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Lee LKF, Hipfner JM, Frankfurter G, Cray C, Pearson SF, Fiorello C, Clyde NMT, Hudson SA, Parker SE, Stallknecht DE, Furst E, Haman KH. Baseline health parameters of rhinoceros auklets ( Cerorhinca monocerata) using serum protein electrophoresis, acute phase proteins, and biochemistry. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1379980. [PMID: 38983768 PMCID: PMC11231077 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1379980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical metrics of baseline health in sentinel seabird species can offer insight into marine ecosystem dynamics, individual and population health, and assist in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Protein electrophoresis is useful for detecting changes in acute phase proteins and immunoglobulin levels that may indicate subtle inflammatory responses and/or infectious disease. Serum biochemistry can highlight nutritional status, metabolic derangements, and organ injury and function. However, baseline values for such health parameters are largely unknown for many seabird species. Therefore, the objective of this study is to establish baseline clinical health reference intervals for serum protein electrophoresis, acute phase proteins including serum amyloid A and haptoglobin, and biochemistry parameters in the rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata), a key sentinel species in the North Pacific. From 2013 to 2019, 178 wild, apparently healthy breeding adult rhinoceros auklets were captured across four breeding colonies in British Columbia, Canada (Lucy Island, Pine Island, Triangle Islands, and SGang Gwaay) and from one colony in Washington, United States (Protection Island). Reference intervals were calculated for protein electrophoresis fractions and acute phase proteins (n = 163), and serum biochemistry (n = 35) following established guidelines by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. Animals were also assessed for the presence of antibodies to the influenza A virus. Approximately 48% (70/147) of sampled birds were seropositive for influenza A virus, with a prevalence of 50% (6/12) in 2013, 75% (47/63) in 2014, and 24% (17/72) in 2019. This work provides clinical baseline health metrics of a key North Pacific sentinel species to help inform marine ecosystem monitoring, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts in the Pacific Northwest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K F Lee
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - J Mark Hipfner
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Greg Frankfurter
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Scott F Pearson
- Wildlife Program, Science Division, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA, United States
| | | | - Nikolas M T Clyde
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah A Hudson
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah E Parker
- Centre for Applied Epidemiology, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - David E Stallknecht
- Department of Population Health, Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Katherine H Haman
- Wildlife Program, Science Division, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA, United States
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Hammami I, Timoumi O, Larbi I, Rekik S, Maghzaoua D, Gharbi M. First report of Sarcocystis falcatula in naturally infected Razorbill auks (Alca torda) collected in Tunisian Mediterranean Sea shores. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:193. [PMID: 38656629 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. are apicomplexan cyst-forming parasites that can infect numerous vertebrates, including birds. Sarcosporidiosis infection was investigated in three muscles (breast, right and left thigh muscle) and one organ (heart) of four Razorbill auks (Alca torda) stranded between November and December 2022 on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Nabeul and Bizerte governorates, Northern Tunisia. Two of the four tested A. torda were PCR positive for 18S rRNA Sarcocystis spp. gene. Among the examined 16 muscles/organs, only one breast and one right thigh were Sarcocystis spp. PCR-positive (12.5% ± 8.3, 2/16). Our results showed a relatively high molecular prevalence of Sarcocystis spp. in Razorbill auks (A. torda). Sarcocystis spp. sequence described in the present study (GenBank number: OR516818) showed 99.56-100% identity to Sarcocystis falcatula. In conclusion, our results confirmed the infection of Razorbill auks (A. torda) by S. falcatula. Further research is needed on different migratory seabirds' species in order to identify other Sarcocystis species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Hammami
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
| | - Oumayma Timoumi
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Imen Larbi
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Veterinary Microbiology, LR 11 IPT 03, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Universite de Tunis El Manar (UTM), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Syrine Rekik
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Dhekra Maghzaoua
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratory of Parasitologie, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, Univ. Manouba, Institution de la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles, 2020, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
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Wells MR, Coggan TL, Stevenson G, Singh N, Askeland M, Lea MA, Philips A, Carver S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in little penguins and associations with urbanisation and health parameters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169084. [PMID: 38056658 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169084] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly detected in wildlife and present concerning and unknown health risks. While there is a growing body of literature describing PFAS in seabird species, knowledge from temperate Southern Hemisphere regions is lacking. Little penguins (Eudyptula minor) can nest and forage within heavily urbanised coastal environments and hence may be at risk of exposure to pollutants. We analysed scat contaminated nesting soils (n = 50) from 17 colonies in lutruwita/Tasmania for 16 PFAS, plasma samples (n = 45) from nine colonies, and three eggs for 49 PFAS. We detected 14 PFAS across the sample types, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) most commonly detected. Mean concentration of PFOS in plasma was 2.56 ± 4.3 ng/mL (
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie R Wells
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Battery Point 7004, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Timothy L Coggan
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, 200 Victoria Street, Carlton 3053, Victoria, Australia; ADE Consulting Group, U 4/95 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne 3207, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gavin Stevenson
- Australian Ultra-Trace Laboratory, National Measurement Institute, North Ryde 2113, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Navneet Singh
- ADE Consulting Group, U 4/95 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne 3207, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Askeland
- ADE Consulting Group, U 4/95 Salmon Street, Port Melbourne 3207, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary-Anne Lea
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Battery Point 7004, Tasmania, Australia; Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Annie Philips
- Wildlife Veterinary Consultant, Hobart 7000, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7001, Tasmania, Australia; Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, GA, USA 30602; Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, GA, USA 30602
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Mikula P, Karg J, Jerzak L, Walasz K, Siekiera J, Czyż S, Mikicińska K, Pietkiewicz M, Sztwiertnia H, Wyka J, Tryjanowski P. Diet analysis and the assessment of plastic and other indigestible anthropogenic litter in the white stork pellets. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:6922-6928. [PMID: 38157174 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31710-2] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pollution by anthropogenic litter is a major threat to global ecosystems. Seabirds are frequently used as environmental monitors of litter ingestion, but similar research is rare for terrestrial birds. Here, we focused on pellet analysis from 117 nests of an iconic bird of the Western Palearctic, the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), breeding in southern and southwestern Poland in a farmland landscape, far away from large dumps and landfills. We found that most prey items in the diet of white storks were invertebrates (particularly from orders Coleoptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera) but vertebrate prey comprised most of the biomass. Further analysis revealed that anthropogenic litter was found in 22.7% of pellets (34.2% of breeding pairs) with plastic (8.4%) and cigarette filters (6.9%) being most prevalent. This study represents the first assessment through pellet analysis of the ingestion of anthropogenic litter by live wild storks in Poland and also by a migratory population of white storks. Our study indicates a potentially significant transfer of plastic and other anthropogenic material through terrestrial food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mikula
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Ecoclimatology, Technical University of Munich, 85354, Freising, Germany.
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany.
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jerzy Karg
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Leszek Jerzak
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana 1, 65516, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Walasz
- Malopolska Ornithological Society, P.O. Box 22, 30309, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Stanisław Czyż
- Malopolska Ornithological Society, P.O. Box 22, 30309, Kraków, Poland
| | | | | | - Hanna Sztwiertnia
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jakub Wyka
- Malopolska Ornithological Society, P.O. Box 22, 30309, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60625, Poznań, Poland
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5
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Selva N, Hobson KA, Zalewski A, Cortés-Avizanda A, Donázar JA. Mammal communities of primeval forests as sentinels of global change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2024; 30:e17045. [PMID: 38014477 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.17045] [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: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the drivers and consequences of global environmental change is crucial to inform predictions of effects on ecosystems. We used the mammal community of Białowieża Forest, the last lowland near-primeval forest in temperate Europe, as a sentinel of global change. We analyzed changes in stable carbon (δ13 C) and nitrogen (δ15 N) isotope values of hair in 687 specimens from 50 mammal species across seven decades (1946-2011). We classified mammals into four taxonomic-dietary groups (herbivores, carnivores, insectivores, and bats). We found a significant negative trend in hair δ15 N for the mammal community, particularly strong for herbivores. This trend is consistent with temporal patterns in nitrogen deposition from (15 N depleted) industrial fertilizers and fossil fuel emissions. It is also in line with global-scale declines in δ15 N reported in forests and other unfertilized, non-urban terrestrial ecosystems and with local decreases in N foliar concentrations. The global depletion of 13 C content in atmospheric CO2 due to fossil fuel burning (Suess effect) was detected in all groups. After correcting for this effect, the hair δ13 C trend became non-significant for both community and groups, except for bats, which showed a strong decline in δ13 C. This could be related to an increase in the relative abundance of freshwater insects taken by bats or increased use of methane-derived carbon in food webs used by bats. This work is the first broad-scale and long-term mammal isotope ecology study in a near-primeval forest in temperate Europe. Mammal communities from natural forests represent a unique benchmark in global change research; investigating their isotopic temporal variation can help identify patterns and early detections of ecosystem changes and provide more comprehensive and integrative assessments than single species approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Selva
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
- Departamento de Ciencias Integradas, Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Física, Matemáticas y Computación, Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Keith A Hobson
- University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Andrzej Zalewski
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Białowieża, Poland
| | - Ainara Cortés-Avizanda
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Seville, Sevilla, Spain
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Sevilla, Spain
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6
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Diaz-Santibañez I, Clark BL, Zavalaga CB. Guanay cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum) pellets as an indicator of marine plastic pollution along the Peruvian coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115104. [PMID: 37301006 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution affects many taxa worldwide, and monitoring is crucial for understanding its impacts, particularly where plastic reaches threatened species or those destined for human consumption. This study evaluates plastic ingestion in Near Threatened guanay cormorants (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum), which catch prey that are also targeted by fisheries, through pellet analysis at ten locations in Peru. Plastic occurred in 162 (7.08 %) of 2286 pellets, consisting of mainly user plastics, including 5 % between mega or macro (>20 mm), 23 % meso (5-20 mm), 67 % micro (1-5 mm) plastics and 5 % ultrafine (1 μm-1 mm). We found significantly higher percentages occurrence of plastic for colonies close to more river mouths. Our results show that seabird pellet sampling is a useful tool for monitoring marine plastic pollution in Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Diaz-Santibañez
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo de Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru; Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Bethany L Clark
- BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK; University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
| | - Carlos B Zavalaga
- Unidad de Investigación de Ecosistemas Marinos - Grupo de Aves Marinas, Universidad Científica del Sur, Car. Antigua Panamericana Sur Km. 19, Villa El Salvador, Lima, Peru.
