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Katzner TE, Pain DJ, McTee M, Brown L, Cuadros S, Pokras M, Slabe VA, Watson RT, Wiemeyer G, Bedrosian B, Hampton JO, Parish CN, Pay JM, Saito K, Schulz JH. Lead poisoning of raptors: state of the science and cross-discipline mitigation options for a global problem. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1672-1699. [PMID: 38693847 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning is an important global conservation problem for many species of wildlife, especially raptors. Despite the increasing number of individual studies and regional reviews of lead poisoning of raptors, it has been over a decade since this information has been compiled into a comprehensive global review. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge of lead poisoning of raptors, we review developments in manufacturing of non-lead ammunition, the use of which can reduce the most pervasive source of lead these birds encounter, and we compile data on voluntary and regulatory mitigation options and their associated sociological context. We support our literature review with case studies of mitigation actions, largely provided by the conservation practitioners who study or manage these efforts. Our review illustrates the growing awareness and understanding of lead exposure of raptors, and it shows that the science underpinning this understanding has expanded considerably in recent years. We also show that the political and social appetite for managing lead ammunition appears to vary substantially across administrative regions, countries, and continents. Improved understanding of the drivers of this variation could support more effective mitigation of lead exposure of wildlife. This review also shows that mitigation strategies are likely to be most effective when they are outcome driven, consider behavioural theory, local cultures, and environmental conditions, effectively monitor participation, compliance, and levels of raptor exposure, and support both environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd E Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 230 North Collins Road, Boise, ID, 83702, USA
| | - Deborah J Pain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Zoology Department, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Michael McTee
- MPG Ranch, 19400 Lower Woodchuck Road, Florence, MT, 59833, USA
| | - Leland Brown
- Oregon Zoo, North American Non-lead Partnership, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, USA
| | - Sandra Cuadros
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 410 Summer Valley Rd, Orwigsburg, PA, 17961, USA
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Mark Pokras
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Vincent A Slabe
- Conservation Science Global, Bozeman, MT, USA
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Richard T Watson
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- CONICET- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Calle 5 esq. 116 MO L6360, Gral. Pico, La Pampa, Argentina
| | | | - Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | | | - James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia
| | - Keisuke Saito
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan 2-2101 Hokuto, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | - John H Schulz
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 1111 Rollins St, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA
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McKechnie AE, Freeman MT, Kemp R, Wolter K, Naidoo V. Effects of lead on avian thermoregulation in the heat: An experimental test with pied crows (Corvus albus). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 110:104519. [PMID: 39059727 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104519] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Many of the negative physiological effects of lead involve the hypothalamus, but the possibility that thermoregulation is affected has received little attention. We tested the hypothesis that lead exposure reduces avian thermoregulatory performance under hot conditions in pied crows (Corvus albus) experimentally exposed to lead in their diet. Crows in our high lead treatment (blood [Pb] = 87.3 ± 44.7 μg dL-1) showed significantly higher air temperature (Tair) inflections for evaporative water loss (EWL) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared to control (6.4 ± 1.8 μg dL-1) or intermediate (53.9 ± 23.7 μg dL-1) lead groups, which did not differ. EWL, RMR and body temperature (Tb) all increased more rapidly at Tair > Tb in the high lead treatment. In contrast, neither maximum Tair tolerated by the crows nor maximum Tb varied with treatment. Our data reveal that water and energy balance during hot weather is affected by lead exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E McKechnie
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Marc T Freeman
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ryno Kemp
- Vulture Programme (VulPro), Plot 121, Rietfontein 0216, South Africa
| | - Kerri Wolter
- Vulture Programme (VulPro), Plot 121, Rietfontein 0216, South Africa
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
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Specht AJ, Sayam ASM, Parish CN, Hauck TJ, Watson RT, McClure CJW, Weisskopf MG. Bone lead measurements of live condors in field to assess cumulative lead exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:56308-56313. [PMID: 39264498 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34950-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning remains the leading cause of diagnosed death for critically endangered California condors, which are annually monitored for lead exposure via blood tests. Blood tests are generally reflective of acute lead exposure. Since condors are victims to both chronic and acute lead exposure, measuring bone, which in humans is reflective of years to decades worth of exposure, is a valuable biomarker. In this study, we measured bone Pb of the tibiotarsus of 64 condors in vivo using a portable x-ray fluorescence device. The average uncertainty for measurements, typically reflective of how effective the device performed, was found to be 3.8 ± 2.2 µg/g bone mineral. The average bone lead level was found to be 26.7 ± 24.5 µg/g bone mineral. Bone lead correlated significantly with a sum of all blood lead measures over the lifetime of each condor. In the future, bone lead can potentially be used to inform treatment planning and address the chronic health implications of lead in the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Specht
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Zolfaghari G. The first ecological contamination study of avian mercury and lead in southeast Iran, Hamun International Wetlands. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:96575-96590. [PMID: 37578583 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29219-9] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in feather samples of nine bird's species (n = 65) were determined from southeastern areas of Iran, Hamun International Wetlands. Hg concentrations were ranged from 0.40 to 3.00 mg/kg dry wt and from 0.38 to 1.76 mg/kg for primary and secondary feathers, respectively. Furthermore, Pb concentrations were ranged from 1.43 to 4.10 mg/kg and from 1.28 to 3.65 mg/kg for primary and secondary feathers, respectively. Deposition of metals varied significantly among the primary and secondary feathers of systematic category (families) for Hg and Pb (p < 0.001). It was found that there is a significant difference in feather Hg and Pb concentrations across species (p < 0.001) with highest concentrations in saker falcon (Falconidae) (Hg = 3.00 mg/kg and Pb = 4.10 mg/kg, primary feather) followed by little owl (Strigidae). Grey francolin (Phasianidae) contained the least amount of Hg (0.40 mg/kg) and Pb (1.43 mg/kg) in primary feather. The results showed that the highest concentrations of heavy metals were related to carnivores. Fish predators, omnivores, and insectivores were examined at the next level of metal concentration, with herbivores having the lowest concentrations of lead (1.43 mg/kg) and mercury (0.40 mg/kg). Birds with an open grasslands feeding strategy had the highest mercury and lead concentration. The average value for Pb was on the border of harmful effects (4 mg/kg). The results of this study indicate that mercury levels are lower than the threshold level for reproductive and behavioral harm (5 mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghasem Zolfaghari
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, P.O. Box: 397, Sabzevar, Razavi Khorasan, Iran.
