1
|
Jones EM, Koch AJ, Pay JM, Jones ME, Hamede RK, Hampton JO. Lead exposure and source attribution for a mammalian scavenger before and after a culling program. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 940:173686. [PMID: 38830425 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173686] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Lead-based ammunition is a significant source of environmental lead and threatens species that scavenge lead-shot carcasses, particularly in areas with intensive shooting. With the impacts of lead on avian scavengers well established, there is increasing focus on the effects of lead on mammalian scavengers. We investigated lead exposure in a morphologically specialized mammalian scavenger, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), by analyzing their blood lead levels (BLLs) before and after a marsupial culling program using linear mixed effects models. We compared lead isotope signatures in devil blood to those in the culling ammunition to inform potential source attributions. We sampled 23 devils before culling and 15 after culling, finding no significant difference in mean BLLs pre and post-culling. However, devils captured closer to forestry coupes where culling had occurred had higher BLLs, and a greater proportion of devils displayed elevated BLLs post-culling (33 % compared to 18 % pre-culling). The highest BLL (7.93 μg/dL) was found in a devil post-culling and this individual had lead isotope signatures that matched the ammunition samples analyzed, suggesting the individual was exposed to lead from scavenging on culled carcasses. While 18 % of the devil blood lead samples had isotope signatures consistent with the ammunition samples, most were measurably different, indicating other sources of lead in the landscape. BLLs in our study landscape were similar to published BLLs for wild devils across Tasmania. That said, lead isotope signatures in the blood of individual devils sampled both before and after culling shifted closer to those of ammunition samples post-culling. Our results indicate that while some individual devils may have been exposed to lead from culling, most devils in the landscape did not show evidence of recent exposure. However, even low lead levels can adversely impact wildlife health and immunity, a particular concern for devils, a species endangered by disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evie M Jones
- School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia.
| | - Amelia J Koch
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia; Forest Practices Authority, 30 Patrick St, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Rodrigo K Hamede
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia
| | - Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McKechnie AE, Freeman MT, Kemp R, Wolter K, Naidoo V. Effects of lead on avian thermoregulation in the heat: An experimental test with pied crows (Corvus albus). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 110:104519. [PMID: 39059727 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Many of the negative physiological effects of lead involve the hypothalamus, but the possibility that thermoregulation is affected has received little attention. We tested the hypothesis that lead exposure reduces avian thermoregulatory performance under hot conditions in pied crows (Corvus albus) experimentally exposed to lead in their diet. Crows in our high lead treatment (blood [Pb] = 87.3 ± 44.7 μg dL-1) showed significantly higher air temperature (Tair) inflections for evaporative water loss (EWL) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) compared to control (6.4 ± 1.8 μg dL-1) or intermediate (53.9 ± 23.7 μg dL-1) lead groups, which did not differ. EWL, RMR and body temperature (Tb) all increased more rapidly at Tair > Tb in the high lead treatment. In contrast, neither maximum Tair tolerated by the crows nor maximum Tb varied with treatment. Our data reveal that water and energy balance during hot weather is affected by lead exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E McKechnie
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Marc T Freeman
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ryno Kemp
- Vulture Programme (VulPro), Plot 121, Rietfontein 0216, South Africa
| | - Kerri Wolter
- Vulture Programme (VulPro), Plot 121, Rietfontein 0216, South Africa
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gangoso L, Mateo R, Santamaría-Cervantes C, García-Alfonso M, Gimeno-Castellano C, Arrondo E, Serrano D, van Overveld T, de la Riva M, Cabrera MA, Donázar JA. Blood lead levels in an endangered vulture decline following changes in hunting activity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118712. [PMID: 38548255 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118712] [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: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Lead ammunition stands out as one of the most pervasive pollutants affecting wildlife. Its impact on bird populations have spurred efforts for the phase-out of leaded gunshot in several countries, although with varying scopes and applications. Ongoing and future policy changes require data to assess the effectiveness of adopted measures, particularly in the current context of biodiversity loss. Here, we assessed the long-term changes in blood lead (Pb) levels of Egyptian vultures from the Canary Islands, Spain, which have been severely affected by Pb poisoning over the past two decades. During this period, the reduction in hunting pressure and changes in legislation regarding firearms usage for small game hunting likely contributed to a decrease in environmental Pb availability. As anticipated, our results show a reduction in Pb levels, especially after the ban on wild rabbit hunting with shotgun since 2010. This effect was stronger in the preadult fraction of the vulture population. However, we still observed elevated blood Pb levels above the background and clinical thresholds in 5.6% and 1.5% of individuals, respectively. Our results highlight the positive impact of reducing the availability of Pb from ammunition sources on individual health. Nonetheless, the continued use of Pb gunshot remains an important source of poisoning, even lethal, mainly affecting adult individuals. This poses a particular concern for long-lived birds, compounding by potential chronic effects associated with Pb bioaccumulation. Our findings align with recent studies indicating insufficient reductions in Pb levels among European birds of prey, attributed to limited policy changes and their uneven implementation. We anticipated further reductions in Pb levels among Egyptian vultures with expanded restrictions on hunting practices, including a blanket ban on Pb shot usage across all small game species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Gangoso
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, C/ José Antonio Novais 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - R Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - C Santamaría-Cervantes
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos-IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - M García-Alfonso
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - C Gimeno-Castellano
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - E Arrondo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain; Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Avenida Fuente Nueva s/n, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - D Serrano
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - T van Overveld
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M de la Riva
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - M A Cabrera
- Dirección general de Espacios Naturales y Biodiversidad. Consejería de Transición Ecológica y Energía, Gobierno de Canarias, C/ Prof. Agustín Millares Carló, 18, 35071, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - J A Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Katzner TE, Pain DJ, McTee M, Brown L, Cuadros S, Pokras M, Slabe VA, Watson RT, Wiemeyer G, Bedrosian B, Hampton JO, Parish CN, Pay JM, Saito K, Schulz JH. Lead poisoning of raptors: state of the science and cross-discipline mitigation options for a global problem. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024. [PMID: 38693847 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning is an important global conservation problem for many species of wildlife, especially raptors. Despite the increasing number of individual studies and regional reviews of lead poisoning of raptors, it has been over a decade since this information has been compiled into a comprehensive global review. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge of lead poisoning of raptors, we review developments in manufacturing of non-lead ammunition, the use of which can reduce the most pervasive source of lead these birds encounter, and we compile data on voluntary and regulatory mitigation options and their associated sociological context. We support our literature review with case studies of mitigation actions, largely provided by the conservation practitioners who study or manage these efforts. Our review illustrates the growing awareness and understanding of lead exposure of raptors, and it shows that the science underpinning this understanding has expanded considerably in recent years. We also show that the political and social appetite for managing lead ammunition appears to vary substantially across administrative regions, countries, and continents. Improved understanding of the drivers of this variation could support more effective mitigation of lead exposure of wildlife. This review also shows that mitigation strategies are likely to be most effective when they are outcome driven, consider behavioural theory, local cultures, and environmental conditions, effectively monitor participation, compliance, and levels of raptor exposure, and support both environmental and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Todd E Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 230 North Collins Road, Boise, ID, 83702, USA
