (which poses a threat to white-tailed eagles). We found that the habitat classes that were selected by the young white-tailed eagles were forests, semi-natural areas (i.e., transitional woodland and bare rock) and wetlands. When using forests, the eagles selected stands of 0–9 years old, presumably due to the use of retention trees surrounded by a clear-cut as perching sites. Conversely, the habitat classes that were avoided were artificial surfaces, agricultural areas and (the immediate vicinity of) waterbodies. We conclude that the conversion of natural habitats into built and agricultural areas is detrimental to young white-tailed eagles because it reduces habitat availability. They, however, appear to be capable of using forests recently impacted by forestry if perch trees are present. Careful landscape planning is needed to protect priority habitats and avoid conflicts with an expanding white-tailed eagle population (e.g., by building wind farms in areas already environmentally disturbed).
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Descalzo E, Camarero PR, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Martinez-Haro M, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Moreno-Opo R, Mateo R. Integrating active and passive monitoring to assess sublethal effects and mortality from lead poisoning in birds of prey. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:142260. [PMID: 33182217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of lead (Pb) ammunition is the most important exposure pathway to this metal in birds and involve negative consequences to their health. We have performed a passive monitoring of Pb poisoning in birds of prey by measuring liver (n = 727) and blood (n = 32) Pb levels in individuals of 16 species found dead or sick in Spain between 2004 and 2020. We also performed an active monitoring by measuring blood Pb levels and biomarkers of haem biosynthesis, phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) metabolism, oxidative stress and immune function in individuals (n = 194) of 9 species trapped alive in the field between 2016 and 2017. Passive monitoring results revealed some species with liver Pb levels associated with severe clinical poisoning (>30 μg/g d.w. of Pb): Eurasian griffon vulture (27/257, 10.5%), red kite (1/132, 0.8%), golden eagle (4/38, 10.5%), and Northern goshawk (1/8, 12.5%). The active monitoring results showed that individuals of bearded vulture (1/3, 33.3%), Eurasian griffon vulture (87/118, 73.7%), Spanish imperial eagle (1/6, 16.7%) and red kite (1/18, 5.6%) had abnormal blood Pb levels (>20 μg/dL). Blood Pb levels increased with age, and both monitoring methods showed seasonality in Pb exposure associated with a delayed effect of the hunting season. In Eurasian griffon, blood Pb concentration was associated with lower δ-ALAD activity in blood and P levels in plasma, and with higher blood lipid peroxidation and plasma carotenoid levels in agreement with other experimental and field studies in Pb-exposed birds. The study reveals that Pb poisoning is a significant cause of death and sublethal effects on haem biosynthesis, P metabolism and oxidative stress in birds of prey in Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Descalzo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Inés S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Mónica Martinez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), CIAG del Chaparrillo, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rubén Moreno-Opo
- Subdirección General de Biodiversidad Terrestre y Marina, Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico Pza, San Juan de la Cruz s/n, 28071, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
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Monclús L, Shore RF, Krone O. Lead contamination in raptors in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 748:141437. [PMID: 32818895 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead contamination is a widely recognised conservation problem for raptors worldwide. There are a number of studies in individual raptor species but those data have not been systematically evaluated to understand raptor-wide lead exposure and effects at a pan-European scale. To critically assess the extent of this problem, we performed a systematic review compiling all published data on lead in raptors (1983-2019) and, through a meta-analysis, determined if there was evidence for differences in exposure across feeding traits, geographical regions, between hunting and non-hunting periods, and changes over time. We also reviewed the impact of lead on raptors and the likely main source of exposure. We examined 114 studies that were unevenly distributed in terms of time of publication and the countries in which studies were performed. Peer-reviewed articles reported data for 39 raptor species but very few species were widely monitored across Europe. Obligate (vultures) and facultative scavengers (golden eagle, common buzzard and white-tailed sea eagle) accumulated the highest lead concentrations in tissues and generally were the species most at risk of lead poisoning. We found no evidence of a spatial or decadal trend in lead residues, but we demonstrated that high lead blood levels relate to hunting season. Exposure at levels associated with both subclinical and lethal effects is common and lead from rifle bullets and shot is often the likely source of exposure. Overall, our review illustrates the high incidence and ubiquity of lead contamination in raptors in Europe. However, we did not find studies that related exposure to quantitative impacts on European raptor populations nor detailed studies on the impact of mitigation measures. Such information is urgently needed and requires a more harmonised approach to quantifying lead contamination and effects in raptors across Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monclús
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim 7491, Norway; Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain.