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Duda MP, Grooms C, Sympson L, Blais JM, Dagodzo D, Feng W, Hayward KM, Julius ML, Kimpe LE, Lambertucci SA, Layton-Matthews D, Lougheed SC, Massaferro J, Michelutti N, Pufahl PK, Vuletich A, Smol JP. A 2200-year record of Andean Condor diet and nest site usage reflects natural and anthropogenic stressors. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230106. [PMID: 37132237 PMCID: PMC10154929 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how animals respond to large-scale environmental changes is difficult to achieve because monitoring data are rarely available for more than the past few decades, if at all. Here, we demonstrate how a variety of palaeoecological proxies (e.g. isotopes, geochemistry and DNA) from an Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) guano deposit from Argentina can be used to explore breeding site fidelity and the impacts of environmental changes on avian behaviour. We found that condors used the nesting site since at least approximately 2200 years ago, with an approximately 1000-year nesting frequency slowdown from ca 1650 to 650 years before the present (yr BP). We provide evidence that the nesting slowdown coincided with a period of increased volcanic activity in the nearby Southern Volcanic Zone, which resulted in decreased availability of carrion and deterred scavenging birds. After returning to the nest site ca 650 yr BP, condor diet shifted from the carrion of native species and beached marine animals to the carrion of livestock (e.g. sheep and cattle) and exotic herbivores (e.g. red deer and European hare) introduced by European settlers. Currently, Andean Condors have elevated lead concentrations in their guano compared to the past, which is associated with human persecution linked to the shift in diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Duda
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Christopher Grooms
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Lorenzo Sympson
- Sociedad Naturalista Andino Patagónica (SNAP), R8400 Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Jules M. Blais
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Daniel Dagodzo
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Wenxi Feng
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Kristen M. Hayward
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Matthew L. Julius
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN 56301, USA
| | - Linda E. Kimpe
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA-CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, R8400 Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Daniel Layton-Matthews
- Queen's Facility for Isotope Research (QFIR), Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Stephen C. Lougheed
- Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Julieta Massaferro
- CENAC/APN, National Park Administration – National Research Council (CONICET), R8400 Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Neal Michelutti
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - Peir K. Pufahl
- Queen's Facility for Isotope Research (QFIR), Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - April Vuletich
- Queen's Facility for Isotope Research (QFIR), Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
| | - John P. Smol
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario Canada, K7L 3N6
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Nzabanita D, Hampton JO, Toop SD, Bengsen AJ, Specht AJ, Flesch JS, Hufschmid J, Nugegoda D. Expanding the use of portable XRF to monitor lead exposure in an Australian duck species two decades after a ban on lead shot. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 869:161803. [PMID: 36708833 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is growing worldwide recognition of the threat posed by toxic lead for wildlife and humans. Lead toxicity from ammunition has been shown to be a threat to waterbirds across the globe. Lead shot was banned for all waterfowl hunting in Victoria, Australia, in 2002. However, no assessments of lead exposure in Australian waterfowl have been published since the 1990s. Our aim was to estimate contemporary lead exposure via measuring bone lead concentrations in a harvested dabbling duck, the Pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa). We collected wings from 77 Pacific black ducks, spanning 2018 (n = 30) and 2021 (n = 47), from nine sites with long-term histories of regular waterfowl hunting. We sought to validate portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for this purpose by taking a piece of humerus bone from each bird, and measuring lead concentration (mg/kg), first via non-destructive XRF and then via destructive inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and validated the relationship via regression analysis. Portable XRF bone lead measurement demonstrated a strong correlation with ICP-MS results using root-transformed regression (R2 = 0.85). Greater than 92 % of ducks had only background lead exposure (<10 mg/kg). When compared to historical studies in the same species at similar field sites from the 1990s, lead exposure levels were considerably lower, with mean lead concentrations ∼2-fold lower (3.7 c.f. 7.7 mg/kg), and the frequency of birds with severe lead exposure (>20 mg/kg) ∼3-fold lower (2.6 c.f. 7.5 %). Our results confirm that portable XRF is a useful option for measurement of bone lead in Australasian waterbird species. Our findings also demonstrate that a ban on the use of lead shot around 20 years ago has been associated with a substantial reduction in lead exposure in at least one species of waterfowl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Nzabanita
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia.
| | - Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Simon D Toop
- Game Management Authority, Bourke St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Andrew J Bengsen
- Vertebrate Pest Research Unit, Department of Primary Industries, 1447 Forest Road, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia; Biosphere Environmental Consultants, Tamworth, NSW 2340, Australia
| | - Aaron J Specht
- Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Jason S Flesch
- Game Management Authority, Bourke St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Dayanthi Nugegoda
- School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
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van den Heever L, Elburg MA, Iaccheri L, Naidoo V, Ueckermann H, Bybee G, Smit-Robinson HA, Whitecross MA, McKechnie AE. Identifying the origin of lead poisoning in white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) chicks at an important South African breeding colony: a stable lead isotope approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:15059-15069. [PMID: 36166116 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Elevated lead levels in scavenging raptors can originate from a variety of environmental and anthropogenic sources, including soil, water, mining activities and legacy lead from leaded fuel, but has mostly been attributed to fragments of lead-based ammunition embedded in the tissues of carcasses. To identify the origins of lead in the tissues of white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) chicks at Dronfield Nature Reserve, South Africa, we used MC-ICP-MS to compare the isotopic composition of lead in blood samples to those of soil in the chicks' immediate environment, different mining activities in South Africa and lead ammunition commonly used in hunting and game management practices. The isotopic ratios in vulture blood samples ranged widely (207Pb/206Pb: 0.827-0.911), but fell within those measured for ammunition (0.761-0.938). Dronfield water can be excluded as a significant source, as the lead concentration for water was below detection limits. Uranium, coal, atmospheric Pb, legacy Pb from fuel and Pb mining can also be excluded as significant sources, based on the limited overlap with Pb isotopic ratios measured in vulture blood. Whereas 55% of chicks we sampled displayed isotopic ratios consistent with Dronfield soil, the low local Pb concentration and the low extractable Pb levels in South African soil in general, imply that soil Pb is unlikely the major source of Pb in WBV chicks, especially in birds with elevated blood Pb levels, i.e. > 20 µg/dL. Our results, when considered in the context of vulture feeding ecology and low Pb levels in non-scavenging birds in South Africa, imply the major source of elevated Pb levels in WBV chicks to be fragments of lead-based ammunition embedded in the carrion fed to them by their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda van den Heever
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Marlina A Elburg
- Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Linda Iaccheri
- Wits Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Grant Bybee
- School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hanneline A Smit-Robinson
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit (ABEERU), UNISA, Florida, South Africa
| | - Melissa A Whitecross
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrew E McKechnie
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
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Gamarra-Toledo V, Plaza PI, Peña YA, Bermejo PA, López J, Cano GL, Barreto S, Cáceres-Medina S, Lambertucci SA. High incidence of plastic debris in Andean condors from remote areas: Evidence for marine-terrestrial trophic transfer. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120742. [PMID: 36436659 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an alarming environmental problem affecting diverse species worldwide. Scavenging birds are currently exposed to plastic due to contamination of their food sources. Here, we evaluated the ingestion of plastic by a threatened top scavenger, the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), and the potential origin of the plastic. We analyzed the biotic (organic items from the diet) and abiotic (synthetic material) composition of regurgitated pellets in two remote areas of Peru associated with protected areas: a marine-coastal region and an Andean region. Condors consume mainly Pinnipeds and South American camelids in the marine-coastal region, and camelids and livestock in the Andean region. We found different sizes and varieties of plastic debris, with a very high frequency of occurrence (85-100%) of microplastics in pellets of both areas studied. The occurrence of microplastics differed between sites; although very high in general, the rate of occurrence and density were higher in the marine-coastal region. We also confirmed that carcasses consumed by condors in both study areas were contaminated with plastic. Therefore, plastic in Andean condors is most probably acquired through the food web in both the marine and terrestrial environments. Andean condors from Peru are highly contaminated with plastic, which may affect their health, population dynamics, and conservation. Moreover, as condors are apex scavengers, our results highlight the fact that plastic pollution in remote areas of Peru is present at different levels of the food web and in the environment. Urgent Action should be taken to reduce environmental contamination with this hazardous pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Gamarra-Toledo
