Seasonal effects of lead uptake by snow vole Chionomys nivalis (Martins 1842) in West Tatra Mts.: bone metal concentrations and hematological indices

摘要: Since the mountains often represent a barrier for pollutants in many regions, concentrations of toxic elements tissues alpine animals may remain relatively high and do not decrease current times. To estimate heavy metal contamination ecosystems Snow voles (Chionomys nivalis) are very useful monitors. They small, easy to catch, have territory limited range, fairly short life span they closely adjusted their environment The were monthly bait-trapped West Tatras, Western Carpathians, Slovakia. local population was studied at Brestova mountain chain (49°13’29.43’’N; 19°40’46.07’’E, 1902 m.a.s.l.). trapped September 2009 from May November 2010. global sampling yielded total 50 samples (trapped retrapped individuals). lead tail vertebrae number micronuclei peripheral blood examined. Pb levels exceptionally overwintering mature (16.1 μg g–1dry weight average) comparison young immatures (4.3 g–1). Females had significantly higher bones (13 g–1) than males (7.3 vole adults caught spring exhibited frequencies immature ones summer or fall. Given that is bioaccumulated diet voles, this study showed feeding on winter (mosses, lichens) could constitute major pathway entry into food habitats. usefulness as biomonitors environmental highly recognized.