Wildlife Ecotoxicology, 2011
Forensic Approaches
Emerging Topics in Ecotoxicology Series, Vol. 3

Many books have now been published in the broad field of environmental toxicology.  However, to date, none of have presented the often fascinating stories of the wildlife science, and the steps along the way from discovery of problems caused by environmental pollutants to the regulatory and non-regulatory efforts to address the problems.  This book provides case by case examinations of how toxic chemical effects on wildlife have brought about policy and regulatory decisions, and positive changes in environmental conditions.  Wild animal stories, whether they are about the disappearance of charismatic top predators, or of grossly deformed embryos or frogs, provide powerful symbols that can and have captured the public's imagination and have resulted in increased awareness by decision makers.  It is the intent of this book to present factual and balanced overviews and summaries of the science and the subsequent regulatory processes that followed to effect change (or not).  We cover a variety of chemicals and topics beginning with an update of the classic California coastal DDT story of eggshell thinning and avian reproduction to more recent cases, such as the veterinarian pharmaceutical that has brought three species of Asian vultures to the brink of extinction.  Researchers, regulators, educators, NGOs and the general public will find valuable insights into the processes and mechanisms involved both in environmental scientific investigation and in efforts to effect positive change.

Introduction.- Ethics in science and regulation of environmental chemicals.- Update:  DDT, bird populations, chemical regulation, California coast.- Dieldrin, poisoning and population decline of British birds of prey.- The Rocky Mountain Arsenal: Contamination and enduring impacts on wildlife.- North American Great Lakes:  Contaminant impacts on birds, regulations.- Dioxins, pulp and paper, fish-eating birds on the Pacific coast of Canada.- Getting the lead out:  Dead ducks, eagles and the hunting community.- Mercury and impacts on bird populations.- Insecticides, scavenging birds and regulations in the Fraser River Delta.- Death on the Pampas:  Grasshoppers, methamidofos and hawks.- Atrazine and amphibians.- Arsenic and old trees:  pine beetles, wood peckers in British Columbia.- Diclofenac:  Sacred cows and vulture culture.- Glyphosate and frog societies:  Can they coexist?- Biotoxins, invasive species, birds and degraded ecosystems.