- Área de Ornitología, Colección Científica, Museo de Historia Natural (MUSA), Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Av. Alcides Carrión s/n, Arequipa, Peru; Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Yuri A Peña
- Área de Ornitología, Colección Científica, Museo de Historia Natural (MUSA), Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Av. Alcides Carrión s/n, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Pierina A Bermejo
- Asociación de Guías Oficiales y Profesionales de Turismo de la Región Arequipa (ADEGOPA), Calle Palacio Viejo Nº 216, interior 301, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Juan López
- Reserva Nacional Pampa Galeras Bárbara D'Achille, Servicio Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas por el Estado (SERNANP), Av. Circunvalación s/n - Pasaje Bisambra, Interior 15, Ica, Nazca, Peru
| | - Gonzalo L Cano
- Área de Ornitología, Colección Científica, Museo de Historia Natural (MUSA), Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Av. Alcides Carrión s/n, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Santiago Barreto
- Área de Ornitología, Colección Científica, Museo de Historia Natural (MUSA), Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Av. Alcides Carrión s/n, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Sandra Cáceres-Medina
- Área de Ornitología, Colección Científica, Museo de Historia Natural (MUSA), Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa, Av. Alcides Carrión s/n, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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Restrepo-Cardona JS, Parrado MA, Vargas FH, Kohn S, Sáenz-Jiménez F, Potaufeu Y, Narváez F. Anthropogenic threats to the Vulnerable Andean Condor in northern South America. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278331. [PMID: 36454783 PMCID: PMC9714725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Vultures comprise one of the most threatened groups of birds worldwide. With a total population not exceeding 6700 mature individuals, and in rapid decline across its range, the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is listed as a Vulnerable species in the IUCN red list. Local population extinctions and decline are of particular concern in northern South America, where no more than 340 condors may exist at present. Despite this, no quantitative assessments exist in Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela regarding the threats affecting Andean Condor populations. To address this, we compiled records of Andean Condors injured, or killed, between 1979 and 2021. We obtained data of 164 condors affected by different causes of injury, of which 83.5% were reported in Ecuador, 15.2% in Colombia, and 1.2% in Venezuela. Of the total number, 84.7% of the injured individuals died. Between 1979 and 2021, in Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, at least 103 Andean Condors were presumably poisoned, 22 were shot, and 39 individuals were affected by other causes. The total number of individuals affected by different causes represents between 48% and 72% of the total population estimated in northern South America. Of great concern is the fact that, between 2007 and 2021, poisoning and shooting together caused the loss of 19-31% of the estimated population of condors in Ecuador, and 7-21% of the estimated population in Colombia. Given the important mortality induced by humans, environmental education programs, socio-ecological research, application of environmental laws, and management strategies based on scientific evidence to prevent and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts are urgently required for effective Andean Condor conservation in northern South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sebastián Restrepo-Cardona
- Fundación Cóndor Andino Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - María Alejandra Parrado
- Fundación Neotropical, Bogotá, Colombia
- The Peregrine Fund, Galápagos, Ecuador
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Félix Hernán Vargas
- Fundación Cóndor Andino Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- The Peregrine Fund, Galápagos, Ecuador
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Krüger SC, Botha A, Bowerman W, Coverdale B, Gore ML, van den Heever L, Shaffer LJ, Smit-Robinson H, Thompson LJ, Ottinger MA. Old World Vultures Reflect Effects of Environmental Pollutants Through Human Encroachment. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1586-1603. [PMID: 35673892 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
African wildlife face challenges from many stressors including current and emerging contaminants, habitat and resource loss, poaching, intentional and unintentional poisoning, and climate-related environmental change. The plight of African vultures exemplifies these challenges due to environmental contaminants and other stressors acting on individuals and populations that are already threatened or endangered. Many of these threats emanate from increasing human population size and settlement density, habitat loss from changing land use for agriculture, residential areas, and industry, and climate-related changes in resource availability. Environmental chemicals that are hazardous include legacy chemicals, emerging chemicals of concern, and high-volume-use chemicals that are employed as weed killers and in other agricultural applications. Furthermore, there are differences in risk for species living in close proximity to humans or in areas affected by habitat loss, climate, and industry. Monitoring programs are essential to track the status of nesting pairs, offspring survival, longevity, and lifetime productivity. This is important for long-lived birds, such as vultures, that may be especially vulnerable to chronic exposure to chemicals as obligate scavengers. Furthermore, their position in the food web may increase risk due to biomagnification of chemicals. We review the primary chemical hazards to Old World vultures and the interacting stressors affecting these and other birds. Habitat is a major consideration for vultures, with tree-nesters and cliff-nesters potentially experiencing different risks of exposure to environmental chemicals. The present review provides information from long-term monitoring programs and discusses a range of these threats and their effects on vulture populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1586-1603. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja C Krüger
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Scientific Services, Cascades, South Africa
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
| | - Andre Botha
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, South Africa
| | - William Bowerman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Brent Coverdale
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Scientific Services, Cascades, South Africa
| | - Meredith L Gore
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | - L Jen Shaffer
- Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanneline Smit-Robinson
- BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
| | - Lindy J Thompson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, South Africa
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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11
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Steingräber LF, Ludolphy C, Metz J, Germershausen L, Kierdorf H, Kierdorf U. Heavy metal concentrations in floodplain soils of the Innerste River and in leaves of wild blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) growing within and outside the floodplain: the legacy of historical mining activities in the Harz Mountains (Germany). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:22469-22482. [PMID: 34786622 PMCID: PMC8930881 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17320-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We studied heavy metal levels in floodplain soils of the Innerste River in northern Germany and in the leaves of wild blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) growing within and in adjacent areas outside the river floodplain. Heavy metal contamination of the Innerste floodplain is a legacy of historical metal ore mining, processing, and smelting in the Harz Mountains. The heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr) contents of previously studied soil samples from eleven floodplain sites along the Innerste River were re-analyzed statistically, and the levels of these metals in blackberry leaves were determined at five sites. Mean concentrations in the floodplain soils were elevated by factors of 4.59 to 28.5 for Cd, 13.03 to 158.21 for Pb, 5.66 to 45.83 for Zn, and 1.1-14.81 for Cu relative to the precautionary limits for soils stipulated by the German Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance. Cadmium, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni levels in floodplain soils decreased markedly downstream, as did the concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Ni in the leaves of blackberries from within the floodplain. Levels of Cd, Pb, and Zn in leaves of blackberries from within the floodplain significantly exceeded those of specimens from outside the floodplain. The findings of our study highlight the potential of wild blackberry as a biomonitor of soil pollution by Cd, Pb, and Zn and corroborate the massive heavy metal contamination of floodplain soils along the Innerste River observed in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa F Steingräber
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Catharina Ludolphy
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Johannes Metz
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Lars Germershausen
- Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz, Betriebsstelle Hannover-Hildesheim, An der Scharlake 39, 31135, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Horst Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Uwe Kierdorf
- Department of Biology, University of Hildesheim, Universitätsplatz 1, 31141, Hildesheim, Germany.