| | - Deborah J Pain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Zoology Department, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Michael McTee
- MPG Ranch, 19400 Lower Woodchuck Road, Florence, MT, 59833, USA
| | - Leland Brown
- Oregon Zoo, North American Non-lead Partnership, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, USA
| | - Sandra Cuadros
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 410 Summer Valley Rd, Orwigsburg, PA, 17961, USA
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Mark Pokras
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Vincent A Slabe
- Conservation Science Global, Bozeman, MT, USA
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Richard T Watson
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- CONICET- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Calle 5 esq. 116 MO L6360, Gral. Pico, La Pampa, Argentina
| | | | - Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | | | - James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia
| | - Keisuke Saito
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan 2-2101 Hokuto, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | - John H Schulz
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 1111 Rollins St, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van den Heever L, Naidoo V, Coetzer T, Eyssen L, Hewlett J, Smit-Robinson HA, McKechnie AE. Sub-lethal impacts of lead poisoning on blood biochemistry, immune function and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity in Cape (Gyps coprotheres) and white-backed (G. africanus) Vulture chicks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:117926. [PMID: 38104912 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117926] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Although the prevalence of lead poisoning in southern Africa's Gyps vultures is now well-established, its finer physiological effects on these endangered species remain poorly characterised. We evaluated the sub-lethal impact of acute lead exposure on Cape and White-backed Vulture chicks from two breeding colonies in South Africa, by analysing its possible effects on key blood biochemistry parameters, immune function, packed cell volume and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity. All 37 White-backed Vulture nestlings sampled displayed elevated lead levels (>10 μg/dL), and seven had blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Eight of 28 Cape Vulture nestlings sampled had blood [Pb] exceeding background exposure, with one showing blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly and negatively related to blood [Pb] in nestlings from both species, with 50% inhibition of the enzyme predicted to occur at blood [Pb] = 52.8 μg/dL (White-backed Vulture) and 18.8 μg/dL (Cape Vulture). Although no significant relationship was found between % packed cell volume (PCV) and blood [Pb], the relatively lower mean PCV of 32.9% in White-backed Vulture chicks, combined with normal serum protein values, is likely indicative of depression or haemolytic anaemia. The leukogram was consistent in both species, although the presence of immature heterophils suggested an inflammatory response in White-backed Vulture chicks with blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Values for cholesterol, triglycerides, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were consistent with values previously reported. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations suggested no adverse effects on bone metabolism. A significant decrease in urea: uric acid (U:UA) ratio at blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL in White-backed Vulture chicks, brought about by a decrease in urea production, raises the possibility of hepatic abnormality. These results suggest that δ-ALAD activity may serve as a sensitive biomarker of lead toxicity in both species, while highlighting the need to better understand the significant variability in sensitivity that is observed, even between closely related members of the same genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda van den Heever
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Theresa Coetzer
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Lauren Eyssen
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Jennie Hewlett
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hanneline A Smit-Robinson
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit (ABEERU), UNISA, Florida, South Africa
| | - Andrew E McKechnie
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nyirenda VR, Nkhata BA, Phiri D, Nyirenda W, Phiri DN, Malasa M, Becker MS, Tembo EM, Nyirenda MA, Simpamba T, Mwitwa J, Chomba C. Vulture poisoning in Sub-Saharan Africa and its implications for conservation planning: A systematic review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25126. [PMID: 38333820 PMCID: PMC10850522 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The Old World Vultures (OWV), constituting 16 species primarily in Africa, Europe and Asia, are currently being driven to extinction mostly by anthropogenic activities, especially poisoning. The vulture losses from poisoning caused by human-related activities are en masse at a single mortality event-level and occur in complex social-ecological systems. There has been a growing body of knowledge on wildlife poisoning over the years. However, no review has been done to consolidate vulture poisoning studies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with a social lens of conservation planning. Here we present a review of the vulture poisoning research by re-contextualizing the problem of vulture poisoning across SSA. We employed stepwise Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method to search for literature on vulture poisoning. The search yielded 211 studies which were trimmed to 55 after applying sets of eligibility criteria. Literature shows that efforts aimed at successful vulture conservation planning will require an understanding of the relational aspects of stakeholder social capital (assets) that are critical to the implementation of species recovery strategies. Strengthening relational social capital through multi-scale stakeholder evidence-based awareness creation and participation is necessary for addressing the African Vulture Crisis (AVC). Applying stakeholder social capital approaches to different vulture conservation scenarios at local, regional and international scales can enhance successful implementation of conservation strategies for the persistence of vultures in complex socio-ecological systems in African landscapes. Existing literature also showed the importance of stakeholder social capital as a countermeasure against vulture losses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Raphael Nyirenda
- Department of Zoology and Aquatic Sciences, School of Natural Resources, The Copperbelt University, Jambo Drive, Riverside, P.O. Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Bimo Abraham Nkhata
- University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Darius Phiri
- Plant and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Resources, The Copperbelt University, Jambo Drive, Riverside, P.O. Box 21692, Kitwe, Zambia
| | - Wilfred Nyirenda
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, The Copperbelt University, P.O. Box 21692, Ndola, Zambia
| | | | - Mary Malasa
- BirdWatch Zambia, 25 Joseph Mwilwa Road, Rhodes Park, P.O. Box 33944, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Enala Mwase Tembo
- Department of Paraclinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Moses Amos Nyirenda
- Worldwide Fund for Nature Conservation, Los Angeles Boulevard, P.O. Box 50551 RW, Long acres, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Jacob Mwitwa
- Kapasa Makasa University, P.O. Box 480195, Chinsali, Zambia
| | - Chansa Chomba
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mulungushi University, P.O. Box 80415, Kabwe, Zambia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jaito W, Sonongbua J, Panthum T, Wattanadilokcahtkun P, Ariyaraphong N, Thong T, Singchat W, Ahmad SF, Kraichak E, Muangmai N, Han K, Antunes A, Sitdhibutr R, Koga A, Duengkae P, Kasorndorkbua C, Srikulnath K. Disclosing the hidden nucleotide sequences: a journey into DNA barcoding of raptor species in public repositories. Genes Genomics 2024; 46:95-112. [PMID: 37985545 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01462-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In nucleotide public repositories, studies discovered data errors which resulted in incorrect species identification of several accipitrid raptors considered for conservation. Mislabeling, particularly in cases of cryptic species complexes and closely related species, which were identified based on morphological characteristics, was discovered. Prioritizing accurate species labeling, morphological taxonomy, and voucher documentation is crucial to rectify spurious data. OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to identify an effective DNA barcoding tool that accurately reflects the efficiency status of barcodes in raptor species (Accipitridae). METHODS Barcode sequences, including 889 sequences from the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene and 1052 sequences from cytochrome b (Cytb), from 150 raptor species within the Accipitridae family were analyzed. RESULTS The highest percentage of intraspecific nearest neighbors from the nearest neighbor test was 88.05% for COI and 95.00% for Cytb, suggesting that the Cytb gene is a more suitable marker for accurately identifying raptor species and can serve as a standard region for DNA barcoding. In both datasets, a positive barcoding gap representing the difference between inter-and intra-specific sequence divergences was observed. For COI and Cytb, the cut-off score sequence divergences for species identification were 4.00% and 3.00%, respectively. CONCLUSION Greater accuracy was demonstrated for the Cytb gene, making it the preferred primary DNA barcoding marker for raptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wattanawan Jaito
