An overview of existing raptor contaminant monitoring activitiesin Europe
Gómez-Ramírez, P.; Shore, R.F.; van den Brink, N.W.; van Hattum, B.; Bustnes, Jan Ove; Duke, G.; Fritsch, C.; García-Fernández, A.J.; Helander, B.O.; Jaspers, Veerle; Krone, O.; Martínez-López, E.; Mateo, R.; Sonne, C.
Peer reviewed, Journal article
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Date
2014Metadata
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Abstract
Biomonitoring using raptors as sentinels can provide early warning of the potential impacts of contaminants on
humans and the environment and also a means of tracking the success of associated mitigation measures. Examples
include detection of heavy metal-induced immune system impairment, PCB-induced altered reproductive
impacts, and toxicity associated with lead in shot game. Authorisation of such releases and implementation of
mitigation is now increasingly delivered through EU-wide directives but there is little established pan-
European monitoring to quantify outcomes.We investigated the potential for EU-wide coordinated contaminant
monitoring using raptors as sentinels. We did this using a questionnaire to ascertain the current scale of national
activity across 44 European countries. According to this survey, there have been 52 different contaminant monitoring
schemes with raptors over the last 50 years. There were active schemes in 15 (predominantly western
European) countries and 23 schemes have been running for N20 years; most monitoring was conducted for
N5 years. Legacy persistent organic compounds (specifically organochlorine insecticides and PCBs), and metals/
metalloids weremonitored inmost of the 15 countries. Fungicides, flame retardants and anticoagulant rodenticides
were also relatively frequently monitored (each in at least 6 countries). Common buzzard (Buteo buteo), common
kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), peregrine
falcon (Falco peregrinus), tawny owl (Strix aluco) and barn owl (Tyto alba) were most commonly monitored (each
in 6–10 countries). Feathers and eggs were most widely analysed although many schemes also analysed body
tissues. Our study reveals an existing capability across multiple European countries for contaminant monitoring
using raptors. However, coordination between existing schemes and expansion of monitoring into Eastern Europe
is needed. This would enable assessment of the appropriateness of the EU-regulation of substances that are
hazardous to humans and the environment, the effectiveness of EU level mitigation policies, and identify
pan-European spatial and temporal trends in current and emerging contaminants of concern.
Contaminants
Biomonitoring
Raptors
Europe
Inventory