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12
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Eduardo A. Díaz, Carolina Sáenz, E. Santiago Jiménez, David A. Egas, Kelly Swing. Is release of rehabilitated wildlife with embedded lead ammunition advisable? Plumbism in a Jaguar Panthera Onca (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae), survivor of gunshot wounds. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5777.13.12.19808-19812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead poisoning is a threat to wildlife, particularly after ingestion of lead ammunition derived from hunting activities. Little information, however, is available concerning plumbism in wild animals that survive the trauma associated with gunshot wounds. This study presents a possible example of lead intoxication by embedded pellets in a Jaguar Panthera onca nineteen months after being injured by a shotgun blast. In addition, the possible path of incorporation of lead into the trophic chain after the eventual release and death of an impacted animal, thereby expanding and prolonging the toxic effects of lead ammunition, is discussed. Direct intoxication by ammunition retained in the body of wild animals, as well as the indirect impacts on predators and scavengers that consume their flesh, should be sufficient reasons to reconsider the release of individuals with embedded lead ammunition into the wild.
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13
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Tammone A, Caselli AE, Condorí WE, Fernandez V, Estein SM, Vanstreels RET, Sosa C, Delaloye A, Uhart MM. Lead exposure in consumers of culled invasive alien mammals in El Palmar National Park, Argentina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:42432-42443. [PMID: 33813701 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13654-7] [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: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of meat from animals hunted with Pb ammunition can cause toxic accumulation with consequent health risks, even if relatively small amounts are consumed in each exposure. In El Palmar National Park, Argentina, invasive alien mammals, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis), are culled with Pb ammunition and their meat is consumed. In this study, we evaluated blood Pb concentrations in 58 consumers of culled game and examined Pb exposure risk according to their demographics, duty, and consumption habits. Likewise, the likelihood of exposure was evaluated by quantifying Pb concentrations in meat samples of seven culled axis deer. Twenty-seven participants (46%) had detectable blood Pb levels (limit of detection = 3.3 μg/dL), with an average 4.75 ± 1.35 μg/dL (geometric mean ± geometric S.D.); the average for all participants was 3.25 ± 1.51 μg/dL. Blood Pb concentrations were significantly higher in hunters, in participants who reported consuming game meat more than 5 times per week, and in participants who reported frequently consuming cured game meat (compared to cooked or pickled). Pb concentration varied significantly along the trajectory of the bullet in deer muscle, being highest at mid-point but with detectable Pb levels even in distant tissue samples (control), suggesting potential for dietary intake by consumers. These findings provide evidence of Pb exposure risk in consumers and emphasize the relevance of replacing Pb ammunition with non-toxic alternatives. This change would reduce dietary exposure in frequent consumers and allow the use of game meat as safe food for people whilst eliminating collateral risks to wild animals and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostina Tammone
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrea Elsa Caselli
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Ezequiel Condorí
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Fernandez
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Marcela Estein
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Instituto de Pesquisa e Reabilitação de Animais Marinhos (IPRAM), Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Cristian Sosa
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración Nacional de Parques Nacionales Argentina, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Aldo Delaloye
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración Nacional de Parques Nacionales Argentina, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Marcela María Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Wiemeyer GM, Plaza PI, Bustos CP, Muñoz AJ, Lambertucci SA. Exposure to Anthropogenic Areas May Influence Colonization by Zoonotic Microorganisms in Scavenging Birds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5231. [PMID: 34069136 PMCID: PMC8156487 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Wild bird species have commonly been implicated as potential vectors of pathogens to other species, humans included. However, the habitat where birds live could influence the probability to acquire these pathogens. Here, we evaluated if the characteristics of the environment used by obligate scavenging birds (vultures) influence their colonization by zoonotic pathogens. For this, we particularly focused on Salmonella spp., a zoonotic pathogen commonly present in bird species. The occurrence of this bacteria was evaluated in free ranging Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) using natural environments from Argentina and compared with those obtained from condors under human care. In addition, we compared our results with those reported for other wild vultures using natural and anthropized environments at a global scale. We did not find Salmonella spp. in samples of wild condors. Captive condor samples presented Salmonella spp. with an occurrence of 2.8%, and one isolate of Meticilin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, among other potential pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, some species of free ranging vultures from diverse geographical areas using anthropized environments tend to present higher occurrences of Salmonella spp. These results highlight the importance of pristine ecosystems to protect vultures' health toward pathogenic microorganisms that can produce disease in these birds, but also in other species. We call for more studies evaluating differences in occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in vultures according to the quality of the environment they use. Even when vultures have not been implicated in zoonotic pathogen spread, our results add information to evaluate potential events of pathogen spillover between vultures and from these birds to other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo María Wiemeyer
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral, San Carlos de Bariloche 1250 (R8400FRF), Argentina; (P.I.P.); (S.A.L.)
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA
- Buenos Aires Zoo, República de la India 3000, CABA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CP1425, Argentina
- Hospital Escuela, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. Chorroarín 280, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CP1427, Argentina
| | - Pablo Ignacio Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral, San Carlos de Bariloche 1250 (R8400FRF), Argentina; (P.I.P.); (S.A.L.)
| | - Carla Paola Bustos
- Cátedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Laboratorio Escuela Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. Chorroarín 280, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CP1427, Argentina; (C.P.B.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Alejandra Jimena Muñoz
- Cátedra de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Laboratorio Escuela Enfermedades Infecciosas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. Chorroarín 280, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires CP1427, Argentina; (C.P.B.); (A.J.M.)
| | - Sergio Agustín Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral, San Carlos de Bariloche 1250 (R8400FRF), Argentina; (P.I.P.); (S.A.L.)