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Jumaporn Sonongbua
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, Nong Kom Ko, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai, 43000, Thailand
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thitipong Panthum
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Pish Wattanadilokcahtkun
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Nattakan Ariyaraphong
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Thanyapat Thong
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Worapong Singchat
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Syed Farhan Ahmad
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Ekaphan Kraichak
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Narongrit Muangmai
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Department of Fishery Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Kyudong Han
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea
- Bio-Medical Engineering Core Facility Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Korea
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450-208, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ratiwan Sitdhibutr
- Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
| | - Akihiko Koga
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Prateep Duengkae
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua
- Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Kasetsart University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
| | - Kornsorn Srikulnath
- Animal Genomics and Bioresource Research Unit (AGB Research Unit), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Sciences for Industry, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Bioscience, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Special Research Unit for Wildlife Genomics (SRUWG), Department of Forest Biology, Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics and Comparative Genomics (ACCG), Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngamwongwan, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anglister N, Gonen-Shalom S, Shlanger P, Blotnick-Rubin E, Rosenzweig A, Horowitz I, Hatzofe O, King R, Anglister L, Spiegel O. Plasma cholinesterase activity: A benchmark for rapid detection of pesticide poisoning in an avian scavenger. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162903. [PMID: 36934922 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Poisoning due to exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides is a common threat for many wildlife species, especially for scavengers such as vultures. The Griffon vulture population (Gyps fulvus), for instance, is deteriorating in the Eastern Mediterranean, and is considered to be critically endangered in Israel, where 48 out of 107 (45 %) known injury/mortality cases in 2010-2021 were caused by poisoning. Lack of specific clinical indications, together with levels of organophosphate or carbamate pesticides too low to detect, challenge the ability to diagnose and treat such poisoning events. The activity of cholinesterase (ChE) in plasma has the potential to serve as an effective biomarker for monitoring exposure to anticholinesterase pesticides in live vultures. Yet, the applicability of this approach has been limited by intra- and inter-species variations in ChE basal levels. The present study aims to provide a benchmark for ChE activity levels in healthy Griffons and their intra-species variation. Blood samples from free-roaming (n = 231) and captive (n = 63) Griffons were collected during routine monitoring, and ChE levels were determined using a colorimetric method. We established that the ChE in the plasma of Griffons reflects mostly acetylcholinesterase as the dominant form. ChE levels in healthy Griffons are 0.601 ± 0.011 U/ml (mean ± SE), while Griffons with suspected or confirmed pesticide poisoning display much lower levels of ChE activity (typically <0.3 U/ml). We also characterized the age dependence of ChE activity, as well as differences among groups from different locations or origins. Our study provides a rapid diagnostic tool for the detection of exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides that should facilitate the lifesaving treatment and the conservation of this species. Moreover, our protocols can be adapted to other species and geographical areas, addressing pesticide poisoning worldwide and contributing to the protection of endangered species and their ecological functions (e.g. sanitation by scavengers).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nili Anglister
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel.
| | - Shira Gonen-Shalom
- Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel; Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Peleg Shlanger
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Edna Blotnick-Rubin
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Medical School, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Ariela Rosenzweig
- Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel
| | - Igal Horowitz
- Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel
| | - Ohad Hatzofe
- Science Division, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo St., Jerusalem 9546303, Israel.
| | - Roni King
- Science Division, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo St., Jerusalem 9546303, Israel.
| | - Lili Anglister
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Medical School, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
| | - Orr Spiegel
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hampton JO, Cobb ML, Toop SD, Flesch JS, Hyndman TH. Elevated lead exposure in Australian hunting dogs during a deer hunting season. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 323:121317. [PMID: 36828357 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There is growing recognition of the threat posed by toxic lead-based ammunition. One group of domestic animals known to be susceptible to harmful lead exposure via this route is hunting dogs. Scent-trailing dogs ('hounds') are used to hunt introduced sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) during a prescribed eight-month (April-November) annual hunting season, during which they are fed fresh venison, in Victoria, south-eastern Australia. We used this annual season as a natural experiment to undertake longitudinal sampling of dogs for lead exposure. Blood was collected from 27 dogs owned by four different deer hunters and comprising three different breeds just prior to the start of the hound hunting season (March 2022) and in the middle of the season (August 2022), and blood lead levels (BLLs) (μg/dL) were determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using Tobit regression, the expected BLLs across all dogs were significantly lower before the season (0.50 μg/dL, standard error [SE] = 0.32 μg/dL) than during the season (1.39 μg/dL, SE = 0.35 μg/dL) (p = 0.01). However, when the breed of dog was included in the analyses, this effect was only significant in beagles (P < 0.001), not bloodhounds (p = 0.73) or harriers (p = 0.43). For 32% of the dogs before the season, and 56% during the season, BLLs exceeded the established threshold concentration for developmental neurotoxicity in humans (1.2 μg/dL). Time since most recent venison feeding, sex of dog and owner were not associated with BLLs. The finding that BLLs more than doubled during the hunting season indicates that lead exposure is a risk in this context. These results expand the sphere of impact from environmental lead in Australia from wild animals and humans, to include some groups of domestic animals, a textbook example of a One Health issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Mia L Cobb
- Animal Welfare Science Centre, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Simon D Toop
- Game Management Authority, Level 2, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Jason S Flesch
- Game Management Authority, Level 2, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
| | - Timothy H Hyndman
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia; School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sonne C, Lam SS, Kanstrup N. The environmental threats from lead ammunition. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH 2023; 2:16-17. [PMID: 38074451 PMCID: PMC10702884 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
Image 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sonne
- Aarhus University, Faculty of Technological Sciences, Department of Ecoscience, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Sustainability Cluster, School of Engineering, University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248007, India
| | - Su Shiung Lam
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
- University Centre for Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, C.F. Møllers Allé 8, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