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7
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Lima GDS, Menegario AA, Suarez CA, Kamazuka SH, Gemeiner H, Sánchez-Sarmiento AM, Ferioli RB, Barreto AS. Pelagic and estuarine birds as sentinels of metal(loid)s in the South Atlantic Ocean: Ecological niches as main factors acting on bioaccumulation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 326:121452. [PMID: 36958663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121452] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Activities related to the offshore exploration and production of oil and natural gas provide economic development and an essential energy source. However, besides the risk of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination, these activities can also be sources of metals and metalloids for marine organism contamination. In this research, we evaluated the potential use of two pelagic (black-browed albatross Thalassarche melanophris and yellow-nosed albatross T. chlororhynchos) and one estuarine bird species (neotropical cormorant Nannopterum brasilianus) as sentinels of contamination of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Mo, Zn, Ni, Ba, V, and Hg in an area under influence of oil and gas activities. The analyses were carried out in samples collected from 2015 to 2022 from 97 individuals. A factor alert; an adaptation from the contamination factor is proposed to identify individuals with high concentrations that possibly suffered contamination by anthropogenic origin. Grouping all species, the metal(loid)s with the highest concentrations were in decreasing order: Zn > Cu > Mn > Hg > As > Cd > Mo > V > Cr > Ba > Ni > Pb. Similar concentrations were observed for V, Mn, Cr and Pb among the three species. Pelagic birds showed higher levels of concentrations for Hg, As and Cd. Based on the correlations and multivariate analysis performed, the results indicate that the ecological niche factor has greater relevance in the bioaccumulation of these elements compared to the habitat. Although some individuals showed high concentrations in part of the trace elements, suggesting exposure to anthropic sources, the direct influence of oil production and exploration activities was not observed, suggesting that activities on the continent are the primary contamination source. The results of this work highlight the role of seabirds as sentinels for metal(loid)s, contributing to the knowledge of the occurrence of contaminants in the South Atlantic Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Dos Santos Lima
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Amauri Antonio Menegario
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Alfredo Suarez
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Harumi Kamazuka
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Hendryk Gemeiner
- Environmental Studies Center (CEA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Av. 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil; Basin Studies Laboratory (LEBAC), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenida 24-A, 1515, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Angélica Maria Sánchez-Sarmiento
- Argonauta Institute for Coastal and Marine Conservation, Av. Governador Abreu Sodré, 1067, 11695-240, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raquel Beneton Ferioli
- Argonauta Institute for Coastal and Marine Conservation, Av. Governador Abreu Sodré, 1067, 11695-240, Ubatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Silva Barreto
- Biodiversity Informatics and Geomatic Laboratory (LIBGeo), University of Vale do Itajaí (UNIVALI), Rua Uruguai, 458, 88302-901, Itajaí, SC, Brazil
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Lavers JL, de Jersey AM, Jones NR, Stewart LG, Charlton-Howard HS, Grant ML, Woehler EJ. Ingested plastics in beach-washed Fairy Prions Pachyptila turtur from Tasmania. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114096. [PMID: 36113176 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114096] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plastic is an omnipresent pollutant in marine ecosystems and is widely documented to be ingested among seabird species. Procellariiformes are particularly vulnerable to plastic ingestion, which can cause internal damage, starvation, and occasionally mortality. In this study, 34 fledgling Fairy Prions (Pachyptila turtur) recovered during a wreck event in south-eastern Tasmania in 2022 were examined for ingested plastics and body condition (e.g., wing chord length). While many of the birds exhibited poor body condition, this was not correlated with the count or mass of ingested plastics. We hypothesise the marine heatwave event, and resulting lack of prey, contributed to bird body condition and subsequent mortality. We provide some of the first data on the size of individual plastic particles ingested by seabirds and make recommendations for future studies to report this important metric in a consistent manner that ensures data are comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Alix M de Jersey
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Nina R Jones
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Lillian G Stewart
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Hayley S Charlton-Howard
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7248, Australia
| | - Eric J Woehler
- BirdLife Tasmania, GPO Box 68, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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Sato AP, da Silva TCE, de Pontes TP, Sanches AWD, Prakas P, Locatelli-Dittrich R. Molecular characterization of Sarcocystis spp. in seabirds from southern Brazil. Parasitol Int 2022; 90:102595. [PMID: 35552005 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2022.102595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sarcocystis spp. are cyst forming apicomplexan parasites that infect many vertebrates including birds. Sarcocystis spp. infection was investigated in tissue samples (pectoral muscles, heart, and brain) of 47 dead seabirds collected from the coastline of Santa Catarina State SC - Brazil, between August 2019 and March 2020. A portion of each tissue was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathologic analysis while DNA was extracted from another portion and screened using nested-PCR targeting ITS1. Based on molecular analysis, Sarcocystis spp. were identified in 15/47 (31.9%) seabirds of five species, kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus), neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), brown booby (Sula leucogaster) and great skua (Stercorarius skua). Microscopically visible sarcocysts were observed only in the pectoral muscle of four seabirds 8.5% (4/47), while in one brown booby, sarcocysts were seen in both pectoral and cardiac muscles. Two types of sarcocysts, thin walled (≤1 μm) and thick-walled (≥ 2 μm) were identified. Based on ITS1 sequence comparison, S. halieti, S. falcatula and three not yet described Sarcocystis spp. were detected. Phylogenetically, S. falcatula isolates were classified as two distinct clusters. This is the first confirmation of S. halieti in seabird's species in South America and S. falcatula in birds of the order Charadriiformes. Further molecular studies are needed to understand the epidemiology of the Sarcocystis spp. infection and its impact on the health of seabirds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Sato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Tiffany Christiny Emmerich da Silva
- Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), Seabird Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of Vale do Itajaí, Rua Maria Emília da Costa, CEP: 88-385-00090, Armação, Penha, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Thamires Pires de Pontes
- Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), Seabird Rehabilitation Laboratory, University of Vale do Itajaí, Rua Maria Emília da Costa, CEP: 88-385-00090, Armação, Penha, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Petras Prakas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rosangela Locatelli-Dittrich
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Paraná, Rua dos Funcionários 1540, CEP 80035-050, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
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Whitehead EA, Russell JC, Hickey AJ, Taylor GA, O'Reilly KM, Della Penna A, Dunphy BJ. Seabird stress and breeding: Endocrine and hematological stress biomarkers differ between gray-faced petrel (Pterodroma gouldi) colonies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:381-392. [PMID: 35167183 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Seabird breeding success is known to reflect oceanic conditions. Gray-faced petrels (Pterodroma gouldi) breeding on the east coast of Auckland, New Zealand, exhibit poor reproductive success and slow chick development compared to west coast conspecifics. This study mapped changes in physiological traits (corticosterone [CORT] and hematological parameters) indicative of sublethal stress in this Procellariiform species between the west coast (Ihumoana) and east coast (Hāwere) island colonies. We found adult gray-faced petrels on the east coast to be lighter and, unlike west coast birds, exhibited an attenuation of response CORT levels between incubation and chick-rearing phases. Such responses were also reflected in east coast chicks that were lighter and had higher feather CORT titers than west coast chicks. Measures of adult hematology and plasma biochemistry revealed significantly lower glucose levels in east coast birds and indicated that chick rearing is the most stressful phase of breeding for this species Combined; these results suggest that east coast birds are under greater nutritional stress and that parents appear to transfer the costs of poor foraging to their chicks to preserve their own condition, consequently increasing chick developmental stress. Our results suggest that any long-term decrease in ocean conditions and/or climatic shifts would be more acutely felt by east coast chicks and potentially their parents, resulting in years of poor breeding success rates on a local scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edin A Whitehead
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - James C Russell
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Statistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anthony J Hickey
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Katie M O'Reilly
- Department of Biology, University of Portland, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Alice Della Penna
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brendon J Dunphy
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Institute of Marine Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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11
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Quadri-Adrogué A, Gómez-Ramírez P, García-Fernández AJ, García GO, Seco-Pon JP, Miglioranza KSB. Feather mercury levels in beached Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) in northern Argentina during the non-breeding season. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:24793-24801. [PMID: 34826079 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17539-7] [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: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a great concern for marine environments. Bird feathers have been widely used to assess Hg pollution. In this study, we determine mercury concentrations in body feathers of juvenile Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) from the southeastern sector of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, during a non-breeding season, considering both sexes. Hg levels, considering both females and males together, ranged between 265.5 and 1515.52 ng/g. These levels are well below the concentrations in feathers suggested for taking actions focused on the protection of seabirds. Non-significant differences between sexes regarding Hg levels were found, probably because juveniles were sexually immature and females did not excrete Hg by egg laying yet. Hg concentrations found in this study were an order of magnitude higher than those reported 10 years ago for the species in breeding areas on the Argentine coast. Thus, the present study provides relevant information indicating a possible increase of Hg pollution in the southwestern region of the Atlantic Ocean and thus trigger for the development of monitoring programs and regional strategies to improve the conservation status of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Quadri-Adrogué
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Pilar Gómez-Ramírez
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB‑Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Juan García-Fernández
- Toxicology and Risk Assessment Research Group, IMIB‑Arrixaca, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Germán Oscar García
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Seco-Pon
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina.