| | - Richard F Shore
- U.K. Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster LA1 4AP, UK
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin 10315, Germany
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11
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Lohr MT, Hampton JO, Cherriman S, Busetti F, Lohr C. Completing a worldwide picture: preliminary evidence of lead exposure in a scavenging bird from mainland Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 715:135913. [PMID: 31837857 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead toxicity from ammunition has been shown to be a threat to scavenging birds across the globe. Despite decades of research in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa, there have been no studies to investigate this phenomenon in Australia despite that continent having many species of scavenging birds and widespread shooting practices. We present preliminary evidence of lead exposure in Australia's largest bird of prey, the wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) through analysis of bone and eggshell samples from south-western Australia. From 11 bone samples, three birds (27%) had lead levels exceeding literature thresholds for elevated levels (>6.75 ppm). From 36 eggshell samples, no samples had lead levels >0.5 ppm, suggesting some limitations for this matrix as an indicator of lead exposure. Isotope ratios suggested ammunition as a likely source of the lead found in bone samples with elevated lead levels but other potential sources of lead require further investigation. Our preliminary results demonstrate that lead exposure is occurring in scavenging birds in Australia, and like the rest of the world, is likely to be derived from ammunition. This study supports an urgent call for further research into this worldwide phenomenon in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Lohr
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Jordan O Hampton
- Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Simon Cherriman
- Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Francesco Busetti
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Cheryl Lohr
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 37 Wildlife Place, Woodvale, Western Australia 6026, Australia
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12
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French AD, Shaw K, Barnes M, Cañas-Carrell JE, Conway WC, Klein DM. Bioaccessibility of antimony and other trace elements from lead shot pellets in a simulated avian gizzard environment. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229037. [PMID: 32045468 PMCID: PMC7012451 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have used grit (in the form of lead (Pb) pellets) presence in avian gizzards as an indicator of Pb shot exposure. However, due to nearly complete pellet absorption in gizzards or rapid passage of pellets, the absence of Pb shot presence in a gizzard does not confirm lack of Pb shot exposure. This study provides the basis for an additional technique to identify if elevated tissue Pb concentration is due to Pb shot exposure. Bioaccessibility of Pb and trace elements (Sb, As, and Sn) present in Pb shot were quantified to determine if any of these elements would be useful as a secondary marker of Pb shot exposure. An avian physiologically based extraction test (PBET) was used to determine pellet dissolution rate and bioaccessible concentrations of Pb, Sb, As, and Sn in a simulated gizzard environment. Of the three trace elements, only Sb concentrations (44–302 μg/mL) extracted into the gizzard solution were greater than environmental background levels (US soil average 0.48 μg/g); thus, no natural source likely provides this amount of Sb. Therefore, there is evidence that Sb can be extracted from Pb shot in bird gizzards at detectable concentrations (above natural background). While further studies are needed to delineate the mechanisms of absorption and distribution, this study lends credence to the hypothesis that Sb may be a useful marker of Pb shot exposure in biological tissues, particularly when Pb pellets are not present nor observed in avian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D. French
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Katherine Shaw
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Melanie Barnes
- Department of Geosciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn E. Cañas-Carrell
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - Warren C. Conway
- Department of Natural Resources Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
| | - David M. Klein
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, United States of America
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13
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Helander B, Sundbom M, Runkel AA, Bignert A. Temporal Changes in Concentrations of Lead and Other Trace Metals in Free-Ranging Eurasian Eagle Owls Bubo bubo in Sweden. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 77:377-389. [PMID: 31312864 PMCID: PMC6731201 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-019-00654-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Patterns of lead and other trace metals were examined in 122 Eurasian eagle owls Bubo bubo found dead in Sweden in the period 1978-2013. Environmental lead (Pb) has decreased over recent decades from reduced anthropogenic emissions but mortality by Pb poisoning is still frequently reported for avian raptors and scavengers exposed to Pb ammunition. One objective here was to determine if Pb concentrations in a nocturnal non-scavenging raptor follow the general decline observed in other biota. Pb concentration in owl liver was significantly correlated with body weight, sex, latitude, longitude and season. Pb showed a significant decreasing trend towards north and west. Starved birds had significantly higher concentrations. Total Pb concentrations in liver averaged 0.179 μg g-1 dry weight (median 0.103) and decreased by 5.6% per year 1978-2013, or 5.3% after adjustment for confounding factors, similar to trends in other species. Among 14 other trace elements only antimony and arsenic showed decreasing trends. Lead isotope ratios 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/207Pb increased from 1.138 and 2.408 in 1978-1985 to 1.170 and 2.435 in 2010-2013, respectively, demonstrating that the decreasing Pb concentration in eagle owl is related to the phase-out of leaded gasoline in Europe, where Pb additives had much lower isotope ratios than natural lead in Swedish soils. Only one incidence of suspected Pb poisoning (40.7 μg g-1 in liver) was observed indicating that poisoning from ingestion of metallic lead is rare (< 1%) in eagle owl in Sweden, in contrast to what has been reported for eagles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Helander