van den Heever L, Elburg MA, Iaccheri L, Naidoo V, Ueckermann H, Bybee G, Smit-Robinson HA, Whitecross MA, McKechnie AE. Identifying the origin of lead poisoning in white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) chicks at an important South African breeding colony: a stable lead isotope approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:15059-15069. [PMID: 36166116 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Elevated lead levels in scavenging raptors can originate from a variety of environmental and anthropogenic sources, including soil, water, mining activities and legacy lead from leaded fuel, but has mostly been attributed to fragments of lead-based ammunition embedded in the tissues of carcasses. To identify the origins of lead in the tissues of white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) chicks at Dronfield Nature Reserve, South Africa, we used MC-ICP-MS to compare the isotopic composition of lead in blood samples to those of soil in the chicks' immediate environment, different mining activities in South Africa and lead ammunition commonly used in hunting and game management practices. The isotopic ratios in vulture blood samples ranged widely (207Pb/206Pb: 0.827-0.911), but fell within those measured for ammunition (0.761-0.938). Dronfield water can be excluded as a significant source, as the lead concentration for water was below detection limits. Uranium, coal, atmospheric Pb, legacy Pb from fuel and Pb mining can also be excluded as significant sources, based on the limited overlap with Pb isotopic ratios measured in vulture blood. Whereas 55% of chicks we sampled displayed isotopic ratios consistent with Dronfield soil, the low local Pb concentration and the low extractable Pb levels in South African soil in general, imply that soil Pb is unlikely the major source of Pb in WBV chicks, especially in birds with elevated blood Pb levels, i.e. > 20 µg/dL. Our results, when considered in the context of vulture feeding ecology and low Pb levels in non-scavenging birds in South Africa, imply the major source of elevated Pb levels in WBV chicks to be fragments of lead-based ammunition embedded in the carrion fed to them by their parents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda van den Heever
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Marlina A Elburg
- Department of Geology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Linda Iaccheri
- Wits Isotope Geosciences Laboratory, School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Grant Bybee
- School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hanneline A Smit-Robinson
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit (ABEERU), UNISA, Florida, South Africa
| | - Melissa A Whitecross
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Andrew E McKechnie
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Johnson TF, Murn C. Testing the importance of individual nest‐site selection for a social and group‐living vulture. Afr J Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Campbell Murn
- Hawk Conservancy Trust Andover UK
- School of Biological Sciences University of Reading Reading UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Krüger SC, Botha A, Bowerman W, Coverdale B, Gore ML, van den Heever L, Shaffer LJ, Smit-Robinson H, Thompson LJ, Ottinger MA. Old World Vultures Reflect Effects of Environmental Pollutants Through Human Encroachment. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2022; 41:1586-1603. [PMID: 35673892 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
African wildlife face challenges from many stressors including current and emerging contaminants, habitat and resource loss, poaching, intentional and unintentional poisoning, and climate-related environmental change. The plight of African vultures exemplifies these challenges due to environmental contaminants and other stressors acting on individuals and populations that are already threatened or endangered. Many of these threats emanate from increasing human population size and settlement density, habitat loss from changing land use for agriculture, residential areas, and industry, and climate-related changes in resource availability. Environmental chemicals that are hazardous include legacy chemicals, emerging chemicals of concern, and high-volume-use chemicals that are employed as weed killers and in other agricultural applications. Furthermore, there are differences in risk for species living in close proximity to humans or in areas affected by habitat loss, climate, and industry. Monitoring programs are essential to track the status of nesting pairs, offspring survival, longevity, and lifetime productivity. This is important for long-lived birds, such as vultures, that may be especially vulnerable to chronic exposure to chemicals as obligate scavengers. Furthermore, their position in the food web may increase risk due to biomagnification of chemicals. We review the primary chemical hazards to Old World vultures and the interacting stressors affecting these and other birds. Habitat is a major consideration for vultures, with tree-nesters and cliff-nesters potentially experiencing different risks of exposure to environmental chemicals. The present review provides information from long-term monitoring programs and discusses a range of these threats and their effects on vulture populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1586-1603. © 2022 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja C Krüger
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Scientific Services, Cascades, South Africa
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
| | - Andre Botha
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, South Africa
| | - William Bowerman
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Brent Coverdale
- Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Scientific Services, Cascades, South Africa
| | - Meredith L Gore
- Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | | | - L Jen Shaffer
- Department of Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanneline Smit-Robinson
- BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit, University of South Africa, Florida, South Africa
| | - Lindy J Thompson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville, South Africa
- Endangered Wildlife Trust, Midrand, South Africa
| | - Mary Ann Ottinger
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kumar S, Sohil A, Kichloo MA, Sharma N. Landscape heterogeneity affects diurnal raptor communities in a sub-tropical region of northwestern Himalayas, India. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0246555. [PMID: 35482717 PMCID: PMC9049523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Raptors are highly sensitive to environmental and human-induced changes. In addition, several species of raptors exist in considerably small numbers. It is thus critical to conserve raptors and their habitats across relatively larger landscapes. We examined the diurnal raptor assemblages and seasonality in a subtropical habitat in India’s northwestern Himalayas. Quantitative data on diurnal birds of prey and their habitat features across six distinct habitat types were collected from 33 sample sites. We observed 3,434 individuals of 28 diurnal raptors belonging to two orders and three families during a two-year survey from December 2016 to November 2018. A significant variation in bird species richness and abundance was found across habitats and seasons, with farmlands and winters being the most diverse and speciose. The generalized linear model, used to determine raptor community responses, indicated that elevation and proximity to dumping sites significantly affected the raptor abundance. The non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed significant differences in raptor assemblages across the habitat types. The study concluded that raptors’ persistence is largely determined by their preference for favourable feeding, roosting, and nesting opportunities. The presence of protected and habitat-exclusive species validates the high conservation importance of these ecosystems, particularly the forest patches and farmlands, necessitating robust conservation and management measures in this part of northwestern Himalaya.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudesh Kumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Govt. MAM College, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Asha Sohil
- P.G. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Muzaffar A. Kichloo
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Govt. Degree College, Banihal, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Neeraj Sharma
- Institute of Mountain Environment, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jalihal S, Rana S, Sharma S. Systematic mapping on the importance of vultures in the Indian public health discourse. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY (SINGAPORE) 2022; 5:135-143. [PMID: 37521585 PMCID: PMC9004616 DOI: 10.1007/s42398-022-00224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Vultures are of immense ecological significance to forest and urban ecosystems. These birds play a major role in curbing environmental contamination through scavenging on carcasses. Prevention of spread of diseases is pivotal for public health and is an inexorable economic burden for any country. We present the crucial role vultures can play in disease mitigation and public health by regulating or decreasing the spread of zoonotic diseases. We elaborate examples from three zoonotic diseases; rabies, brucellosis and tuberculosis, which spread among dogs and cattle as well as human population. We establish the viable links in the transmission of these diseases from the infected dead and alive animals to humans and their possible exacerbation in the absence of vultures. These indirect links help formulate the case for increased interventions for disease spread and control along with conservation of these scavengers. Their role as natural and effective cleaners of the environment in the Indian health discourse is of importance because they can reduce the expenses of the government in waste management and maintenance of public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Smriti Jalihal
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shweta Rana
- Department of Physical and Natural Sciences, FLAME University, Pune, 412115 India