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina.
| | - Karina Silvia Beatriz Miglioranza
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, 7600, Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Mar del Plata, Argentina
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12
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Sarma SN, Thomas PJ, Naz S, Pauli B, Crump D, Zahaby Y, O'Brien JM, Mallory ML, Franckowiak RP, Gendron M, Provencher JF. Metabolomic profiles in relation to benchmark polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and trace elements in two seabird species from Arctic Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112022. [PMID: 34506783 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
While exposure of birds to oil-related contaminants has been documented, the related adverse effects this exposure has on Arctic marine birds remain unexplored. Metabolomics can play an important role to explore biologically relevant metabolite biomarkers in relation to different stressors, even at benchmark levels of contamination. The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolomics profiles in relation to polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and trace elements in the liver of two seabird species in the Canadian Arctic. In July 2018, black guillemots (Cepphus grylle) and thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) were collected by hunters from a region where natural oil seeps occur in the seabed near Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Canada. A total of 121 metabolites were identified in liver tissue samples using reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry platforms to detect non-polar and polar metabolites, respectively. Sixty-nine metabolites showed excellent repeatability and linearity and were used to examine possible effects of oil-related contaminants exposure (PACs and trace elements). Metabolites including 3-hydroxy anthranilic acid, adenine, adenosine, adenosine mono-phosphate, ascorbic acid, butyrylcarnitine, cholic acid, guanosine, guanosine mono-phosphate, inosine, norepinephrine and threonine showed significant differences (more than two fold) between the two species. Elevated adenine and adenosine, along with decreased reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio, highlighted the potential for oxidative stress in murres. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase activity assays also confirmed these metabolomic findings. These results will help to characterize the baseline metabolomic profiles of Arctic seabird species with different foraging behaviour and trace element burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailendra Nath Sarma
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shama Naz
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ottawa University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruce Pauli
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Doug Crump
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Yasmeen Zahaby
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jason M O'Brien
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | | | - Michel Gendron
- Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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13
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FONZO CARLADI, ANSALDO MARTIN. Blood biochemistry and antioxidant status altered by anthropogenic impact in Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae). AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20210579. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220210579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- CARLA DI FONZO
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Argentina
| | - MARTIN ANSALDO
- Laboratorio de Ecofisiología y Ecotoxicología, Argentina
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14
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Grant ML, O'Hanlon NJ, Lavers JL, Masden EA, James NA, Bond AL. A standardised method for estimating the level of visible debris in bird nests. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112889. [PMID: 34454385 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112889] [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: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Unlike records of plastic ingestion and entanglement in seabirds which date back to the 1960s, the literature regarding debris in bird nests is comparatively limited. It is important to identify standardised methods early so that data are collected in a consistent manner, ensuring that future studies can be comparable. Here, we outline a method that can be applied to photographs for estimating the proportion of visible debris at the surface of a nest. This method uses ImageJ software to superimpose a grid onto a photograph of a nest/s. The number of cells with and without debris are then counted. Our proposed method is repeatable, straightforward, and accessible. We optimised the method to estimate the level of visible debris in Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) nests, however, with some modification (i.e., adjustment of grid cell size), it could be applied to other seabird species, and terrestrial birds, that incorporate debris within nests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7248, Australia; Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom.
| | - Nina J O'Hanlon
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A Masden
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A James
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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15
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Eveillard-Buchoux M, Beninger PG. Between a rock and a large place: the importance of multi-scale geomorphological features to seabird nest site selection. Ecology 2021; 103:e03566. [PMID: 34674256 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie Eveillard-Buchoux
- Laboratoire de Géographie, ESO UMR 6590 CNRS, Université d'Angers, 2 boulevard Lavoisier, 49045, Angers, France
| | - Peter G Beninger
- Laboratoire de Biologie Marine, MMS, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Nantes, 2, rue de la Houssinière, 44322, Nantes Cédex, France
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16
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Effects of Diesel, Heavy Metals and Plastics Pollution on Penguins in Antarctica: A Review. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092505. [PMID: 34573474 PMCID: PMC8465831 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Antarctica is contaminated by anthropogenic pollution. Due to the persistent low temperatures, the toxic impacts of pollution to the environment can be extensive. The severity of the effects varies according to the animal species, chemical type and level of exposure. Penguins are at major risk as they are the most prominent group of animals in Antarctica. This review highlights the background of penguins in Antarctica, the anthropogenic pollution and cases, as well as the toxic effects of diesel, heavy metals and microplastics toward penguins. A bibliometric analysis is also included. Abstract Antarctica is a relatively pristine continent that attracts scientists and tourists alike. However, the risk of environmental pollution in Antarctica is increasing with the increase in the number of visitors. Recently, there has been a surge in interest regarding diesel, heavy metals and microplastics pollution. Contamination from these pollutants poses risks to the environment and the health of organisms inhabiting the continent. Penguins are one of the most prominent and widely distributed animals in Antarctica and are at major risk due to pollution. Even on a small scale, the impacts of pollution toward penguin populations are extensive. This review discusses the background of penguins in Antarctica, the anthropogenic pollution and cases, as well as the impacts of diesel, heavy metals and microplastics toxicities on penguins. The trends of the literature for the emerging risks of these pollutants are also reviewed through a bibliometric approach and network mapping analysis. A sum of 27 articles are analyzed on the effects of varying pollutants on penguins in Antarctica from 2000 to 2020 using the VOSviewer bibliometric software, Microsoft Excel and Tableau Public. Research articles collected from the Scopus database are evaluated for the most applicable research themes according to the bibliometric indicators (articles, geography distribution, annual production, integrated subject areas, key source journals and keyword or term interactions). Although bibliometric studies on the present research theme are not frequent, our results are sub-optimal due to the small number of search query matches from the Scopus database. As a result, our findings offer only a fragmentary comprehension of the topics in question. Nevertheless, this review provides valuable inputs regarding prospective research avenues for researchers to pursue in the future.
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17
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HEALTH STATUS OF NAZCA BOOBIES ( SULA GRANTI) ON DAPHNE MAJOR ISLAND IN THE GALÁPAGOS DETERMINED BY HEMATOLOGY, BIOCHEMISTRY, AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:671-679. [PMID: 34130410 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Island species are particularly vulnerable to environmental disturbances and introduced pathogens. Conducting health assessments of wild populations in the Galápagos improves the ability of wildlife managers and veterinarians to detect deteriorations in health status. Seabirds in particular are useful species to monitor due to their colonial breeding and wide migration range. Nazca boobies (Sula granti) in a breeding colony at Daphne Major (n = 30) were given physical examinations, and blood samples were collected for hematology and biochemistry using an iSTAT Portable Clinical Analyzer. Female boobies had longer wing length than males, as well as lower blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and white blood cell counts. This could be attributed to sexual dimorphism or differences in foraging and mating strategies between the sexes. The time between capture and blood collection had a significant inverse relationship on plasma sodium, potassium, hemoglobin, anion gaps, and lymphocyte counts, suggesting that blood sampling in Nazca boobies should be done in less than 5 m to avoid the impacts of stress on hematological parameters. This is the first health assessment on the breeding colony of Nazca boobies at Daphne Major, and the results can inform future monitoring in this species as well as other sulids.