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Marcus Sundbom
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta A Runkel
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anders Bignert
- Department of Environmental Research and Monitoring, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
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Mateo R, Kanstrup N. Regulations on lead ammunition adopted in Europe and evidence of compliance. AMBIO 2019; 48:989-998. [PMID: 30905055 PMCID: PMC6675918 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The transition to non-lead ammunition has been enforced by regulations on use and possession of lead shot and rifle bullets. Here we review the scientific and technical literature about this regulatory process in Europe and give some notes of its effectiveness to reduce this source of lead contamination in aquatic and terrestrial environments. Presently, lead shot use has been legally restricted in 23 European countries. Two, Denmark and The Netherlands, have a total ban of lead gunshot use in all types of habitats, 16 countries have a total ban in wetlands and/or for waterbird hunting, and 5 have a partial ban implemented only in some wetlands. The legal regulation of lead bullets is limited to some German regions. This review also highlights the need to know the level of compliance with the ban on lead ammunition and the subsequent benefits for the susceptible species and for game meat safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Institute for Bioscience – Kalø, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 12, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
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15
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Pain DJ, Mateo R, Green RE. Effects of lead from ammunition on birds and other wildlife: A review and update. AMBIO 2019; 48:935-953. [PMID: 30879267 PMCID: PMC6675766 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Poisoning of wild birds following ingestion of lead from ammunition has long been recognised and considerable recent research has focused on terrestrial birds, including raptors and scavengers. This paper builds upon previous reviews and finds that both the number of taxa affected and geographical spread of cases has increased. Some lead may also be absorbed from embedded ammunition fragments in injured birds which risk sub-lethal and welfare effects. Some papers suggest inter-specific differences in sensitivity to lead, although it is difficult to disentangle these from other factors that influence effect severity. Sub-lethal effects have been found at lower blood lead concentrations than previously reported, suggesting that previous effect-level 'thresholds' should be abandoned or revised. Lead poisoning is estimated to kill a million wildfowl a year in Europe and cause sub-lethal poisoning in another ≥ 3 million. Modelling and correlative studies have supported the potential for population-level effects of lead poisoning in wildfowl, terrestrial birds, raptors and scavengers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT UK
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Toxicología de Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
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16
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Thomas VG, Kanstrup N, Fox AD. The transition to non-lead sporting ammunition and fishing weights: Review of progress and barriers to implementation. AMBIO 2019; 48:925-934. [PMID: 30607717 PMCID: PMC6675838 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This review presents evidence of lead exposure and toxicity to wildlife and humans from spent shotgun and rifle ammunition and fishing weights, and the barriers and bridges to completing the transition to non-lead products. Despite the international availability of effective non-lead substitutes, and that more jurisdictions are adopting suitable policies and regulations, a broader transition to non-lead alternatives is prevented because resolution remains divided among disparate human user constituencies. Progress has occurred only where evidence is most compelling or where a responsible public authority with statutory powers has managed to change mindsets in the wider public interest. Arguments opposing lead bans are shown to lack validity. Differing national regulations impede progress, requiring analysis to achieve better regulation. Evidence that lead bans have reduced wildlife exposure should be used more to promote sustainable hunting and fishing. Evidence of the lead contribution from hunted game to human exposure should shape policy and regulation to end lead ammunition use. The Special Issue presents evidence that a transition to non-lead products is both warranted and feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vernon G. Thomas
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - Anthony D. Fox
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
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17
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Pain DJ, Dickie I, Green RE, Kanstrup N, Cromie R. Wildlife, human and environmental costs of using lead ammunition: An economic review and analysis. AMBIO 2019; 48:969-988. [PMID: 30879269 PMCID: PMC6675822 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A proposed European Union (EU)-wide restriction on the use of lead gunshot for shooting in and over wetlands estimated that the societal benefits of a restriction outweighed costs, despite few identified benefits being quantified economically. A subsequent Annex XV Investigation Report on the evidence of impacts of lead ammunition in terrestrial environments concluded that additional measures to control its use are warranted, although to date this has not been further evaluated. To help inform this process, we review the literature and undertake new analyses to estimate the costs of continued use of lead ammunition associated with impacts on wildlife, people and the environment. We estimate minimum annual direct costs across the EU and Europe of c. €383 million-€960 million and €444 million-€1.3 thousand million respectively. The value that society places on being able to avoid these losses, estimated using a 'willingness to pay' approach, was c. €2.2 thousand million for wildfowl alone. Our estimated costs of the continued use of lead ammunition across the EU appear to be considerably greater than the likely costs of switching to non-toxic alternative ammunition types, although these have not been formally estimated in full.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT UK
| | - Ian Dickie
- eftec - economics for the environment, 4 City Road, London, EC1Y 2AA UK
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - Ruth Cromie
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT UK
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