| | - Shailja Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jodhpur, Jodhpur, 342005 India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Harl J, Himmel T, Valkiūnas G, Ilgūnas M, Nedorost N, Matt J, Kübber-Heiss A, Alic A, Konicek C, Weissenböck H. Avian haemosporidian parasites of accipitriform raptors. Malar J 2022; 21:14. [PMID: 34986864 PMCID: PMC8729155 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-04019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The order Accipitriformes comprises the largest group of birds of prey with 260 species in four families. So far, 21 haemosporidian parasite species have been described from or reported to occur in accipitriform birds. Only five of these parasite species have been characterized molecular genetically. The first part of this study involved molecular genetic screening of accipitriform raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina and the first chromogenic in situ hybridization approach targeting parasites in this host group. The aim of the second part of this study was to summarize the CytB sequence data of haemosporidian parasites from accipitriform raptors and to visualize the geographic and host distribution of the lineages. Methods Blood and tissue samples of 183 accipitriform raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR, and tissue samples of 23 PCR-positive birds were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization using genus-specific probes targeting the parasites’ 18S rRNAs. All published CytB sequence data from accipitriform raptors were analysed, phylogenetic trees were calculated, and DNA haplotype network analyses were performed with sequences from clades featuring multiple lineages detected in this host group. Results Of the 183 raptors from Austria and Bosnia-Herzegovina screened by PCR and sequencing, 80 individuals (44%) were infected with haemosporidian parasites. Among the 39 CytB lineages detected, 18 were found for the first time in the present study. The chromogenic in situ hybridization revealed exo-erythrocytic tissue stages of Leucocytozoon parasites belonging to the Leucocytozoon toddi species group in the kidneys of 14 infected birds. The total number of CytB lineages recorded in accipitriform birds worldwide was 57 for Leucocytozoon, 25 for Plasmodium, and 21 for Haemoproteus. Conclusion The analysis of the DNA haplotype networks allowed identifying numerous distinct groups of lineages, which have not yet been linked to morphospecies, and many of them likely belong to yet undescribed parasite species. Tissue stages of Leucocytozoon parasites developing in accipitriform raptors were discovered and described. The majority of Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus lineages are specific to this host group, but most Plasmodium lineages were found in birds of other orders. This might indicate local transmission from birds kept at the same facilities (raptor rescue centres and zoos), likely resulting in abortive infections. To clarify the taxonomic and systematic problems, combined morphological and molecular genetic analyses on a wider range of accipitriform host species are needed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-04019-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Harl
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tanja Himmel
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, 08412, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Nora Nedorost
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Matt
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Kübber-Heiss
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Integrative Biology and Evolution, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraße 1, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amer Alic
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Cornelia Konicek
- Service for Birds and Reptiles, Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Weissenböck
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Thompson LJ, Krüger SC, Coverdale BM, Shaffer LJ, Ottinger MA, Davies JP, Daboné C, Kibuule M, Cherkaoui SI, Garbett RA, Phipps WL, Buechley ER, Godino Ruiz A, Lecoq M, Carneiro C, Harrell RM, Gore ML, Bowerman WW. Assessing African Vultures as Biomonitors and Umbrella Species. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.729025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
African vulture populations are rapidly declining, yet funding and other resources available for their conservation are limited. Improving our understanding of which African vulture species could best serve as an umbrella species for the entire suite of African vultures could help conservationists save time, money, and resources by focusing their efforts on a single vulture species. Furthermore, improving our understanding of the suitability of African vultures as biomonitors for detecting environmental toxins could help conservation authorities to detect changes in ecosystem health. We used a systematic approach based on criteria selected a priori to objectively evaluate the potential of each of the 10 resident African vulture species as (i) an umbrella species for all of the African vulture species, and (ii) an avian biomonitor. For each criterion, we scored the respective African vulture species and summed the scores to determine which species was best suited as an umbrella species and as an avian biomonitor. Our results showed that, overall, certain aspects of vulture ecology (large population sizes, large body sizes, long lifespans, and their ability to be monitored over numerous seasons) support their suitability as biomonitors, while other ecological traits, including their diets and the public's perceptions of vultures, could diminish their suitability. The White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) was the best fit of the 10 vulture species in our assessment as both an avian biomonitor and an umbrella species for all African vulture species. Meanwhile, significant knowledge gaps for other species inhibit their utility as biomonitors. Due to their large home-range sizes, African vultures may only be useful as biomonitors at a regional scale. However, there could be value in using the White-backed Vulture as an umbrella species, as an aid to conserve the entire suite of African vulture species.
Collapse
|
18
|
Helander B, Krone O, Räikkönen J, Sundbom M, Ågren E, Bignert A. Major lead exposure from hunting ammunition in eagles from Sweden. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 795:148799. [PMID: 34246138 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to lead (Pb) from ammunition in scavenging and raptorial birds has achieved worldwide recognition based on incidences of lethal poisoning, but exposure implies also sublethal levels with potential harmful effects. Background and elevated Pb levels in liver from 116 golden eagles (GE, Aquila chrysaetos) and 200 white-tailed sea eagles (WTSE, Haliaeetus albicilla) from Sweden 2003-2011 are here examined, with supporting data from a previous WTSE report and eagle owl (EO, Bubu bubo) report. GE and WTSE display seasonal patterns, with no Pb level exceeding a generally accepted threshold for subclinical effects during summer but strongly elevated levels from October. Fledged juveniles show significantly lower levels than all other age classes, but reach levels found in older birds in autumn after the start of hunting seasons. Pb levels in EO (non-scavenger) show no seasonal changes and indicate no influence from ammunition, and are close to levels observed in juvenile eagles before October. In all, 15% WTSE and 7% GE were lethally poisoned. In areas with high-exposure to hunting ammunition, 24% of WTSE showed lethal Pb levels, compared to 7% in both eagle species from low-exposure areas. Lethal poisoning of WTSE remained as frequent after (15%) as before (13%) a partial ban on use of Pb-based shotgun ammunition over shallow waters (2002). Pb levels increased significantly in WTSE 1981-2011, in contrast to other biota from the same period. A significant decrease of Pb in WTSE liver occurred below a threshold at 0.25 μg/g (dry weight), exceeded by 81% of the birds. Trend patterns in Pb isotope ratios lend further support to this estimated cut-off level for environmental background concentrations. Pb from spent ammunition affects a range of scavenging and predatory species. A shift to Pb-free ammunition to save wildlife from unnecessary harm is an important environmental and ethical issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Helander
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Oliver Krone
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Alfred-Kowalke-Strasse 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jannikke Räikkönen
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Sundbom
- Department of Environmental Science (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Ågren
- National Veterinary Institute, Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases (SVA), SE-75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Bignert
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Department of Environmental Research & Monitoring (NRM), SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Eduardo A. Díaz, Carolina Sáenz, E. Santiago Jiménez, David A. Egas, Kelly Swing. Is release of rehabilitated wildlife with embedded lead ammunition advisable? Plumbism in a Jaguar Panthera Onca (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae), survivor of gunshot wounds. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.5777.13.12.19808-19812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Lead poisoning is a threat to wildlife, particularly after ingestion of lead ammunition derived from hunting activities. Little information, however, is available concerning plumbism in wild animals that survive the trauma associated with gunshot wounds. This study presents a possible example of lead intoxication by embedded pellets in a Jaguar Panthera onca nineteen months after being injured by a shotgun blast. In addition, the possible path of incorporation of lead into the trophic chain after the eventual release and death of an impacted animal, thereby expanding and prolonging the toxic effects of lead ammunition, is discussed. Direct intoxication by ammunition retained in the body of wild animals, as well as the indirect impacts on predators and scavengers that consume their flesh, should be sufficient reasons to reconsider the release of individuals with embedded lead ammunition into the wild.