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15
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Francis RJ, Kingsford RT, Murray-Hudson M, Brandis KJ. Urban waste no replacement for natural foods—Marabou storks in Botswana. JOURNAL OF URBAN ECOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/jue/juab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
We compared diets of marabou storks Leptoptilos crumenifer foraging from urban landfills and natural areas in northern Botswana using stable isotope analyses and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry on moulted feathers. There were significant differences in the diet of marabous foraging from natural areas compared to urban waste sites, reflected by lower δ13C and less enriched δ15N concentrations in those feeding at landfills, suggesting a shift in trophic niche. Feathers from birds foraging at landfills also had significantly higher concentrations of chromium, lead, nickel, and zinc and lower levels of cadmium and potassium than feathers sampled from natural areas. We also analysed marabou regurgitant (42 kg, naturally expelled indigestible food resources) from the Kasane landfill site. More than half was plastic, with single regurgitants weighing up to 125 g. Urban waste stored in open air landfills is altering some marabou diets, affecting their natural trophic niche, resulting in the consumption (and regurgitation) of large amounts of plastic, and exposing marabou to potentially chronic levels of trace metals. Despite the marabou’s apparent resilience to this behavioural shift, it could have long-term effects on the population of the marabou stork, particularly considering Botswana has some of the few regular marabou breeding colonies in southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Francis
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - R T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - M Murray-Hudson
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - K J Brandis
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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16
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Ballejo F, Plaza P, Speziale KL, Lambertucci AP, Lambertucci SA. Plastic ingestion and dispersion by vultures may produce plastic islands in natural areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:142421. [PMID: 33035984 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Rubbish dumps can become an important environmental source of plastic. Several species feed on organic waste from these sites, but at the same time are exposed to non-organic materials. Species that can gather food in these sites might at the same time disperse waste consumed, but this has rarely been evaluated. We compare the occurrence of plastic debris in regurgitated pellets of three sympatric vultures from northwest Patagonia, Andean condors (Vultur gryphus), black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura), foraging in different degrees of humanized sites. We also evaluate the influence of rubbish dumps in the presence of plastic debris in pellets of the studied species and their potential role in spreading plastic to the environment. Most synthetic material present in pellets was plastic. Pellets of Andean condors, which avoid disturbed anthropic sites in this area, showed almost no plastic debris compared with the other sympatric vulture species, suggesting an influence of the foraging habits on plastic ingestion. For black and turkey vultures, we found that rubbish dumps may be an important source of plastic. The occurrence of plastic debris in pellets of black vultures sampled in 2010 and 2020 increased, probably associated with the increase in urbanization and waste production in the study area. Avian scavengers were exposed to and are able to transport plastic to distant communal roosts generating "plastic islands". It is necessary to reduce plastic generation and better waste management practices to avoid species and environments to be affected by this pollutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Ballejo
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA- CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Pablo Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA- CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Karina L Speziale
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA- CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Agustina P Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA- CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, INIBIOMA- CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, R8400FRF San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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17
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Yeasmin F, Winch PJ, Hwang ST, Leontsini E, Jahir T, Das JB, Amin MR, Hossain MK, Huda TMN, Akter F, Shoab AKM, Tofail F, Mridha MK, Sultana J, Pitchik H, Fernald LCH, Luby SP, Rahman M. Exploration of Attendance, Active Participation, and Behavior Change in a Group-Based Responsive Stimulation, Maternal and Child Health, and Nutrition Intervention. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1586-1595. [PMID: 33534769 PMCID: PMC8045643 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of interventions through group sessions allows for in-depth discussions and creates opportunities for group members to work together to identify and solve common problems. However, low attendance may limit impact. We explored factors affecting attendance, active participation, and behavior change in an integrated group-based child development and maternal and child health intervention in Bangladesh. Community health workers (CHWs) facilitated two sessions a month including material on child stimulation; water, sanitation, and hygiene; nutrition, maternal depression, and lead exposure prevention. Sessions were conducted with 320 pregnant women and mothers with children younger than 24 months, in 16 villages in Kishoreganj district. After 4 and 9 months of intervention, we conducted focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with mothers (n = 55 and n = 48) to identify determinants of attendance and behavior change, and to examine potential for intervention scale-up. Recruiting family members to assist with childcare resulted in improved attention during sessions. Adopting a storytelling format for presentation of session materials resulted in more engaged participation during courtyard sessions. Session attendance and behavior change, especially purchasing decisions, were difficult for participants without the support of male heads of the household. Selecting a rotating leader from among the group members to remind group members to attend sessions and support CHWs in organizing the sessions was not successful. Facilitating self-appraisals and planning for water and sanitation allowed participants to identify areas for improvement and track their progress. Key determinants of a participant’s attendance were identified, and the resulting intervention shows promise for future implementation at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Yeasmin
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Peter J Winch
- 2Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sharon T Hwang
- 2Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Elli Leontsini
- 2Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tania Jahir
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jyoti B Das
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad R Amin
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md K Hossain
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tarique Md Nurul Huda
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Akter
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abul K M Shoab
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Tofail
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Malay K Mridha
- 3James P. Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jesmin Sultana
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Helen Pitchik
- 4School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- 4School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | | | - Mahbubur Rahman
- 1Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Disease Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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18
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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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Schulz JH, Wilhelm Stanis SA, Hall DM, Webb EB. Until It's a regulation It's not my fight: Complexities of a voluntary nonlead hunting ammunition program. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 277:111438. [PMID: 33027735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wildlife and human health are at risk of lead exposure from spent hunting ammunition. Lead exposure persists for bald eagles due to bullet fragments in game animal gut piles and unretrieved carcasses, and is also a human health risk when wild game is procured using lead ammunition. Programs encouraging the voluntary use of nonlead ammunition have become a popular approach mitigating these effects. This study explored attitudes and experiences of United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) staff implementing an outreach program encouraging deer hunters to voluntary use nonlead ammunition on 54 National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) in the Upper Midwest, U.S. to understand factors affecting program implementation. We conducted 29 semi-structured interviews of USFWS staff along with 60 responses from an open-ended survey question. Twelve themes emerged from the data and were grouped into three broad categories: (1) challenges of dealing with complex issues, (2) importance of messengers and messages, and (3) resistance from staff. Challenges of dealing with complex issues included administrative restraint and uncertainty, scope and scale of program, human health not an agency responsibility, contextual political influences, and public-private collaborations. Importance of messengers and messages included the importance of experience, and salience of human health risk. Finally, resistance from staff included skepticism of the science and motives behind the program, competing priorities for refuge staff, differing perceptions of regulatory and voluntary approaches, cost and availability of nonlead ammunition, and disregard by some about lead ammunition and human health risks. Staff identified numerous challenges implementing the program, many of which were external factors beyond the control of the participants. Understanding the factors affecting program implementation may help guide future efforts encouraging the voluntary use of nonlead ammunition.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Schulz
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Sonja A Wilhelm Stanis
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Damon M Hall
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 105 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA; Biomedical, Biological and Chemical Engineering, University of Missouri, 215 Agriculture Engineering Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Elisabeth B Webb
- U.S. Geological Survey, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 302 Anheuser-Busch Natural Resources Building, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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20
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Padró J, Lambertucci SA, Perrig PL, Pauli JN. Andean and California condors possess dissimilar genetic composition but exhibit similar demographic histories. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:13011-13021. [PMID: 33304512 PMCID: PMC7713948 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