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18
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Hamilton BM, Bourdages MPT, Geoffroy C, Vermaire JC, Mallory ML, Rochman CM, Provencher JF. Microplastics around an Arctic seabird colony: Particle community composition varies across environmental matrices. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 773:145536. [PMID: 33940730 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a contaminant of global concern, as it is present even in remote ecosystems - like the Arctic. Arctic seabirds are vulnerable to ingesting plastic pollution, and these ingested particles are shed in the form of microplastics via guano. This suggests that Arctic seabird guano may act as a vector for the movement of microplastics into and around northern ecosystems. While contaminant-laden guano deposition patterns create a clear concentration gradient of chemicals around seabird colonies, this has not yet been investigated with plastic pollution. Here we tested whether a contaminant gradient of plastic pollution exists around a seabird colony that is primarily comprised of northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) in the Canadian Arctic. Atmospheric deposition, surface water, and surface sediment samples were collected below the cliff-side of the colony and at increasing intervals of 1 km from the colony. Fulmars were also collected when foraging away from their colony. Microplastics and other anthropogenic microparticles were identified in all three environmental matrices as well as fulmar guano. Fibers were the most common shape in fulmar guano, atmospheric deposition and surface sediment, and fragments were the most common shape in surface water. We did not find a gradient of microplastic concentrations in environmental matrices related to distance from the colony. Combined, these results suggest that fulmars are not the primary source of microplastic around this colony. Further research is warranted to understand sources of microplastics to the areas around the colonies, including to what extent seabirds transport and concentrate microplastics in Arctic ecosystems, and whether concentrations proximate to large colonies may be species dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie M Hamilton
- University of Toronto, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | | | | | - Jesse C Vermaire
- Carleton University, Dept. of Geography and Environmental Studies, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mark L Mallory
- Acadia University, Dept. of Biology, Wolfville, NS, Canada
| | - Chelsea M Rochman
- University of Toronto, Dept. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer F Provencher
- Environment Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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19
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Szabo D, Lavers JL, Shimeta J, Green MP, Mulder RA, Clarke BO. Correlations between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Body Morphometrics in Fledgling Shearwaters Impacted by Plastic Consumption from a Remote Pacific Island. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:799-810. [PMID: 33170512 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the concentrations of 45 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in fledgling flesh-footed shearwater (Ardenna carneipes; n = 33) and wedge-tailed shearwater (A. pacifica; n = 9) livers via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and their relationship to body morphometrics and ingested plastic mass recorded in 2019 on Lord Howe Island (NSW, Australia). Sixteen PFASs were detected, of which perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was the dominant compound, detected in 100% of birds (1.34-13.4 ng/g wet wt). Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, including perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA; <0.04-0.79 ng/g wet wt) and perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA; <0.05-1.6 ng/g wet wt) were detected in >50% of birds. There was a positive correlation between PFDA and PFTrDA concentrations and wing chord length (Rs = 0.36, p = 0.0204; Rs = 0.44, p = 0.0037, respectively), and between PFDA concentrations and total body mass (Rs = 0.33, p = 0.032), suggesting that these compounds may impact shearwater fledgling morphometrics. Plastic was present in the intestinal tract of 79% of individuals (<7.6 g), although there was no correlation between PFAS concentrations and plastic mass, indicating that ingested plastic is not the likely primary exposure source. The widespread occurrence of PFASs in fledgling marine birds from a relatively pristine location in the Southern Hemisphere suggests that further studies in adult shearwaters and other marine birds are warranted to investigate whether there are any long-term physiological effects on bird species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:799-810. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Jeff Shimeta
- School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark P Green
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Piña-Ortiz A, Ceyca-Contreras JP, Covantes-Rosales CE, Betancourt-Lozano M, Castillo-Guerrero JA. Temporal and sex-based variation in organochlorine pesticide levels in the blue-footed booby in two coastal colonies of Sinaloa, Mexico. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 164:112050. [PMID: 33515824 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The temporal, inter-site, and sex-based variation of 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in blood plasma samples collected from blue-footed boobies of two islands in Sinaloa, Mexico, was evaluated. The effect of OCPs was evaluated with the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, micronucleated erythrocyte frequency, and scaled mass index. The OCP-group levels decreased as the breeding season progressed, and interannual (but not inter-colony) differences were detected. Intra-annual variation in OCP levels seemed to reflect run-off inputs, although other environmental processes may better explain the variation between years. Sex-based differences in OCP levels were likely related to ecological and physiological processes linked to breeding (e.g., egg-laying and use of lipid reserves). No correlations between OCP-group levels and biomarkers were detected. Small pelagic fishes are the main prey sources of blue-footed boobies and the targets of regional industrial fisheries, and thus blue-footed booby OCP levels could reflect ecosystem health and indicate potential risks for human consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Piña-Ortiz
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico.
| | - Juan Pablo Ceyca-Contreras
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico; Laboratorio de Ornitología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León CP66450, Mexico.
| | - Carlos Eduardo Covantes-Rosales
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico.
| | - Miguel Betancourt-Lozano
- Unidad Mazatlán en Acuicultura y Manejo Ambiental, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C., Av. Sábalo-Cerritos s/n, Estero del Yugo, Mazatlán, Sinaloa CP82100, Mexico.
| | - José Alfredo Castillo-Guerrero
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de la Zona Costera, Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, Gómez Farías 82, San Patricio-Melaque, Municipio de Cihuatlán, Jalisco CP48980, Mexico.
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21
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Niedringhaus KD, Shender LA, DiNuovo A, Flewelling LJ, Maboni G, Sanchez S, Deitschel PJ, Fitzgerald J, Nemeth NM. Mortality in Common (Sterna hirundo) and Sandwich (Thalasseus sandvicensis) Terns Associated with Bisgaard Taxon 40 Infection on Marco Island, Florida, USA. J Comp Pathol 2021; 184:12-18. [PMID: 33894872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Widely distributed aquatic species such as terns are highly dependent on, and can serve as indicators of, the global health of marine and other aquatic environments. Documented mass mortality events in terns have been associated with anthropogenic, weather-related and, less commonly, infectious causes. This study describes a multispecies mortality event associated with brevetoxicosis and Bisgaard taxon 40-induced sepsis involving common (Sterna hirundo) and sandwich (Thalasseus sandvicensis) terns off the southwest coast of Florida, USA, in November and December 2018. During an approximately 6-8-week period, a large number of birds were found dead or displayed weakness, ataxia or other neurological signs. Many were admitted to a wildlife hospital for evaluation, but most died or were euthanized due to poor prognosis. Necropsy of 12 birds revealed minimal or non-specific gross lesions. Initial toxicology screening of tissues for brevetoxins revealed levels that could be consistent with brevetoxicosis. However, histology revealed multiorgan inflammation and necrosis associated with a gram-negative bacillus. A bacterium isolated on aerobic culture of liver and heart tissues was unidentifiable in the MALDI-TOF database. Subsequently, 16 S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the isolate shared 99.33% homology with Bisgaard taxon 40 from the Pasteurellaceae family. While the source of the bacterium and potential association with brevetoxin exposure are unclear, histopathology suggests that the bacterium was the proximate cause of clinical signs and mortality in all birds examined as well as the scale of the mortality event. This report highlights the need to conduct detailed investigations into wildlife mortality events and expands on the current, limited knowledge of the effects of novel Pasteurellaceae bacteria on avian health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Departments of Pathology and Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA; Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lisa A Shender
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Leanne J Flewelling
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Grazieli Maboni
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Susan Sanchez
- Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - P J Deitschel
- Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples, Florida, USA
| | | | - Nicole M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Departments of Pathology and Population Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.
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22
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Linnebjerg JF, Baak JE, Barry T, Gavrilo MV, Mallory ML, Merkel FR, Price C, Strand J, Walker TR, Provencher JF. Review of plastic pollution policies of Arctic countries in relation to seabirds. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine plastic is a ubiquitous environmental problem that can have an impact on a variety of marine biota, such as seabirds, making it an important concern for scientists and policy makers. Although research on plastic ingestion by seabirds is increasing, few studies have examined policies and long-term monitoring programs to reduce marine plastic in the Arctic. This paper provides a review of international, national, and regional policies and long-term monitoring programs that address marine plastic in relation to seabirds in the Arctic countries: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States of America. Results show that a broad range of international, national, regional and local policies address marine debris, specifically through waste management and the prevention of pollution from ships. However, few policies directly address seabirds and other marine biota. Further, policies are implemented inconsistently across regions, making it difficult to enforce and monitor the efficacy of these policies given the long-range transport of plastic pollution globally. To reduce marine plastic pollution in the Arctic environment, pan-Arctic and international collaboration is needed to implement standardized policies and long-term monitoring programs for marine plastic in the Arctic and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannie F. Linnebjerg
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Julia E. Baak
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Tom Barry
- CAFF International Secretariat, Borgir, Nordurslod, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Sæmundargata 2, 102 Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Maria V. Gavrilo
- Association “Maritime Heritage: Explore & Sustain”, Icebreaker “Krassin”, The Lieutenant Schmidt emb, 23 Line, 199106 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- BirdsRussia, 70, Nigegorodskaja str., building 1, Moscow, 109029, Russia
- Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI), Saint-Petersburg, 198397, Russia
| | - Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Flemming R. Merkel
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 570, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Courtney Price
- CAFF International Secretariat, Borgir, Nordurslod, 600 Akureyri, Iceland
| | - Jakob Strand
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Tony R. Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jennifer F. Provencher
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
- Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, ON K0A 1H0, Canada
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23
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Power A, White P, McHugh B, Berrow S, Schlingermann M, Tannian M, Newton S, McGovern E, Murphy S, Crowley D, O'Hea L, Boyle B, O'Connor I. Persistent pollutants in Northern Gannet Morus bassanus eggs in Ireland: Levels and colony differences. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 268:115723. [PMID: 33070066 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115723] [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: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Seabird eggs are considered a favourable matrix for monitoring marine pollutants and are widely used as higher trophic level indicators. Persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other organochlorine compounds (OCs) as well as metals have been shown to have deleterious impacts on seabirds. The Northern Gannet Morus bassanus is an avian sentinel; the largest breeding seabird in Ireland and an obligate piscivore. Gannet eggs were collected from two island colonies off the east coast of Ireland in locations with divergent history of industrialisation. Contaminant levels were measured and differences in concentrations between colonies compared. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were measured in each egg to understand the influence of diet and trophic position on contaminant levels detected. Significantly higher levels of Σ14PCBs, Σ7PBDEs and total mercury were detected in Gannet eggs from Lambay Island near Dublin (Ireland's industrialised capital city) compared to Great Saltee Island. No differences were observed in levels of other OCs (HCB, ΣHCH, ΣCHL, ΣDDT) between the two colonies. Though Gannets travel significant distances when foraging for food, tracking studies have demonstrated that birds from proximal breeding colonies maintain exclusive feeding areas. Stable isotope ratio analysis in this study demonstrated that Gannets at both locations occupy similar dietary niches, indicating that dietary differences may not be the driver of differing contaminant levels between colonies. Levels of persistent pollutants in the Gannet eggs fall below most existing thresholds for adverse effects and are within internationally reported values. Recent population growth and range expansion of Gannets in Ireland suggest that persistent pollutants are not having an immediate impact on the Gannet population. This study will inform potential monitoring programmes that can help Ireland achieve good environmental status under the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Power
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland; Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland.