Collapse
|
20
|
Sumasgutner P, Buij R, McClure CJW, Shaw P, Dykstra CR, Kumar N, Rutz C. Raptor research during the COVID-19 pandemic provides invaluable opportunities for conservation biology. BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 2021; 260:109149. [PMID: 35722248 PMCID: PMC9188743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Research is underway to examine how a wide range of animal species have responded to reduced levels of human activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this perspective article, we argue that raptors (i.e., the orders Accipitriformes, Cariamiformes, Cathartiformes, Falconiformes, and Strigiformes) are particularly well-suited for investigating potential 'anthropause' effects: they are sensitive to environmental perturbation, affected by various human activities, and include many locally and globally threatened species. Lockdowns likely alter extrinsic factors that normally limit raptor populations. These environmental changes are in turn expected to influence - mediated by behavioral and physiological responses - the intrinsic (demographic) factors that ultimately determine raptor population levels and distributions. Using this population-limitation framework, we identify a range of research opportunities and conservation challenges that have arisen during the pandemic, related to changes in human disturbance, light and noise pollution, collision risk, road-kill availability, supplementary feeding, and persecution levels. Importantly, raptors attract intense research interest, with many professional and amateur researchers running long-term monitoring programs, often incorporating community-science components, advanced tracking technology and field-methodological approaches that allow flexible timing, enabling continued data collection before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdowns. To facilitate and coordinate global collaboration, we are hereby launching the 'Global Anthropause Raptor Research Network' (GARRN). We invite the international raptor research community to join this inclusive and diverse group, to tackle ambitious analyses across geographic regions, ecosystems, species, and gradients of lockdown perturbation. Under the most tragic of circumstances, the COVID-19 anthropause has afforded an invaluable opportunity to significantly boost global raptor conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Sumasgutner
- Department of Behavioral & Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralph Buij
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID 83709, USA
- Animal Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Phil Shaw
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
| | | | - Nishant Kumar
- Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
- Mansfield College, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, UK
- Wildlife Institute of India, Uttarakhand 248001, India
| | - Christian Rutz
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Descalzo E, Camarero PR, Sánchez-Barbudo IS, Martinez-Haro M, Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Moreno-Opo R, Mateo R. Integrating active and passive monitoring to assess sublethal effects and mortality from lead poisoning in birds of prey. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 750:142260. [PMID: 33182217 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The ingestion of lead (Pb) ammunition is the most important exposure pathway to this metal in birds and involve negative consequences to their health. We have performed a passive monitoring of Pb poisoning in birds of prey by measuring liver (n = 727) and blood (n = 32) Pb levels in individuals of 16 species found dead or sick in Spain between 2004 and 2020. We also performed an active monitoring by measuring blood Pb levels and biomarkers of haem biosynthesis, phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) metabolism, oxidative stress and immune function in individuals (n = 194) of 9 species trapped alive in the field between 2016 and 2017. Passive monitoring results revealed some species with liver Pb levels associated with severe clinical poisoning (>30 μg/g d.w. of Pb): Eurasian griffon vulture (27/257, 10.5%), red kite (1/132, 0.8%), golden eagle (4/38, 10.5%), and Northern goshawk (1/8, 12.5%). The active monitoring results showed that individuals of bearded vulture (1/3, 33.3%), Eurasian griffon vulture (87/118, 73.7%), Spanish imperial eagle (1/6, 16.7%) and red kite (1/18, 5.6%) had abnormal blood Pb levels (>20 μg/dL). Blood Pb levels increased with age, and both monitoring methods showed seasonality in Pb exposure associated with a delayed effect of the hunting season. In Eurasian griffon, blood Pb concentration was associated with lower δ-ALAD activity in blood and P levels in plasma, and with higher blood lipid peroxidation and plasma carotenoid levels in agreement with other experimental and field studies in Pb-exposed birds. The study reveals that Pb poisoning is a significant cause of death and sublethal effects on haem biosynthesis, P metabolism and oxidative stress in birds of prey in Spain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Descalzo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Inés S Sánchez-Barbudo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Mónica Martinez-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (IRIAF), CIAG del Chaparrillo, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rubén Moreno-Opo
- Subdirección General de Biodiversidad Terrestre y Marina, Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico Pza, San Juan de la Cruz s/n, 28071, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Pay JM, Katzner TE, Hawkins CE, Koch AJ, Wiersma JM, Brown WE, Mooney NJ, Cameron EZ. High Frequency of Lead Exposure in the Population of an Endangered Australian Top Predator, the Tasmanian Wedge-Tailed Eagle (Aquila audax fleayi). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:219-230. [PMID: 33090553 PMCID: PMC7839751 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead poisoning, mainly through incidental ingestion of lead ammunition in carcasses, is a threat to scavenging and predatory bird species worldwide. In Australia, shooting for animal control is widespread, and a range of native scavenging species are susceptible to lead exposure. However, the prevalence of lead exposure in Australia's scavenging and predatory birds is largely unknown. We evaluated the degree to which the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi), an endangered Australian raptor and facultative scavenger, showed evidence of lead exposure. We detected lead in 100% of femur and liver tissues of 109 eagle carcasses opportunistically collected throughout Tasmania between 1996 and 2018. Concentrations were elevated in 10% of 106 liver (>6 mg/kg dry wt) and 4% of 108 femur (>10 mg/kg dry wt) samples. We also detected lead in 96% of blood samples taken from 24 live nestlings, with 8% at elevated concentrations (>10 μg/dL). Of the liver samples with elevated lead, 73% had lead207/206 isotope ratios within the published range of lead-based bullets available in Tasmania. These first comprehensive data on lead exposure of an Australian raptor are comparable to those for raptor studies elsewhere that identify lead-based ammunition exposure as a conservation threat. Our findings highlight the importance of further research and efforts to address lead contamination throughout the Tasmanian ecosystem and in other Australian regions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:219-230. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M. Pay
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Todd E. Katzner
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, US Geological SurveyBoiseIdahoUSA
| | - Clare E. Hawkins
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Amelia J. Koch
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- Forest Practices AuthorityHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | | | - William E. Brown
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and EnvironmentHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Nick J. Mooney
- Birdlife Australia Raptor Group, Birdlife AustraliaCarltonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Elissa Z. Cameron
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchCanterburyNew Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Arrondo E, Navarro J, Perez-García JM, Mateo R, Camarero PR, Martin-Doimeadios RCR, Jiménez-Moreno M, Cortés-Avizanda A, Navas I, García-Fernández AJ, Sánchez-Zapata JA, Donázar JA. Dust and bullets: Stable isotopes and GPS tracking disentangle lead sources for a large avian scavenger. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115022. [PMID: 32629306 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115022] [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: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead intoxication is an important threat to human health and a large number of wildlife species. Animals are exposed to several sources of lead highlighting hunting ammunition and lead that is bioavailable in topsoil. Disentangling the role of each in lead exposure is an important conservation issue, particularly for species potentially affected by lead poisoning, such as vultures. The identification of lead sources in vultures and other species has been classically addressed by means of stable-isotope comparisons, but the extremely varied isotope signatures found in ammunition hinders this identification when it overlaps with topsoil signatures. In addition, assumptions related to the exposure of individual vultures to lead sources have been made without knowledge of the actual feeding grounds exploited by the birds. Here, we combine lead concentration analysis in blood, novel stable isotope approaches to assign the origin of the lead and GPS tracking data to investigate the main foraging grounds of two Iberian griffon vulture populations (N = 58) whose foraging ranges differ in terms of topsoil lead concentration and intensity of big game hunting activity. We found that the lead signature in vultures was closer to topsoil than to ammunition, but this similarity decreased significantly in the area with higher big game hunting activity. In addition, attending to the individual home ranges of the tracked birds, models accounting for the intensity of hunting activity better explained the higher blood lead concentration in vultures than topsoil exposure. In spite of that, our finding also show that lead exposure from topsoil is more important than previously thought.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eneko Arrondo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092, Seville, Spain; Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Joan Navarro