While genetic diversity of threatened species is a major concern of conservation biologists, historic patterns of genetic variation are often unknown. A powerful approach to assess patterns and processes of genetic erosion is via ancient DNA techniques. Herein, we analyzed mtDNA from historical samples (1800s to present) of Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus) to investigate whether contemporary low genetic variability is the result of recent human expansion and persecution, and compared this genetic history to that of California condors (Gymnogyps californianus).We then explored historic demographies for both species via coalescent simulations. We found that Andean condors have lost at least 17% of their genetic variation in the early 20th century. Unlike California condors, however, low mtDNA diversity in the Andean condor was mostly ancient, before European arrival. However, we found that both condor species shared similar demographies in that population bottlenecks were recent and co-occurred with the introduction of livestock to the Americas and the global collapse of marine mammals. Given the combined information on genetic and demographic processes, we suggest that the protection of key habitats should be targeted for conserving extant genetic diversity and facilitate the natural recolonization of lost territories, while nuclear genomic data should be used to inform translocation plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Padró
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la ConservaciónINIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue ‐ CONICETBarilocheArgentina
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWIUSA
| | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la ConservaciónINIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue ‐ CONICETBarilocheArgentina
| | - Paula L. Perrig
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la ConservaciónINIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue ‐ CONICETBarilocheArgentina
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWIUSA
| | - Jonathan N. Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife EcologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWIUSA
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21
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Plaza PI, Blanco G, Wiemeyer G, López-Rull I, Hornero-Méndez D, Donázar JA, Hiraldo F, Lambertucci SA. Plasma carotenoids and immunity in a despotic avian scavenger. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:569-578. [PMID: 32649061 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are pigmented compounds acquired through diet that have important functions as antioxidants and immune modulators. We studied the association between immunity and circulating carotenoids in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus). We evaluated the relationship between α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations and different circulating carotenoids in two groups of Andean condors that differ in their mean health status, rehabilitating (suffering different pathologies), and wild individuals (trapped when displaying their physiological behavior). In rehabilitating individuals, α-, β-, and γ-globulin concentrations were higher than in wild individuals. This shows that rehabilitating individuals were developing an immune response associated with the pathologies that they were suffering at the time of sampling. In addition, circulating carotenoids were lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. We found negative correlations between α-, β-, and γ-globulins and different circulating carotenoids in rehabilitating individuals, but not in wild condors. Xanthophylls were strongly related to α-, β-, and γ-globulin blood concentrations in rehabilitating, but not in wild condors. Our results suggest that there is a potential relationship between circulating carotenoids and immunity in the Andean condor. Given that this species may display a carotenoid-based pigmentation, our results could suggest that a trade-off between the immune system and external coloration could operate in this species, which may have implications in their access to food resources and mate selection and, thus, in their conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.,The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho.,Ecoparque Buenos Aires-Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel López-Rull
- Departamento Biología y Geología, Física y Química Inorgánica, ESCET, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Móstoles, Spain
| | - Dámaso Hornero-Méndez
- Department of Food Phytochemistry, Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Campus Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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22
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Fuentes-Castillo D, Esposito F, Cardoso B, Dalazen G, Moura Q, Fuga B, Fontana H, Cerdeira L, Dropa M, Rottmann J, González-Acuña D, Catão-Dias JL, Lincopan N. Genomic data reveal international lineages of critical priority Escherichia coli harbouring wide resistome in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus Linnaeus, 1758). Mol Ecol 2020; 29:1919-1935. [PMID: 32335957 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Critical priority pathogens have globally disseminated beyond clinical settings, thereby threatening wildlife. Andean Condors (Vultur gryphus) are essential for ecosystem health and functioning, but their populations are globally near threatened and declining due to anthropogenic activities. During a microbiological and genomic surveillance study of critical priority antibiotic-resistant pathogens, we identified pandemic lineages of multidrug-resistant extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli colonizing Andean Condors admitted at two wildlife rehabilitation centres in South America. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of genes encoding resistance to hospital and healthcare agents among international E. coli clones belonging to sequence types (STs) ST162, ST602, ST1196 and ST1485. In this regard, the resistome included genes conferring resistance to clinically important cephalosporins (i.e., CTX-M-14, CTX-M-55 and CTX-M-65 ESBL genes), heavy metals (arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, copper, silver), pesticides (glyphosate) and domestic/hospital disinfectants, suggesting a link with anthropogenic environmental pollution. On the other hand, the presence of virulence factors, including the astA gene associated with outbreak of childhood diarrhoea and extra-intestinal disease in animals, was identified, whereas virulent behaviour was confirmed using the Galleria mellonella infection model. E. coli ST162, ST602, ST1196 and ST1485 have been previously identified in humans and food-producing animals worldwide, indicating that a wide resistome could contribute to rapid adaptation and dissemination of these clones at the human-animal-environment interface. Therefore, these results highlight that Andean Condors have been colonized by critical priority pathogens, becoming potential environmental reservoirs and/or vectors for dissemination of virulent and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and/or their genes, in associated ecosystems and wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Fuentes-Castillo
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Esposito
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenda Cardoso
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Dalazen
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Quézia Moura
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna Fuga
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Herrison Fontana
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Louise Cerdeira
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena Dropa
- School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel González-Acuña
- Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Concepción, Chillán, Chile
| | - José L Catão-Dias
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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23
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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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24
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Zambrano-Monserrate MA. The economic value of the Andean Condor: The national symbol of South America. J Nat Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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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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26
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Plaza PI, Blanco G, Barbar F, Wiemeyer G, Alarcón P, Donázar JA, Hiraldo F, Lambertucci SA. Protein electrophoresis in Andean condors (Vultur gryphus): Reference values and differences between wild and rehabilitating individuals. Zoo Biol 2019; 38:508-515. [PMID: 31541494 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The study of wildlife health greatly contributes to understanding population dynamics and detecting conservation threats. The determination of the different fractions of plasma proteins (proteinogram) is an important laboratory tool to study wildlife health. The aim of this study was to characterize protein electrophoresis in wild Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from north-western Patagonia and to evaluate differences according to age and sex classes. Once reference values of wild, apparently healthy individuals, were established, we compared these values to those of individuals received at the Buenos Aires Zoo in Argentina for rehabilitation due to various health problems. Reference proteinograms from wild Andean condors differed only in the α 1 and β 2-fractions between sex categories. Males showed higher concentrations of these protein fractions than females. We found clear differences between wild birds and rehabilitating individuals. Total proteins, globulins, α 1-globulins, total α-globulins, β 2-globulins, total β-globulins, and γ-globulins were significantly higher in rehabilitating than in wild individuals, whereas albumin, α 2, and β1-globulins were similar between these groups. The albumin/globulin ratio, as a general indicator of health, was significantly lower in rehabilitating than in wild individuals. The results indicate the effects on different protein fractions of pathologic processes occurring in individuals undergoing rehabilitation. Our results provide useful insights, contributing to improving diagnoses and prognoses in this species. This information may also be useful to assess the health status of Andean condors in studies of wild populations and for comparisons with other bird species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Facundo Barbar
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.,The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho.,Ecoparque Buenos Aires, CABA, Argentina
| | - Pablo Alarcón
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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27
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Uhart M, Ferreyra HDV, Romano M, Muchiutti A, Alzuagaray S, Santiago M, Caselli A. Lead pollution from hunting ammunition in Argentina and current state of lead shot replacement efforts. AMBIO 2019; 48:1015-1022. [PMID: 30968333 PMCID: PMC6675803 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01178-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Waterfowl hunting in Argentina is a profitable industry that attracts hunters from all over the world. Most hunting occurs as high-end hunting tourism, through which registered outfitters service predominantly foreign clients on private lands. Lead pollution from hunting ammunition is increasingly recognized as a significant local problem, impacting wildlife, aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and extending to vulnerable human rural communities. Regulatory frameworks that restrict lead shot use are a budding success story but remain challenged by their constrained geographic range and limited compliance rooted in unavailable nontoxic ammunition. Changes in hunting practices in Argentina are long overdue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, VM3B Ground Floor, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Hebe del Valle Ferreyra
- Instituto de Ciencia Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de Villa Maria, Obispo Ferreyra 411, Villa del Rosario, 5963 Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Romano
- Centro de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Ambiente “Ecosur”, Pje. Sunchales 329, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ayelén Muchiutti
- San Javier Municipality, Av. J. Migno e Independencia, 3005 San Javier, Argentina
| | - Silvia Alzuagaray
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNICEN), Pinto 399, 7000 Tandil, Argentina
| | - Martín Santiago
