Friday, January 16, 2009
Ospreys Play Critical Role in Known and Emerging Contaminants
Many fish and wildlife species have been used to monitor contaminant exposure, like the canary in coal mines that alerted humans to toxic gas build ups. USGS scientists recently evaluated the osprey as a potential sentinel species for monitoring contaminants in waterways. Several characteristics of the large hawks support their selection, including tolerating human presence, accumulating contaminants in tissues and eggs, having long life spans, and eating fish captured close to their nests. The paper reviewed information regarding population surveys, reproductive studies, and chemical analyses of contaminants that increase in concentration up through the food web. Ospreys have recovered from the effects of DDT, which caused significant population declines even after its use was banned in the 1970s. With a world-wide distribution, including nesting in some of the most industrialized and polluted regions, ospreys can play a critical role in evaluating known and emerging contaminant issues.
Grove, R.A., Henny, C.J., Kaiser, J.L., 2009, Osprey- Worldwide sentinel species for assessing and monitoring environmental contamination in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and estuaries: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B, v. 12, no. 1, p. 25-44. [FullText] Catalog No: 1919
Contact:
Robert
Grove,
FRESC,
541-757-4840,
robert_a_grove@usgs.gov
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