Chapter 19 Biomonitoring with birds

摘要: Abstract Birds play an important role as bioindicators: birds are conspicuous, relatively easy to observe, one of the best studied groups organisms, and in focus public interest care. Top predators like raptors seabirds accumulate toxic chemicals, which affect parameters physiology, reproduction even cause death, all lead population declines endangering, have often past been early warning environmental change. Therefore attractive choice biomonitors, indicating specific change such contamination with marine pollution, fish stocks, any other The most striking examples value biomonitors originate from their use qualitative quantitative accumulative indicators pesticides heavy metals, based on logistically convenient non-destructive avian matrices eggs, feathers or blood, high biomagnification rates dose-dependent responses. Furthermore, large samples museum material permit retrospective analyses, e.g. metal pollution history. In addition, also sensitive owing responding terms (e.g. egg-shell thickness, reproductive success) demography. Avian successfully introduced into current monitoring programmes following aims (Table 4): indicate temporal spatial trends chemical terrestrial aquatic ecosystems; monitor oil pollution; detect diverse changes habitat alteration fragmentation, climate by bird populations (abundance, distribution, demography). However, despite undoubted advantages not being used effectively they could be. Better ornithological knowledge, better co-operation between researchers doing biomonitoring is called for, should be combined indicators. Funding a problem cost effectiveness obtaining information via — least because support many volunteers. Another difficulty arises long-term perspectives programmes, necessary if adequate made warning. As popular general public, furnishes good instrument for increasing acceptance understanding part public.