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNICEN), Pinto 399, 7000 Tandil, Argentina
| | - Andrea Caselli
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNICEN), Pinto 399, 7000 Tandil, Argentina
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28
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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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29
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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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30
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Di Marzio A, Lambertucci SA, Fernandez AJG, Martínez-López E. From Mexico to the Beagle Channel: A review of metal and metalloid pollution studies on wildlife species in Latin America. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108462. [PMID: 31228806 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Emissions of metals and metalloids (Hg; Cd; Cr; Cu; Pb; Ni; Zn; Fe; Mn; As; Se) generated by natural (e.g., geothermal activity) or anthropic causes (eg., industry or mining) represent a worldwide contamination problem, especially in developing countries. Exposure to high concentrations of these elements is harmful to living beings, including humans. Information on this type of contamination is scarce and fragmented, limiting research which could benefit from these data. To know the state of the research, we reviewed the studies of environmental pollution by metals and metalloids carried out on animal species in Latin America. The use of animals as biomonitors of contamination by metals and metalloids is a continuously expanding practice that allows for early detection of problems. With this work, we were able to identify the most studied areas in Latin America (Amazon, Gulf of California, coastal area between Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis and River Plate Estuary). Moreover, we provide information on the most studied metals (Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) and wild species, which evidence the use of endangered species. The data reviewed should help researchers to direct their efforts towards sparsely researched areas and facilitate bibliographic consultation of scientific information on exposure to metals and metalloids in Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Di Marzio
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - S A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de La Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional Del Comahue), Bariloche, Argentina
| | - A J Garcia Fernandez
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - E Martínez-López
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain; Toxicology and Risk Assessment Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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van den Heever L, Smit-Robinson H, Naidoo V, McKechnie AE. Blood and bone lead levels in South Africa's Gyps vultures: Risk to nest-bound chicks and comparison with other avian taxa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 669:471-480. [PMID: 30884269 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.03.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Poisoning, including secondary lead poisoning, is cited as the single most important cause of vulture mortalities in Africa. To evaluate the prevalence of lead poisoning among South Africa's Gyps vultures compared to other, non-scavenging birds, we obtained blood and bone samples from Cape (Gyps coprotheres) and White-backed (G. africanus) vultures. We found that 66% of White-backed Vultures (n = 110, including 85 nest-bound chicks sampled at Dronfield Nature Reserve) and 80% of Cape Vultures (n = 15) had blood [Pb] in excess of 10 μg/dL, the upper limit of background exposure. Average blood [Pb] were 15.4 μg/dL and 29.7 μg/dL for White-backed and Cape vultures, respectively. Bone samples revealed that 12% of White-backed Vultures (n = 18) and 9% of Cape Vultures (n = 75) suffered from subclinical to severe clinical lead poisoning upon their deaths. By contrast, none of the 40 blood, bone or liver samples obtained from non-scavenging bird species were found to exceed background exposure levels. Our results suggest that, unlike non-scavenging birds, the scavenging lifestyle of Gyps vultures subjects them to lead poisoning on a regular basis. Had environmental sources of lead (e.g., dust) been the source of the lead poisoning at the White-backed Vulture breeding colony at Dronfield, all the chicks would have displayed similar blood lead concentrations. Instead the values ranged from barely detectable to very high, leading us to conclude that metallic lead fragments regurgitated by parents during feeding are responsible for the elevated lead levels in some of the chicks at this site. We conclude the likely source of these particles to be fragments of lead ammunition embedded in the carcasses of hunted animals. These results add to a growing body of evidence underscoring the threat posed by the use of lead ammunition and its potential role in the declines of vultures and other scavenging taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda van den Heever
- Terrestrial Bird Conservation Programme, BirdLife South Africa, Private Bag X16, Pinegowrie, Johannesburg 2123, South Africa; DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
| | - Hanneline Smit-Robinson
- Terrestrial Bird Conservation Programme, BirdLife South Africa, Private Bag X16, Pinegowrie, Johannesburg 2123, South Africa; Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit (ABEERU), UNISA, P O Box 392, UNISA 0003, Florida, South Africa; School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, Wits, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa.
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa.
| | - Andrew E McKechnie
- DST-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria 0028, South Africa; National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, P O Box 754, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
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Lambertucci SA, Navarro J, Sanchez Zapata JA, Hobson KA, Alarcón PAE, Wiemeyer G, Blanco G, Hiraldo F, Donázar JA. Tracking data and retrospective analyses of diet reveal the consequences of loss of marine subsidies for an obligate scavenger, the Andean condor. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2018.0550. [PMID: 29848650 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last century, marine mammals have been dramatically reduced in the world's oceans. We examined evidence that this change caused dietary and foraging pattern shifts of the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Patagonia. We hypothesized that, after the decrease in marine mammals and the increase in human use of coastlines, condor diet changed to a more terrestrial diet, which in turn influenced their foraging patterns. We evaluated the diet by means of stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S) of current (last decade) and historical (1841-1933) feathers. We further evaluated the movement patterns of 23 condors using satellite tracking of individuals. Condors reduced their use of marine-derived prey in recent compared with historical times from 33 ± 13% to less than 8 ± 3% respectively; however, they still breed close to the coast. The average distance between the coast and nests was 62.5 km, but some nests were located close to the sea (less than 5 km). Therefore, some birds must travel up to 86 km from nesting sites, crossing over the mountain range to find food. The worldwide reduction in marine mammal carcasses, especially whales, may have major consequences on the foraging ecology of scavengers, as well as on the flux of marine inputs within terrestrial ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), R8400FRF, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Joan Navarro
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar, CSIC, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Keith A Hobson
- Environment Canada, 11 Innovation Boulevard, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 3H5
| | - Pablo A E Alarcón
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), R8400FRF, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET), R8400FRF, Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, E-28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
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Plaza PI, Lambertucci SA. What do we know about lead contamination in wild vultures and condors? A review of decades of research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 654:409-417. [PMID: 30447579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Vultures and condors (hereafter vultures) make up one the most threatened avian guilds in the world due to a variety of human-mediated impacts and disturbances. In fact, 70% of vulture species are currently suffering impacted by significant conservation threats, with lead contamination being particularly important. Unfortunately, lead contamination in vulture species remains poorly studied in many regions of the world. We reviewed the existing scientific knowledge about this threat to vultures. We found 62 scientific articles studying lead contamination in vultures. Seventy-two percent of these articles were from North America and Europe, with the rest corresponding to Asia (13%), South America (8%), and Africa (7%). Most (92%) were published recently (2001-2018). Published articles included information on 13 vulture species out of a total of 23 from both the Old (9) and New World (4). Eighty-eight percent of the articles showed individuals with lead concentrations above threshold levels in some tissues sampled, with New World (Cathartidae) vultures more affected than Old World vultures (Accipitridae). The most suspected but rarely probed source of lead was lead ammunition, but other sources such as pollution or industry were also reported. It is concerning that lead contamination is considered a major threat for just 8% (2/23) of the vulture species categorized by the IUCN Red list. Our review shows that lead contamination is an important threat for several vulture species worldwide, but remains undiagnosed and not well-recognized in some species and geographical areas. The effect of this contaminant on vulture demography is not well known but merits particular attention since it may be leading to population declines in several species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
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Ganz K, Jenni L, Madry MM, Kraemer T, Jenny H, Jenny D. Acute and Chronic Lead Exposure in Four Avian Scavenger Species in Switzerland. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2018; 75:566-575. [PMID: 30238146 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0561-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite irrefutable evidence of its negative impact on animal behaviour and physiology, lethal and sublethal lead poisoning of wildlife is still persistent and widespread. For scavenging birds, ingestion of ammunition, or fragments thereof, is the major exposure route. In this study, we examined the occurrence of lead in four avian scavengers of Switzerland and how it differs between species, regions, and age of the bird. We measured lead concentration in liver and bone of the two main alpine avian scavengers (golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos and bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus) over the entire area of the Swiss Alps and two of the main avian scavengers occurring in the lowlands of Switzerland (red kite Milvus milvus and common raven Corvus corax). Of those four species, only the bearded vulture is an obligate scavenger. We found that lead burdens in the two alpine avian scavengers were higher than those found for the same species elsewhere in Europe or North America and reached levels compatible with acute poisoning, whereas lead burdens of the two lowland avian scavengers seemed to be lower. Several golden eagles, but only one red kite with abnormally high bone lead concentrations were found. In all four species, a substantial proportion of birds had elevated levels which presumably represent recent (liver lead levels) or past (bone lead levels) uptake of sublethal doses of lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Ganz
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland.