| | - Philip White
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brendan McHugh
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Simon Berrow
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Moira Schlingermann
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - Evin McGovern
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Murphy
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Denis Crowley
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Linda O'Hea
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Brian Boyle
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Co. Galway, Ireland
| | - Ian O'Connor
- Marine and Freshwater Research Centre, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Dublin Road, Co. Galway, Ireland
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24
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Stewart LG, Lavers JL, Grant ML, Puskic PS, Bond AL. Seasonal ingestion of anthropogenic debris in an urban population of gulls. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111549. [PMID: 32810669 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gulls are generalist seabirds, increasingly drawn to urban environments where many species take advantage of abundant food sources, such as landfill sites. Despite this, data on items ingested at these locations, including human refuse, is limited. Here we investigate ingestion of prey and anthropogenic debris items in boluses (regurgitated pellets) from Pacific Gulls (Larus pacificus). A total of 374 boluses were collected between 2018 and 2020 in Tasmania. Debris was present in 92.51% of boluses (n = 346), with plastic (86.63%, n = 324) and glass (64.71%, n = 242) being the most prominent types. An abundance of intact, household items (e.g., dental floss, food wrappers) suggest the gulls regularly feed at landfill sites. In addition, the boluses are deposited at a roosting site located within an important wetland, thus we propose that the gulls may be functioning as a previously unrecognised vector of anthropogenic debris from urban centres to aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian G Stewart
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Megan L Grant
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Peter S Puskic
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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25
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Roman L, Kastury F, Petit S, Aleman R, Wilcox C, Hardesty BD, Hindell MA. Plastic, nutrition and pollution; relationships between ingested plastic and metal concentrations in the livers of two Pachyptila seabirds. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18023. [PMID: 33093560 PMCID: PMC7582968 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring metals and metalloids [metal(loid)s] are essential for the physiological functioning of wildlife; however, environmental contamination by metal(loid) and plastic pollutants is a health hazard. Metal(loid)s may interact with plastic in the environment and there is mixed evidence about whether plastic ingested by wildlife affects metal(loid) absorption/assimilation and concentration in the body. We examined ingested plastic and liver concentration of eleven metal(loid)s in two seabird species: fairy (Pachyptila turtur) and slender-billed prions (P. belcheri). We found significant relationships between ingested plastic and the concentrations of aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the liver of prions. We investigated whether the pattern of significant relationships reflected plastic-metal(loid) associations predicted in the scientific literature, including by transfer of metals from ingested plastics or malnutrition due to dietary dilution by plastics in the gut. We found some support for both associations, suggesting that ingested plastic may be connected with dietary dilution / lack of essential nutrients, especially iron, and potential transfer of zinc. We did not find a relationship between plastic and non-essential metal(loid)s, including lead. The effect of plastic was minor compared to that of dietary exposure to metal(oid)s, and small plastic loads (< 3 items) had no discernible link with metal(loid)s. This new evidence shows a relationship between plastic ingestion and liver metal(loid) concentrations in free-living wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Roman
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, TAS, Australia. .,Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Farzana Kastury
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sophie Petit
- ScaRCE Research Centre, UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Rina Aleman
- ScaRCE Research Centre, UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chris Wilcox
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | | | - Mark A Hindell
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.,Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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26
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Puskic PS, Lavers JL, Adams LR, Bond AL. Ingested plastic and trace element concentrations in Short-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 155:111143. [PMID: 32469768 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Pollution of marine environments is concerning for complex trophic systems. Two anthropogenic stresses associated with marine pollution are the introduction of marine plastic and their associated chemicals (e.g., trace elements) which, when ingested, may cause harm to wildlife. Here we explore the relationship between plastic ingestion and trace element burden in the breast muscle of Short-tailed Shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris). We found no relationship between the amount of plastic ingested and trace element concentration in the birds' tissues. Though the mass and number of plastic items ingested by birds during 1969-2017 did not change significantly, trace element concentrations of some elements (Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr and Cd), appeared to have increased in birds sampled in 2017 compared to limited data from prior studies. We encourage policy which considers the data gleaned from this sentinel species to monitor the anthropogenic alteration of the marine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S Puskic
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Louise R Adams
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, School Road, Newnham, Tasmania 7250, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia; Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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27
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Malvat Z, Lynch SA, Bennison A, Jessopp M. Evidence of links between haematological condition and foraging behaviour in northern gannets ( Morus bassanus). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:192164. [PMID: 32537208 PMCID: PMC7277282 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.192164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Haematological analyses can reveal the physiological condition of birds, which are known to efficiently disguise symptoms of stress and disease. However, the interpretation of such analyses requires species-specific baseline data, which are lacking for most free-living seabird species. We provide baseline reference data for several haematological parameters in northern gannets (Morus bassanus) and combine this with telemetry and dietary data to understand the links between haematological condition and foraging behaviour. Blood samples were collected from breeding northern gannets in July 2017 (n = 15) and 2018 (n = 28), which were also equipped with GPS tags. Smears were prepared for performing blood cell counts, including immature erythrocyte and microcyte percentages, total and differential leucocyte counts, heterophil : lymphocyte (H : L) ratio and total thrombocyte count; the remaining blood was used for stable isotope analysis and foraging behaviours were inferred from the recovered tag data. Blood cell counts revealed that the sampled birds were highly stressed and some showed an immune response, evident from the abnormal leucocyte counts and the H : L ratio. There were no sex-related differences in haematological parameters or diet, in contrast to foraging parameters where females undertook longer trips than males and spent proportionately more time in search behaviours. The percentage time spent actively foraging was weakly negatively correlated with the percentage of eosinophils. While there was no direct link between haematological condition and diet, one bird feeding at a relatively low trophic level undertook exceptionally short foraging trips and showed abnormal blood cell counts. This suggests a link between haematological condition and foraging ecology that can be employed in assessing seabird health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z. Malvat
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - S. A. Lynch
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Aquaculture and Fisheries Development Centre and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - A. Bennison
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - M. Jessopp
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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28
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Muzaffar SB. Socotra Cormorants in the Arabian Gulf: a review of breeding biology, feeding ecology, movements and conservation. AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM HEALTH & MANAGEMENT 2020; 23:220-228. [DOI: 10.1080/14634988.2020.1790887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Seabirds form important components of marine ecosystems, serving as top predators that indicate long-term stability through feeding interactions. Many species of seabirds reside within the Arabian Gulf although their role in this marine system is not well characterized. Furthermore, oil exploitation and development activities have reduced many species significantly. In this review, I use the Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) as an example of the biology, movement and conservation of seabirds in the Arabian Gulf. Socotra Cormorants are among the most numerically abundant seabirds residing within the Arabian Gulf. The species has a restricted range spanning from Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and south into the Gulf of Aden. They are categorized as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Between 56,800-82,800 breeding pairs occur in the United Arab Emirates on 9-12 islands. Breeding season stretches from August to December although delayed or disrupted breeding could result in breeding seasons extending to March. They feed on small forage fish including anchovies (Encrasicholina spp.) with potentially high biomass of small fish taken annually totaling to 11,000-18,000 tons annually. Foraging activities occur in coastal, shallow waters under 15m in depth. On Siniya Island in the east, migration begins in December and birds fly to the central portion of the Arabian Gulf within waters of Abu Dhabi. Summer roosting areas could be associated with movement of fish in to deeper, low-productivity waters during the harsh summers. Patterns of foraging during the breeding season and migration after breeding activities highlight areas that need protection. Future protection of the species would require coordination between different jurisdictions within UAE as well as in Oman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabir Bin Muzaffar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 15551, Al Ain
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29
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HEMATOLOGY AND PLASMA CHEMISTRY VALUES IN BEACHED MAGELLANIC PENGUIN ( SPHENISCUS MAGELLANICUS) IN NORTHERN ARGENTINA DURING THE NONBREEDING SEASON. J Zoo Wildl Med 2020; 50:927-936. [PMID: 31926525 DOI: 10.1638/2019-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Seabirds have been widely used for monitoring the health of the oceans in diverse marine regions. Among low-cost survey strategies, systematic surveys of seabirds beached on coasts have been developed since the 20th century. However, these studies do not always address blood aspects. The assessment of the health status of birds based on the analysis of hematological and plasma chemistry is crucial to evaluate the overall health status profile of live organisms. Here, the authors study the variability of blood parameters by sex, age class, and year of beached Magellanic Penguin during the nonreproductive period in northern Argentina. Of 44 penguins, 77% were categorized as younger juveniles and the rest as older juveniles, and were captured and studied in coastal areas of Buenos Aires Province during the summers of 2017 and 2018. The mean body weight of beached penguins was affected by the age class of the individuals; most of the younger juveniles showed poor condition in terms of body mass (1,761 ± 235 g). No significant differences were observed in body weight between years and sex. Still, there were significant differences between years for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values. Twelve of the 20 blood parameters analyzed differ significantly with the age class of the beached penguins; younger juveniles were in a state of inanition. Our results may serve as a necessary first step in improving the conservation status of the Magellanic Penguin in nonbreeding grounds of Argentina, and call for a better knowledge of the health status of the species along its annual cycle.
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30
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Lavers JL, Humphreys-Williams E, Crameri NJ, Bond AL. Trace element concentrations in feathers from three seabird species breeding in the Timor Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110876. [PMID: 32056652 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mobile marine predators, such as seabirds, are frequently used as broad samplers of contaminants that are widespread in the marine environment. The Timor Sea off remote Western Australia is a poorly studied, yet rapidly expanding area of offshore development. To provide much needed data on contamination in this region, we quantified trace element concentrations in breast feathers of three seabird species breeding on Bedout Island. While adult Masked Boobies Sula dactylatra exhibited some of the highest concentrations, values for all species were below toxicology thresholds for seabirds and were comparable to those reported in other closely related species. The low concentrations detected in the birds provide a valuable baseline and suggest that the local marine environment around Bedout is in relatively good condition. However, careful monitoring is warranted in light increasing anthropogenic activity in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Lavers
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia.
| | - Emma Humphreys-Williams
- Imaging and Analysis Centre, Core Research Labs, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Crameri
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tasmania 7004, Australia
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, Department of Life Sciences, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, United Kingdom
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31
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Quadri Adrogué A, Miglioranza KSB, Copello S, Favero M, Seco Pon JP. Pelagic seabirds as biomonitors of persistent organic pollutants in the Southwestern Atlantic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 149:110516. [PMID: 31425845 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are accumulated through time and can exert different effect on ecosystems. POPs and Chlorpyrifos, a current use pesticide, were assessed in body feathers of males and females of Black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris, BBA) and Cape petrels (Daption capense, CAP) during their non-breeding seasons at the Patagonian Shelf, Argentina. Chlorpyrifos showed the highest values among all pollutants in both species (49.56-84.88 ng g-1), resulting from current agricultural practices. The pattern OCPs > PCBs > PBDEs was observed in both species, and CAP showed higher concentrations than BBA probably as a consequence of higher lipid mobilization and pollutants availability during dispersion. Non-significant differences between sexes about POPs levels were found; however a slight tendency was observed, females>males in CAP, and males>females in BBA. More attention and further studies are needed to understand seabirds' physiology and its relationship with the pollutants distribution in their tissues and considering breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustina Quadri Adrogué
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata (7600), Argentina
| | - Karina S B Miglioranza
- Laboratorio de Ecotoxicología y Contaminación Ambiental, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata 7600, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Sofía Copello
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata (7600), Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Marco Favero
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata (7600), Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Juan P Seco Pon
- Laboratorio de Vertebrados, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Funes 3350, Mar del Plata (7600), Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC) (UNMDP-CONICET), Argentina
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32
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Kuklin VV, Kuklina MM, Ezhov AV. Helminths of the Barents Sea Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis, Procellariiformes, Procellariidae): Composition, Impact on Host, and Indicator Properties. BIOL BULL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359019080077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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33
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Cusset F, Fort J, Mallory M, Braune B, Massicotte P, Massé G. Arctic seabirds and shrinking sea ice: egg analyses reveal the importance of ice-derived resources. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15405. [PMID: 31659198 PMCID: PMC6817817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the Arctic, sea-ice plays a central role in the functioning of marine food webs and its rapid shrinking has large effects on the biota. It is thus crucial to assess the importance of sea-ice and ice-derived resources to Arctic marine species. Here, we used a multi-biomarker approach combining Highly Branched Isoprenoids (HBIs) with δ13C and δ15N to evaluate how much Arctic seabirds rely on sea-ice derived resources during the pre-laying period, and if changes in sea-ice extent and duration affect their investment in reproduction. Eggs of thick-billed murres (Uria lomvia) and northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) were collected in the Canadian Arctic during four years of highly contrasting ice conditions, and analysed for HBIs, isotopic (carbon and nitrogen) and energetic composition. Murres heavily relied on ice-associated prey, and sea-ice was beneficial for this species which produced larger and more energy-dense eggs during icier years. In contrast, fulmars did not exhibit any clear association with sympagic communities and were not impacted by changes in sea ice. Murres, like other species more constrained in their response to sea-ice variations, therefore appear more sensitive to changes and may become the losers of future climate shifts in the Arctic, unlike more resilient species such as fulmars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Cusset
- UMI Takuvik, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, 1045 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Jérôme Fort
- LIENSs, UMR 7266, CNRS-La Rochelle Université, 2 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France
| | - Mark Mallory
- Biology Department, Acadia University, 15 University Avenue, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Birgit Braune
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0H3, Canada
| | - Philippe Massicotte
- UMI Takuvik, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, 1045 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Guillaume Massé
- UMI Takuvik, Département de Biologie, Université Laval, 1045 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.,LOCEAN, UMR 7159, CNRS, MNHN, IRD, Sorbonne-Université, Station Marine de Concarneau, BP225, 29900, Concarneau, France
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Erythrocytes nuclear abnormalities and leukocyte profile of the immune system of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) breeding at Edmonson Point, Ross Sea, Antarctica. Polar Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00300-019-02522-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Cristofari R, Plaza P, Fernández CE, Trucchi E, Gouin N, Le Bohec C, Zavalaga C, Alfaro-Shigueto J, Luna-Jorquera G. Unexpected population fragmentation in an endangered seabird: the case of the Peruvian diving-petrel. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2021. [PMID: 30765805 PMCID: PMC6375911 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38682-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In less than one century, the once-abundant Peruvian diving petrel has become the first endangered seabird of the Humboldt Current System (HCS). This small endemic petrel of the South American Pacific coast is now an important indicator of ongoing habitat loss and of the success of local conservation policies in the HCS - an ecoregion designated as a priority for the conservation of global biodiversity. Yet so far, poorly understood life history traits such as philopatry or dispersal ability may strongly influence the species' response to ecosystem changes, but also our capacity to assess and interpret this response. To address this question, we explore the range-wide population structure of the Peruvian diving petrel, and show that this small seabird exhibits extreme philopatric behavior at the island level. Mitochondrial DNA sequences and genome-wide SNP data reveal significant isolation and low migration at very short distances, and provide strong evidence for questioning the alleged recovery in the Peruvian and Chilean populations of this species. Importantly, the full demographic independence between colonies makes local population rescue through migration unlikely. As a consequence, the Peruvian diving petrel appears to be particularly vulnerable to ongoing anthropogenic pressure. By excluding immigration as a major factor of demographic recovery, our results highlight the unambiguously positive impact of local conservation measures on breeding populations; yet at the same time they also cast doubt on alleged range-wide positive population trends. Overall, the protection of independent breeding colonies, and not only of the species as a whole, remains a major element in the conservation strategy for endemic seabirds. Finally, we underline the importance of considering the philopatric behavior and demographic independence of breeding populations, even at very fine spatial scales, in spatial planning for marine coastal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Cristofari
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, 20014 Turun Yliopisto, Turku, Finland
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC) UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire International Associé (LIA-647 BioSensib, CSM-CNRS-Unistra), 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, 98000, Monaco
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Postboks 1066, Blindern, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paula Plaza
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Claudia E Fernández
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Emiliano Trucchi
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14 A-1030, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicolas Gouin
- Instituto de Investigación Multidisciplinar en Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad de La Serena, Av. Raul Bitran Nachary, La Serena, Chile
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Céline Le Bohec
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC) UMR 7178, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
- Laboratoire International Associé (LIA-647 BioSensib, CSM-CNRS-Unistra), 8 Quai Antoine 1er, Monaco, 98000, Monaco
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco - Département de Biologie Polaire, 8, quai Antoine 1er, MC, 98000, Monaco
| | - Carlos Zavalaga
- Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Antigua Panamericana Sur Km 19, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Guillermo Luna-Jorquera
- Millennium Nucleus for Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Island (ESMOI), Departamento de Biología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
- Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile.
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Shoji A, Elliott KH, Aris-Brosou S, Mizukawa H, Nakayama SMM, Ikenaka Y, Ishizuka M, Kuwae T, Watanabe K, Escoruela Gonzalez J, Watanuki Y. Biotransport of metallic trace elements from marine to terrestrial ecosystems by seabirds. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2019; 38:106-114. [PMID: 30284322 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4286] [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: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Physical systems, such as currents and winds, have traditionally been considered responsible for transporting contaminants. Although evidence is mounting that animals play a role in this process through their movements, we still know little about how such contaminant biotransport occurs and the extent of effects at deposition sites. In the present study, we address this question by studying how rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata), a seabird that occurs in immense colonies (∼300 000 pairs at our study site, Teuri Island), affect contaminant levels at their colony and at nearby sites. More specifically, we hypothesize that contaminants are transported and deposited by seabirds at their colony and that these contaminants are passed on locally to the terrestrial ecosystem. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the concentration of 9 heavy metal and metalloids, as well as δ13 C and δ15 N stable isotopes, in bird tissues, plants, and soil, both within and outside of the colony. The results show that rhinoceros auklets transport marine-derived mercury (Hg), possibly from their wintering location, and deposit Hg via their feces at their breeding site, thereby contaminating plants and soils within the breeding colony. The present study confirms not only that animals can transport contaminants from marine to terrestrial ecosystems, potentially over unexpectedly long distances, but also that bird tissues contribute locally to plant contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:106-114. © 2018 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Shoji
- Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
- Department of Zoology, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - K H Elliott
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, Canada
| | - S Aris-Brosou
- Departments of Biology and Statistics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - H Mizukawa
- Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Toxicology, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - S M M Nakayama
- Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Toxicology, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Y Ikenaka
- Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Toxicology, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - M Ishizuka
- Department of Environmental Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Toxicology, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - T Kuwae
- Coastal and Estuarine Environment Research Group, Port and Airport Research Institute, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - K Watanabe
- Coastal and Estuarine Environment Research Group, Port and Airport Research Institute, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - J Escoruela Gonzalez
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Y Watanuki
- Graduate School of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
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Rodríguez A, Ramírez F, Carrasco MN, Chiaradia A. Seabird plastic ingestion differs among collection methods: Examples from the short-tailed shearwater. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 243:1750-1757. [PMID: 30408862 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite the increase of literature on seabird plastic ingestion in recent years, few studies have assessed how plastic loads vary according to different sampling methods. Most studies use necropsies of seabirds with a natural cause of death, e.g. beached or predated, to determine plastic loads and monitor marine debris. Sampling naturally dead seabirds may be biased as they have perished because of their intrinsic factors, e.g. poor body condition, high parasite loads, sickness or predation, affecting estimates of plastic loads. However, seabirds killed accidentally may be more representative of the population. Here, we used the short-tailed shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris to test different sampling methods: naturally beached fledglings and accidentally road-killed fledglings after being attracted and grounded by artificial lights. We compared plastic load, body condition, and feeding strategies (through using feathers' δ13C and δ15N isotope niche) between beached and road-killed fledglings. Beached birds showed higher plastic loads, poorer body condition and reduced isotopic variability, suggesting that this group is not a representative subsample of the whole cohort of the fledgling population. Our results might have implications for long-term monitoring programs of seabird plastic ingestion. Monitoring plastic debris through beached birds could overestimate plastic ingestion by the entire population. We encourage the establishment of refined monitoring programs using fledglings grounded by light pollution if available. These samples focus on known cohorts from the same population. The fledgling plastic loads are transferred from parents during parental feeding, accumulating during the chick-rearing period. Thus, these fledglings provide a higher and valuable temporal resolution, which is more useful and informative than unknown life history of beached birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Airam Rodríguez
- Conservation Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, P.O. Box 97, Cowes, 3922, Victoria, Australia; Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain; Canary Islands' Ornithology and Natural History Group (GOHNIC), La Malecita s/n, 38480 Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Francisco Ramírez
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona, Facultat de Biologia, Avda. Diagonal 643, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Nazaret Carrasco
- Canary Islands' Ornithology and Natural History Group (GOHNIC), La Malecita s/n, 38480 Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - André Chiaradia
- Conservation Department, Phillip Island Nature Parks, P.O. Box 97, Cowes, 3922, Victoria, Australia
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38
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Moura JF, Tavares DC, Lemos LS, Acevedo-Trejos E, Saint'Pierre TD, Siciliano S, Merico A. Interspecific variation of essential and non-essential trace elements in sympatric seabirds. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:470-479. [PMID: 30005259 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.06.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Chemical pollution is a growing issue for ocean ecosystems, threatening especially apex predators because they bioaccumulate persistent chemical pollutants such as non-essential trace elements. The trophic position is thus a key aspect when assessing the impacts of environmental pollution in marine organisms. Here we investigate the differences in the concentrations of essential (Cu, Cr, Se, and Zn) and non-essential elements (Hg, Al, As, Cd, and Sr), in muscular and hepatic tissues of four sympatric non-migratory seabirds (namely Sula leucogaster, Larus dominicanus, Fregata magnificens, and Thalasseus acuflavidus), which were found stranded along the Brazilian coast. The observed hepatic and muscular interspecific differences in elemental concentrations indicated that these sympatric seabirds are differently exposed to persistent contaminants circulating in the food web due to differences with respect to known feeding behaviours and prey preferences. Moreover, we found a consistent co-accumulative relationship between Se and Hg molar levels in liver tissues with mean Se:Hg molar ratio above 1. This relationship supports previous studies indicating that Se, via the formation of SeHg complexes, plays an essential biochemical role in the detoxification process of methyl mercury in seabirds. Our results suggest that feeding behaviour is an important factor associated to the interspecific differences of trace element concentrations in seabirds. However, traits other than feeding preferences (e.g. age) may also play an important role in the accumulation of these elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jailson F Moura
- Systems Ecology, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany.
| | - Davi C Tavares
- Systems Ecology, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
| | - Leila S Lemos
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
| | | | | | | | - Agostino Merico
- Systems Ecology, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany; Faculty of Physics & Earth Sciences, Jacobs University Bremen, Germany
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Browning E, Bolton M, Owen E, Shoji A, Guilford T, Freeman R. Predicting animal behaviour using deep learning:
GPS
data alone accurately predict diving in seabirds. Methods Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ella Browning
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment ResearchUniversity College London London UK
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London London UK
| | - Mark Bolton
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science Sandy Bedfordshire UK
| | - Ellie Owen
- RSPB Centre for Conservation Science Inverness UK
| | - Akiko Shoji
- Department of ZoologyOxford University Oxford UK
| | - Tim Guilford
- Department of ZoologyOxford University Oxford UK
| | - Robin Freeman
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London London UK
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40
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Acampora H, Berrow S, Newton S, O'Connor I. Presence of plastic litter in pellets from Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) in Ireland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 117:512-514. [PMID: 28189370 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has been the subject of much research in the last decade. Seabirds can mistake plastic fragments for prey, which can perforate or block the digestive tract and cause ulcers. Most commonly, seabirds accumulate this indigestible matter in their stomachs, obtaining no nutrition and may die from starvation. Certain species of seabirds however, have the ability of regurgitating indigestible matter in the form of pellets. This study aimed to investigate the ingestion of plastics by live seabirds through the examination of regurgitated pellets (n=92) from a Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) breeding colony and a winter roost in Ireland. Plastic prevalence was consistently 3.2% at both sites. The presence of plastic litter highlights the fact that all species of seabird are susceptible to interact with marine litter regardless of feeding habits, although at different rates. More research is needed to understand the driving factors involved in plastic ingestion among different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Acampora
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Dublin Rd, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Simon Berrow
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Dublin Rd, Galway, Ireland; Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation, Merchants Quay, Kilrush, Co. Clare, Ireland
| | - Stephen Newton
- BirdWatch Ireland, Unit 20, Block D, Bullford Business Campus, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
| | - Ian O'Connor
- Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Marine & Freshwater Research Centre, Dublin Rd, Galway, Ireland
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41
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Savoy L, Flint P, Zwiefelhofer D, Brant H, Perkins C, Taylor R, Lane O, Hall J, Evers D, Schamber J. Geographic and temporal patterns of variation in total mercury concentrations in blood of harlequin ducks and blue mussels from Alaska. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 117:178-183. [PMID: 28162252 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We compared total mercury (Hg) concentrations in whole blood of harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) sampled within and among two geographically distinct locations and across three years in southwest Alaska. Blue mussels were collected to assess correlation between Hg concentrations in locally available forage and birds. Mercury concentrations in harlequin duck blood were significantly higher at Unalaska Island (0.31±0.19 mean±SD, μg/g blood) than Kodiak Island (0.04±0.02 mean±SD, μg/g blood). We found no evidence for annual variation in blood Hg concentration between years at Unalaska Island. However, blood Hg concentration did vary among specific sampling locations (i.e., bays) at Unalaska Island. Findings from this study demonstrate harlequin ducks are exposed to environmental sources of Hg, and whole blood Hg concentrations are associated with their local food source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Savoy
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, USA.
| | - Paul Flint
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Denny Zwiefelhofer
- USFWS, Kodiak Island National Wildlife Refuge, 1390 Buskin River Road, Kodiak, AK 99615, USA
| | - Heather Brant
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
| | - Christopher Perkins
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, 3107 Horsebarn Hill Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Robert Taylor
- Trace Element Research Laboratory, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Oksana Lane
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Jeff Hall
- Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory, Utah State University, 5700 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322, USA
| | - David Evers
- Biodiversity Research Institute, 276 Canco Road, Portland, ME 04103, USA
| | - Jason Schamber
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
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Szumiło-Pilarska E, Falkowska L, Grajewska A, Meissner W. Mercury in Feathers and Blood of Gulls from the Southern Baltic Coast, Poland. WATER, AIR, AND SOIL POLLUTION 2017; 228:138. [PMID: 28344366 PMCID: PMC5346437 DOI: 10.1007/s11270-017-3308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Gulls were assessed as sentinels of contamination in the coastal zone of the Southern Baltic, research material being obtained from dead birds collected on Polish beaches and near fishing ports in 2009-2012. In feathers and blood of four gull species: herring gull (Larus argentatus), common gull (Larus canus), black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), and great black-backed gull (Larus marinus), concentration of total mercury (HgT) was assayed, taking into account the type of feathers, sex, and age. Stable isotopes (δ15N, δ13C) were used as tracers of trophic position in the food web. In the study, feathers and blood were compared as non-invasive indicators of alimentary exposure introducing mercury into the system. In order to do that, the correlations between mercury concentrations in the blood, feathers, and the birds' internal tissues were examined. The strongest relations were observed in the liver for each species R2Common Gull = 0.94, p = 0.001; R2Black-headed Gull = 0.89, p = 0.001; R2Great Black-backed Gull = 0.53, p = 0.001; R2Herring Gull = 0.78, p = 0.001. While no correlation was found with feathers, only developing feathers of juvenile herring gulls were found to be a good indicator immediate of exposure through food (R2muscle = 0.71, p = 0.001; R2kidneys = 0.73, p = 0.001; R2heart = 0.89, p = 0.001; R2lungs = 0.86, p = 0.001; R2brain = 0.83, p = 0.001). Additionally, based on studies of herring gull primary feathers, decrease of mercury concentration in the diet of birds over the last two decades is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Szumiło-Pilarska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-387 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Lucyna Falkowska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-387 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Grajewska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-387 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Włodzimierz Meissner
- Avian Ecophysiology Unit, Department of Vertebrate Ecology and Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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44
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Falkowska L, Reindl AR, Grajewska A, Lewandowska AU. Organochlorine contaminants in the muscle, liver and brain of seabirds (Larus) from the coastal area of the Southern Baltic. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2016; 133:63-72. [PMID: 27414257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The presence of persistent organic pollutants in the environment manifests itself most strongly in the marine trophic chain, where the highest link is comprised of seabirds. At the same time, seabirds are excellent indicators of contamination in their habitat. The present study concentrates on toxic substances: polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and chlorinated organic pesticides (OCPs) accumulated in the livers, pectoral muscles and brains of dead gulls collected along the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea in the years 2010-12. The highest toxic equivalence was determined in the livers of Larus argentatus (TEQ(birds TEF)-28.3pgg(-1) ww) and Larus marinus (TEQ(birds TEF)-29.9pgg(-1) ww.). However, the toxic equivalence of muscles was lower and amounted to 3.9pgg(-1) ww. and 7.8pgg(-1) ww. respectively for the two species. The lowest toxic equivalence was found in the brains of birds, where only one, the most toxic, 2,3,7,8 TCDD congener was found (TEQ(birds TEF) 0.87pgg(-1) ww). The highest concentration of chloroorganic pesticides was determined in the brains of the birds (total OCP 167.8pgg(-1) ww.), lower concentrations were found in the livers (total OCP 92.1pgg(-1) ww.) and muscles (total OCP 43.1pgg(-1) ww.). With regard to pesticides, the highest proportion in the total OCP content was constituted by DDT and its isomers (liver 81%, muscles 77% and brain 55%). High concentrations of the studied pollutants in the livers of gulls found dead on the coast of the Southern Baltic could have been effected by levels of contamination in the birds' last meals, which resulted in a seven-fold increase of the liver's toxic equivalence and a two-fold increase in OCP concentration in relation to muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Falkowska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Address: Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-387 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Andrzej R Reindl
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Address: Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-387 Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Grajewska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Address: Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-387 Gdynia, Poland
| | - Anita U Lewandowska
- Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdansk, Address: Al. Pilsudskiego 46, 81-387 Gdynia, Poland
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45
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Montone RC, Taniguchi S, Colabuono FI, Martins CC, Cipro CVZ, Barroso HS, da Silva J, Bícego MC, Weber RR. Persistent organic pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in penguins of the genus Pygoscelis in Admiralty Bay - An Antarctic specially managed area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 106:377-82. [PMID: 26952994 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants were assessed in fat samples of the Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua), Chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) penguins collected during the austral summers of 2005/06 and 2006/07 in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. The predominant organic pollutants were PCB (114 to 1115), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (60.1 to 238.7), HCB (<0.3 to 132.2) and BDE-47 (<1.0 to 10.7) in ng g(-1) wet weight. The mean concentrations of the majority of organic pollutants were similar among the three species of penguins. Chicks of all three species showed similar profiles of PCB congeners, with predominance of lower chlorinated compounds. The distribution of PAHs was similar in all birds, with a predominance of naphthalene and alkyl-naphthalene, which are the main constituents of arctic diesel fuel. These data contribute to the monitoring of the continued exposure to organic pollutants in the Antarctic biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalinda C Montone
