Producción CyT
Proceedings - Turkey Vultures from Southern California are eposed to anticoagulant rodenticides despite re-cent bans.
Congreso
Fecha:
2024Editorial y Lugar de Edición:
Raptor Research FoundationResumen *
Use of anticoagulant rodenticides has been identified as an important threat for raptor conservation worldwide. Raptors ingest prey and carrion in which ARs accumulate, causing secondary poisoning. Signs of toxicosis include anemia, lethargy, hemorrhage, and even death. In 2019, California banned the use of ARs with a few exceptions. Yet, the prevalence of exposure remains high in Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura), California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus), and other raptors from North-central California. Currently, the adherence to these recent restrictions on ARs in Southern California is unknown. Turkey Vultures were trapped between 2016 and 2021 in Anaheim Lake, Orange County, Southern California using a modified walk-in trap. After tagging and sampling, the birds were released. Five nestlings were also wing-tagged and sampled by accessing Turkey Vulture nests (Fig. 1A). Blood was drawn from the basilic vein. 1.2 ml of plasma was submitted to the CAHFSL for ARs analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 27 Turkey Vultures were investigated for eight ARs: Chlorophacinone, Coumachlor, Diphacinone, Warfarin (first-generation ARs). Bromadiolone, Brodifacoum, Difethialone, Difenacoum (second-generation ARs). Results of the study indicate that at least three of the 27 Turkey Vultures (11%) were exposed to FGARs and SGARs in a large area of Southern California. Overall, this prevalence is low. However, our results more than likely underestimate the true prevalence. The detection of any amount of ARs suggests that the exposure risk of this species persisted after the recent ban was implemented. Such risks may extend to other non-targeted raptors, as well as other animal species. Current study limitations include a relatively small sample size and detection sensitivity issues with blood, which may be remediated by using other tissues for ARs investigation in wildlife. We propose a continued and integrated approach that should include ARs investigation in both free-ranging (blood samples) and deceased (liver samples) Turkey Vultures for effective large-scale monitoring and to assess compliance with current and future ARs regulations. Información suministrada por el agente en SIGEVAPalabras Clave
endangered speciesanticoagulant rodenticideecotoxicologyenvironmental contaminant