| | - Lukas Jenni
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland
| | - Milena M Madry
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Kurvenstrasse 17, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kraemer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190/52, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hannes Jenny
- Fish and Game Department, Canton of Grisons, Chur, Switzerland
| | - David Jenny
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, 6204, Sempach, Switzerland
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Hivert LG, Clarke JR, Peck SJ, Lawrence C, Brown WE, Huxtable SJ, Schaap D, Pemberton D, Grueber CE. High blood lead concentrations in captive Tasmanian devils (
Sarcophilus harrisii
): a threat to the conservation of the species? Aust Vet J 2018; 96:442-449. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- LG Hivert
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse Toulouse Cedex 3 France
| | - JR Clarke
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - SJ Peck
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - C Lawrence
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - WE Brown
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - SJ Huxtable
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - D Schaap
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - D Pemberton
- Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - CE Grueber
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science The University of Sydney New South Wales 2006 Australia
- San Diego Zoo Global San Diego CA USA
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Plaza PI, Uhart M, Caselli A, Wiemeyer G, Lambertucci SA. A review of lead contamination in South American birds: The need for more research and policy changes. Perspect Ecol Conserv 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pecon.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Barbar F, Lambertucci SA. The roles of leporid species that have been translocated: a review of their ecosystem effects as native and exotic species. Mamm Rev 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Facundo Barbar
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación; Laboratorio Ecotono; INIBIOMA - CONICET (Universidad Nacional del Comahue); Quintral 1250, San Carlos de Bariloche Bariloche Río Negro 8400 Argentina
| | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación; Laboratorio Ecotono; INIBIOMA - CONICET (Universidad Nacional del Comahue); Quintral 1250, San Carlos de Bariloche Bariloche Río Negro 8400 Argentina
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Padró J, Lambertucci SA, Perrig PL, Pauli JN. Evidence of genetic structure in a wide-ranging and highly mobile soaring scavenger, the Andean condor. DIVERS DISTRIB 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Padró
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación; Laboratorio Ecotono; INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET); Bariloche Argentina
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison; USA
| | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación; Laboratorio Ecotono; INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET); Bariloche Argentina
| | - Paula L. Perrig
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison; USA
| | - Jonathan N. Pauli
- Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology; University of Wisconsin-Madison; USA
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Plaza PI, Lambertucci SA. More massive but potentially less healthy: black vultures feeding in rubbish dumps differed in clinical and biochemical parameters with wild feeding birds. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4645. [PMID: 29686945 PMCID: PMC5911382 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Organic waste is one of the most important anthropogenic food subsidies used by different species. However, there is little information about the health impact that rubbish dumps produce on species foraging in these sites. Methods We studied the effect that rubbish dumps produce on the health of a scavenging bird from the Americas, the black vulture (Coragyps atratus). We sampled and studied clinical and biochemical parameters in 94 adult black vultures from two different sites in North Western Patagonia, a rubbish dump and the wild steppe. Results We found differences in clinical and biochemical parameters between sites. Body mass was greater in individuals from the dump, whereas in the steppe there were more individuals clinically dehydrated. Biochemical parameters such as uric acid, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, glycaemia, globulins and haematocrit had higher values in individuals using the dump than in individuals from the steppe. Other biochemical parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase and urea were higher in individuals from the steppe than in individuals from the dump. Discussion Foraging in organic waste could be considered beneficial for black vultures because they increase body mass and parameters associated to nutritional status like calcium and haematocrit. However, foraging in dumps can also affect their health status due to nutritional problems, potential kidney damage or infections that are signalled by the higher values of glycaemia, uric acid and globulins found in individuals from the dump. Our results highlight the contrasting effects that rubbish dumps may produce on wildlife health. They are relevant to different species using these sites, and are also an additional instrument for managing waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ignacio Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional Del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Sergio Agustin Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional Del Comahue-CONICET), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
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Cailly Arnulphi VB, Lambertucci SA, Borghi CE. Education can improve the negative perception of a threatened long-lived scavenging bird, the Andean condor. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185278. [PMID: 28950019 PMCID: PMC5614587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts currently represent one of the main conservation problems for wildlife species around the world. Vultures have serious conservation concerns, many of which are related to people's adverse perception about them due to the belief that they prey on livestock. Our aim was to assess local perception and the factors influencing people's perception of the largest scavenging bird in South America, the Andean condor. For this, we interviewed 112 people from Valle Fértil, San Juan province, a rural area of central west Argentina. Overall, people in the area mostly have an elementary education, and their most important activity is livestock rearing. The results showed that, in general, most people perceive the Andean condor as an injurious species and, in fact, some people recognize that they still kill condors. We identified two major factors that affect this perception, the education level of villagers and their relationship with livestock ranching. Our study suggests that conservation of condors and other similar scavengers depends on education programs designed to change the negative perception people have about them. Such programs should be particularly focused on ranchers since they are the ones who have the worst perception of these scavengers. We suggest that highlighting the central ecological role of scavengers and recovering their cultural value would be fundamental to reverse their persecution and their negative perception by people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergio A. Lambertucci
- Laboratorio Ecotono, Universidad Nacional del Comahue—INIBIOMA CONICET, Bariloche, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Carlos E. Borghi
- Universidad Nacional de San Juan—CIGEOBIO CONICET, San Juan, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología y Museo de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, San Juan, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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