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Satie Taniguchi
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda I Colabuono
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - César C Martins
- Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 61, 83255-976 Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Caio Vinícius Z Cipro
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Hileia S Barroso
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Josilene da Silva
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Centro de Estudos do Mar, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 61, 83255-976 Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Márcia C Bícego
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rolf R Weber
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Instituto Oceanográfico, Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, 05508-120 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF KELP GULLS (LARUS DOMINICANUS) CAPTURED IN THE CITY OF TALCAHUANO, CHILE. J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:447-55. [PMID: 26352947 DOI: 10.1638/2012-0080.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to provide tools for future health-based monitoring programs, we developed reference intervals for hematology and plasma biochemistry and partitioned data for sex and season (winter and autumn). Ninety-one physically healthy kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) were sampled in the city of Talcahuano, Chile, during winter (July-September) of 2007, autumn (April-June) and winter of 2008, and autumn of 2009. After blood sampling, the kelp gulls were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, total plasma protein (TPP), and complete blood count were performed. Alanine amino transferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid were analyzed. No significant differences were found between sexes (P>0.05). When a comparison was made between the two seasons, the values of PCV, TPP, white blood cell, heterophils, eosinophils, and monocytes were significantly higher in winter than in autumn (P<0.05) while and urea and uric acid concentrations were higher in autumn. Heterophils were the predominant circulating leukocyte for all birds. There was no significant difference in body condition between autumn and winter nor between sexes. Body condition showed a significant relationship with TPP and basophil concentration and ALP activity.
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Mallory ML, Little CM, Boyd ES, Ballard J, Elliott KH, Gilchrist HG, Hipfner JM, Petersen A, Shutler D. Leucocyte profiles of Arctic marine birds: correlates of migration and breeding phenology. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 3:cov028. [PMID: 27293713 PMCID: PMC4778485 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cov028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Most Arctic marine birds are migratory, wintering south of the limit of annual pack ice and returning north each year for the physiologically stressful breeding season. The Arctic environment is changing rapidly due to global warming and anthropogenic activities, which may influence the timing of breeding in relation to arrival times following migration, as well as providing additional stressors (e.g. disturbance from ships) to which birds may respond. During stressful parts of their annual cycle, such as breeding, birds may reallocate resources so that they have increased heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in their white blood cell (leucocyte) profiles. We analysed leucocyte profiles of nine species of marine birds to establish reference ranges for these species in advance of future Arctic change. Leucocyte profiles tended to cluster among taxonomic groups across studies, suggesting that reference values for a particular group can be established, and within species there was evidence that birds from colonies that had to migrate farther had higher heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios during incubation than those that did not have to travel as far, particularly for species with high wing loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark L. Mallory
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
| | | | - Ellen S. Boyd
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
| | - Jennifer Ballard
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, 589 DW Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30680, USA
| | - Kyle H. Elliott
- Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, QC, Canada H9Z 3V9
| | - H. Grant Gilchrist
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, National Wildlife Research Centre, Carleton University, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - J. Mark Hipfner
- Wildlife Research Division, Environment Canada, 5421 Robertson Road, Delta, BC, Canada V4K 3N2
| | | | - Dave Shutler
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada B4P 2R6
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Kim J, Oh JM. Trace element contamination in nestling black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) in Korea. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 24:770-778. [PMID: 25763522 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-015-1422-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
At Hongdo Island, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea, a breeding site of black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris), we collected nestlings from two locations: a "reference" site (n = 10) with no known source of lead contamination and "lighthouse" site (n = 10) with suspected lead contamination from leaded paint. Iron concentrations in the kidney and bone, manganese in the muscle, copper in the bone, lead in the muscle and bone, and cadmium in the liver, muscle, and bone at the reference site were significantly higher than at the lighthouse. Manganese concentrations in the liver and kidney, and lead in the kidney were significantly greater at the lighthouse than at the reference site. Iron, zinc, manganese, copper, lead and cadmium concentrations had tissue-specific accumulation at both sites. Lead concentrations in 10 % of livers and in 80 % of kidneys at the lighthouse, and in 20 % of livers from the reference were within a range considered toxic (>6.00 μg/g dw in the liver and kidney). Lead concentrations in 50 % of black-tailed gull nestlings at the reference and 80 % nestlings at the lighthouse were greater in livers than in bones, which is suggestive of acute lead exposure. For cadmium, all liver and kidney concentrations from two sites were at a level considered background in birds. Cadmium concentrations of every sample were higher in kidneys than in livers, suggestive of chronic cadmium exposure. Lead concentrations in gull nestlings in the present study were relatively higher than other gull species worldwide, but cadmium concentrations were relatively lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungsoo Kim
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, 446-701, Republic of Korea,
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Bouwman H, Govender D, Underhill L, Polder A. Chlorinated, brominated and fluorinated organic pollutants in African Penguin eggs: 30 years since the previous assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 126:1-10. [PMID: 25613517 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The African Penguin population has drastically declined over the last 100 years. Changes in food availability due to over-fishing and other oceanographic changes seem to be major causes. However, it has also been 30 years since organic pollutants as a potential factor have been assessed. We analysed penguin eggs collected in 2011 and 2012 from two breeding colonies 640 km apart: Robben Island near Cape Town on the Atlantic Ocean coast, and Bird Island near Port Elizabeth on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. We quantified organochlorine pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Compared to 30 years ago, concentrations of ΣDDT have remained about the same or slightly lower, while ΣPCBs declined almost four-fold. The use of DDT in malaria control is unlikely to have contributed. PFCs were detected in all eggs. Indications (non-significant) of eggshell thinning associated with ΣDDT and ΣPCB was found. It seems therefore that the concentrations of measured organic pollutants the African Penguin eggs are not contributing directly to its current demise, but concerns remain about thinner shells and desiccation. Effects of combinations of compounds and newer compounds cannot be excluded, as well as more subtle effects on reproduction, development, and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Danny Govender
- Scientific Services, SANParks, Skukuza, South Africa; Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Les Underhill
- Animal Demography Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
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50
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Trathan PN, García-Borboroglu P, Boersma D, Bost CA, Crawford RJM, Crossin GT, Cuthbert RJ, Dann P, Davis LS, De La Puente S, Ellenberg U, Lynch HJ, Mattern T, Pütz K, Seddon PJ, Trivelpiece W, Wienecke B. Pollution, habitat loss, fishing, and climate change as critical threats to penguins. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2015; 29:31-41. [PMID: 25102756 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cumulative human impacts across the world's oceans are considerable. We therefore examined a single model taxonomic group, the penguins (Spheniscidae), to explore how marine species and communities might be at risk of decline or extinction in the southern hemisphere. We sought to determine the most important threats to penguins and to suggest means to mitigate these threats. Our review has relevance to other taxonomic groups in the southern hemisphere and in northern latitudes, where human impacts are greater. Our review was based on an expert assessment and literature review of all 18 penguin species; 49 scientists contributed to the process. For each penguin species, we considered their range and distribution, population trends, and main anthropogenic threats over the past approximately 250 years. These threats were harvesting adults for oil, skin, and feathers and as bait for crab and rock lobster fisheries; harvesting of eggs; terrestrial habitat degradation; marine pollution; fisheries bycatch and resource competition; environmental variability and climate change; and toxic algal poisoning and disease. Habitat loss, pollution, and fishing, all factors humans can readily mitigate, remain the primary threats for penguin species. Their future resilience to further climate change impacts will almost certainly depend on addressing current threats to existing habitat degradation on land and at sea. We suggest protection of breeding habitat, linked to the designation of appropriately scaled marine reserves, including in the High Seas, will be critical for the future conservation of penguins. However, large-scale conservation zones are not always practical or politically feasible and other ecosystem-based management methods that include spatial zoning, bycatch mitigation, and robust harvest control must be developed to maintain marine biodiversity and ensure that ecosystem functioning is maintained across a variety of scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil N Trathan
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom.
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