- Institut de Ciències del Mar-CSIC Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, E-08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Perez-García
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Life Sciences and Engineering, University of Lleida, Plaza de Victor Siurana, 1, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos Ronda de Toledo, 12 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pablo R Camarero
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos Ronda de Toledo, 12 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rosa C Rodríguez Martin-Doimeadios
- Departamento De Química Analítica y Tecnología de Alimentos, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Castilla-LaMancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain
| | - María Jiménez-Moreno
- Departamento De Química Analítica y Tecnología de Alimentos, Instituto de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Castilla-LaMancha, Avda. Carlos III s/n, 45071, Toledo, Spain
| | - Ainara Cortés-Avizanda
- Animal Demography and Ecology Unit, IMEDEA CSIC-UIB, C. Miquel Marqués 21, 07190, Esporles, Mallorca, Spain
| | - Isabel Navas
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Juan García-Fernández
- Area of Toxicology, Department of Health Sciences, IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Sánchez-Zapata
- Department of Applied Biology, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad, s/n, 03202 Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - José Antonio Donázar
- Department of Conservation Biology, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092, Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Brink CW, Santangeli A, Amar A, Wolter K, Tate G, Krüger S, Tucker AS, Thomson RL. Perceptions of vulture supplementary feeding site managers and potential hidden risks to avian scavengers. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan W. Brink
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence, Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Andrea Santangeli
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence, Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology, Finnish Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Arjun Amar
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence, Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | | | - Gareth Tate
- Birds of Prey ProgrammeEndangered Wildlife Trust Modderfontein South Africa
| | - Sonja Krüger
- Ezemvelo KwaZulu‐Natal Wildlife Cascades South Africa
| | | | - Robert L. Thomson
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence, Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lohr MT, Hampton JO, Cherriman S, Busetti F, Lohr C. Completing a worldwide picture: preliminary evidence of lead exposure in a scavenging bird from mainland Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 715:135913. [PMID: 31837857 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lead toxicity from ammunition has been shown to be a threat to scavenging birds across the globe. Despite decades of research in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa, there have been no studies to investigate this phenomenon in Australia despite that continent having many species of scavenging birds and widespread shooting practices. We present preliminary evidence of lead exposure in Australia's largest bird of prey, the wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) through analysis of bone and eggshell samples from south-western Australia. From 11 bone samples, three birds (27%) had lead levels exceeding literature thresholds for elevated levels (>6.75 ppm). From 36 eggshell samples, no samples had lead levels >0.5 ppm, suggesting some limitations for this matrix as an indicator of lead exposure. Isotope ratios suggested ammunition as a likely source of the lead found in bone samples with elevated lead levels but other potential sources of lead require further investigation. Our preliminary results demonstrate that lead exposure is occurring in scavenging birds in Australia, and like the rest of the world, is likely to be derived from ammunition. This study supports an urgent call for further research into this worldwide phenomenon in Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Lohr
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Jordan O Hampton
- Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia.
| | - Simon Cherriman
- Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
| | - Francesco Busetti
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
| | - Cheryl Lohr
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, 37 Wildlife Place, Woodvale, Western Australia 6026, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Herring G, Eagles‐Smith CA, Buck JA, Shiel AE, Vennum CR, Emery C, Johnson B, Leal D, Heath JA, Dudek BM, Preston CR, Woodbridge B. The lead (Pb) lining of agriculture‐related subsidies: enhanced Golden Eagle growth rates tempered by Pb exposure. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Garth Herring
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center U.S. Geological Survey Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Collin A. Eagles‐Smith
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center U.S. Geological Survey Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Jeremy A. Buck
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Portland Oregon 97266 USA
| | - Alyssa E. Shiel
- College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
| | | | - Colleen Emery
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center U.S. Geological Survey Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Branden Johnson
- Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center U.S. Geological Survey Corvallis Oregon 97331 USA
| | - David Leal
- Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Portland Oregon 97266 USA
| | | | | | - Charles R. Preston
- Draper Natural History Museum, Buffalo Bill Center of the West Cody Wyoming 82414 USA
| | - Brian Woodbridge
- Division of Migratory Bird Management U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Corvallis Oregon 97330 USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Brink CW, Santangeli A, Amar A, Wolter K, Tate G, Krüger S, Tucker AS, Thomson RL. Quantifying the spatial distribution and trends of supplementary feeding sites in South Africa and their potential contribution to vulture energetic requirements. Anim Conserv 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. W. Brink
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - A. Santangeli
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
- The Helsinki Lab of Ornithology Finnish Museum of Natural History University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - A. Amar
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | | | - G. Tate
- Birds of Prey Programme Endangered Wildlife Trust Modderfontein South Africa
| | - S. Krüger
- Ezemvelo KwaZulu‐Natal Wildlife Cascades South Africa
| | | | - R. L. Thomson
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology DST‐NRF Centre of Excellence University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Pain DJ, Mateo R, Green RE. Effects of lead from ammunition on birds and other wildlife: A review and update. AMBIO 2019; 48:935-953. [PMID: 30879267 PMCID: PMC6675766 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01159-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Poisoning of wild birds following ingestion of lead from ammunition has long been recognised and considerable recent research has focused on terrestrial birds, including raptors and scavengers. This paper builds upon previous reviews and finds that both the number of taxa affected and geographical spread of cases has increased. Some lead may also be absorbed from embedded ammunition fragments in injured birds which risk sub-lethal and welfare effects. Some papers suggest inter-specific differences in sensitivity to lead, although it is difficult to disentangle these from other factors that influence effect severity. Sub-lethal effects have been found at lower blood lead concentrations than previously reported, suggesting that previous effect-level 'thresholds' should be abandoned or revised. Lead poisoning is estimated to kill a million wildfowl a year in Europe and cause sub-lethal poisoning in another ≥ 3 million. Modelling and correlative studies have supported the potential for population-level effects of lead poisoning in wildfowl, terrestrial birds, raptors and scavengers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J. Pain
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT UK
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Toxicología de Fauna Silvestre, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Rhys E. Green
