University of Tasmania
Browse
- No file added yet -

Endangered Australian top predator is frequently exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides

Download (534.84 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 23:54 authored by James PayJames Pay, Katzner, TE, Clare HawkinsClare Hawkins, Leon BarmutaLeon Barmuta, Brown, WE, Wiersma, JM, Amelia KochAmelia Koch, Mooney, NJ, Elissa Cameron
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) used to control mammalian pest populations cause secondary exposure of predatory species throughout much of the world. It is important to understand the drivers of non-target AR exposure patterns as context for assessing long-term effects and developing effective mitigation for these toxicants. In Australia, however, little is known about exposure and effects of ARs on predators. We detected AR residues in 74% of 50 opportunistically collected carcasses of the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi), an endangered apex predator. In 22% of birds tested, or 31% of those exposed, liver concentrations of second generation ARs (SGARs) were >0.1 mg/kg ww. Eagles were exposed to flocoumafen, a toxicant only available from agricultural suppliers, at an exceptionally high rate (40% of birds tested). Liver SGAR concentrations were positively associated with the proportion of agricultural habitat and human population density in the area around where each eagle died. The high exposure rate in a species not known to regularly prey upon synanthropic rodents supports the hypothesis that apex predators are vulnerable to SGARs. Our results indicate that AR exposure constitutes a previously unrecognized threat to Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles and highlight the importance of efforts to address non-target AR exposure in Australia.

Funding

Woolnorth Wind Farm Holding Pty Ltd

History

Publication title

Science of The Total Environment

Volume

788

Article number

147673

Number

147673

Pagination

1-9

ISSN

0048-9697

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier Science Bv

Place of publication

Netherlands

Rights statement

© 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in terrestrial environments; Terrestrial biodiversity

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC