The reproductive success and quality of blue tits (Parus caeruleus) in a heavy metal pollution gradient

摘要: Studying the effects of pollution on reproductive performance birds in natural environment is increasing importance due to need monitor environmental quality biologically. In this study we investigated success and blue tits four sites (at 0.1, 1, 2.5 4 km from a metallurgic smelter) located within heavy metal gradient during three consecutive years. At two closest source, significantly higher proportion females had egg laying interruptions, interruptions also lasted longer (although not significantly). Although hatching differed among sites, these differences could be related levels. Other important breeding parameters such as start laying, clutch size did differ sites. Our results suggest that exposure influence tit reproduction an way.