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, David Attenborough Building, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QZ UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Thomas VG, Kanstrup N, Fox AD. The transition to non-lead sporting ammunition and fishing weights: Review of progress and barriers to implementation. AMBIO 2019; 48:925-934. [PMID: 30607717 PMCID: PMC6675838 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-018-1132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This review presents evidence of lead exposure and toxicity to wildlife and humans from spent shotgun and rifle ammunition and fishing weights, and the barriers and bridges to completing the transition to non-lead products. Despite the international availability of effective non-lead substitutes, and that more jurisdictions are adopting suitable policies and regulations, a broader transition to non-lead alternatives is prevented because resolution remains divided among disparate human user constituencies. Progress has occurred only where evidence is most compelling or where a responsible public authority with statutory powers has managed to change mindsets in the wider public interest. Arguments opposing lead bans are shown to lack validity. Differing national regulations impede progress, requiring analysis to achieve better regulation. Evidence that lead bans have reduced wildlife exposure should be used more to promote sustainable hunting and fishing. Evidence of the lead contribution from hunted game to human exposure should shape policy and regulation to end lead ammunition use. The Special Issue presents evidence that a transition to non-lead products is both warranted and feasible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vernon G. Thomas
- Department of Integrative Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - Niels Kanstrup
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| | - Anthony D. Fox
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Kalø, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Plaza PI, Lambertucci SA. What do we know about lead contamination in wild vultures and condors? A review of decades of research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 654:409-417. [PMID: 30447579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Vultures and condors (hereafter vultures) make up one the most threatened avian guilds in the world due to a variety of human-mediated impacts and disturbances. In fact, 70% of vulture species are currently suffering impacted by significant conservation threats, with lead contamination being particularly important. Unfortunately, lead contamination in vulture species remains poorly studied in many regions of the world. We reviewed the existing scientific knowledge about this threat to vultures. We found 62 scientific articles studying lead contamination in vultures. Seventy-two percent of these articles were from North America and Europe, with the rest corresponding to Asia (13%), South America (8%), and Africa (7%). Most (92%) were published recently (2001-2018). Published articles included information on 13 vulture species out of a total of 23 from both the Old (9) and New World (4). Eighty-eight percent of the articles showed individuals with lead concentrations above threshold levels in some tissues sampled, with New World (Cathartidae) vultures more affected than Old World vultures (Accipitridae). The most suspected but rarely probed source of lead was lead ammunition, but other sources such as pollution or industry were also reported. It is concerning that lead contamination is considered a major threat for just 8% (2/23) of the vulture species categorized by the IUCN Red list. Our review shows that lead contamination is an important threat for several vulture species worldwide, but remains undiagnosed and not well-recognized in some species and geographical areas. The effect of this contaminant on vulture demography is not well known but merits particular attention since it may be leading to population declines in several species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Garcia-Heras MS, Arroyo B, Mougeot F, Bildstein K, Therrien JF, Simmons RE. Migratory patterns and settlement areas revealed by remote sensing in an endangered intra-African migrant, the Black Harrier (Circus maurus). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210756. [PMID: 30653592 PMCID: PMC6336274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Annual movements have been widely described for birds migrating across the Americas and between Eurasia and Africa, yet relatively little information exists for intra-African migrants. Identifying the areas used throughout a species annual cycle by understanding migratory patterns and settlement areas during breeding and non-breeding seasons is essential for conservation initiatives. Here, we describe for the first time, the migratory patterns and settlement areas of an endangered raptor endemic to Southern Africa, the Black Harrier (Circus maurus). From 2008 to 2015, thirteen breeding adult Black Harriers were trapped in south-western South Africa and fitted either with a GPS-GSM or with a PTT tracker device. Adults were monitored for 365 ± 198 days (range: 56–819 days) revealing great individual variability in annual movements. Most Black Harriers performed an unusual West-East migration from their breeding areas, but routes of all migrating individuals covered the entire southern land area of South Africa and Lesotho. The distance travelled averaged 814 ± 324 km, but unlike many other species, migrants travelled faster during post-breeding (i.e. austral summer) (207.8 ± 113.2 km.day-1) than during pre-breeding (i.e. austral winter/spring) migrations (143.8 ± 32.2 km.day-1). Although most marked individuals displayed movements similar to those that bred following pre-breeding migrations, only two of thirteen were confirmed as breeders the year after being tagged. This suggests that individuals may sometimes take a sabbatical year in reproduction, although this requires confirmation. Most tagged birds died on migration or during the non-breeding season. Adults frequently returned to the same non-breeding settlement areas, and often used up to 3 different locations an average of about 200 km apart. On the other hand, there was wide variation in distance between subsequent reproductive events. We discuss the implications of our study for the conservation of Black Harriers and more broadly for intra-African bird migrants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Sophie Garcia-Heras
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, United States of America
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Beatriz Arroyo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - François Mougeot
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Keith Bildstein
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Acopian Center for Conservation Learning, Orwigsburg, United States of America
| | - Jean-François Therrien
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Acopian Center for Conservation Learning, Orwigsburg, United States of America
| | - Robert E. Simmons
- FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Synergistic effect of land-use and vegetation greenness on vulture nestling body condition in arid ecosystems. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13027. [PMID: 30158660 PMCID: PMC6115393 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31344-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate-driven environmental change and land-use change often interact in their impact on biodiversity, but these interactions have received little scientific attention. Here we study the effects of climate-driven environmental variation (i.e. vegetation greenness) and land-use (protected versus unprotected areas) on body condition of vulture nestlings in savannah landscapes. We combine ringing data on nestling measurements of two vultures (lappet-faced and African white-backed vulture) with land-use and environmental variables. We show that body condition of white-backed vulture nestlings decreased through the study period and was lowest inside protected areas. For the lappet-faced vulture, nestling condition was improved during harsh years with lower than average vegetation greenness assumed to result in increased ungulate mortality, but only within protected areas. Such interaction was not tested for the white-backed vulture due to collinearity. The species-specific effects of land-use and vegetation greenness on nestling condition of the two sympatric vulture species likely stem from their different life-histories, diet preferences and foraging behaviour. While translation of current findings on nestling conditions to their possible influence on population demography and species persistence require further studies, our findings demonstrate how environmental change may trigger selective bottom-up ecosystem responses in arid environments under global change.
Collapse
|
33
|
Hampton JO, Laidlaw M, Buenz E, Arnemo JM. Heads in the sand: public health and ecological risks of lead-based bullets for wildlife shooting in Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/wr17180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a toxic element banned from fuel, paint and many other products in most developed countries. Nonetheless, it is still widely used in ammunition, including rifle bullets, and Pb-based bullets are almost universally used in Australia. For decades, poisoning from Pb shot (shotguns) has been recognised as a cause of disease in waterfowl and Pb shot has been subsequently banned for waterfowl hunting in many jurisdictions. However, the risks posed by Pb-based bullets (rifles) have not been similarly recognised in Australia. Pb-based rifle bullets frequently fragment, contaminating the tissue of shot animals. Consuming this Pb-contaminated tissue risks harmful Pb exposure and, thus, the health of wildlife scavengers (carrion eaters) and humans and their companion animals who consume harvested meat (game eaters). In Europe, North America and elsewhere, the environmental and human health risks of Pb-based bullets are widely recognised, and non-toxic alternatives (e.g. copper-based bullets) are increasingly being used. However, Australia has no comparable research despite widespread use of shooting, common scavenging by potentially susceptible wildlife species, and people regularly consuming shot meat. We conclude that Australia has its collective ‘head in the sand’ on this pressing worldwide One Health issue. We present the need for urgent research into this field in Australia.
Collapse
|