Monitoring POPs and heavy metals in the merlin (Falco columbarius)

Updated 2001-01-18

To monitor levels of pollutants in merlin by analysis of POPs and heavy metals in eggs and feathers. /Feathers and addled eggs of merlin were collected in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1999 and 2000 for chemical analysis of POPs and heavy metals. Comparisons with eggs from museum collections show that there has been a significant shell thinning in eggs of Norwegian merlins. From 1947 up to 1990 the eggs were on average ca. 15% thinner than normal and after 1990 the thinning has been ca. 10%. There are still high concentrations of DDE to reduce reproductive output in some cases. The PCB levels are low compared to the DDE levels and the concentrations of other chlorinated hydrocarbons are also low. Results from mercury analyses indicate possible effects on breeding performance in some adults.

This is not a National Implementation Plan (NIP) project

http://www.ninaniku.no

Comments and additional information:

PD444 in previous version of PD

Status: Ongoing
Project time span: 1993 - 2000
Data collection: 1993 - 2000
Data processing: 1994 - 2000
Data reporting: 1994 - 2000

Contact information

Contact person: Torgeir Nygard
Address: NINA, Tungasletta 2, N-7485 Trondheim, Norway
Phone: +47 73801462
Fax: +47 73801401
Email: on.ukinanin.drtanin@dragyn.riegrot
Other project contacts: Ivar Myklebust, Directorate for nature management, Tungasletta 2, N-7485 Trondheim, Norway

Parameters and Media

Parameter groups measured/observed/modelled

Biological effects

Heavy metals

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

Media sampled/studied/modelled

Terrestrial birds

Additional information or further specification of types of data / information collected, species / tissues / organs sampled, etc.

Eggs and feathers

Geography

Regions studied: Terrestrial TDC

Data availability

Are data archived or planned to be archived at an AMAP Thematic Data Centre?: yes-partly

Data centres: Terrestrial TDC

References to key publications (or planned publications) and data reports

Nygård, T. 1999. Long term trends in pollutant levels and shell thickness in eggs of merlin in Norway, in relation to its migration pattern and numbers. - Ecotoxicology 8: 23-31. Nygård, T. 1995. Terrestrisk naturovervåking. Tungmetaller i fjær av dvergfalk i Norge. - NINA Oppdragsmelding 373: 1-18.

Samples/specimens archived in specimen banks?: No

Methods & Procedures

Procedures and methodology used for, e.g., sampling and sample storage, sample pretreatment, extraction and analysis, including which laboratories are involved, references to methods employed, etc.: The methods are described in Gabrielsen, G. W., Skaare, J. U., Polder, A. & Bakken, V. 1995. Chlorinated hydrocarbons in glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) in the southern part of Svalbard. - Sci. Total Environ. 160/161: 337-346. Nygård, T. 1999. Long term trends in pollutant levels and shell thickness in eggs of merlin in Norway, in relation to its migration pattern and numbers. - Ecotoxicology 8: 23-31.

Additional Information

Is this a bi- AND multi-lateral project (i.e. a project involving cooperation between different countries)?: No
Is this project reporting to other organizations/programmes?: Program for terrestrial monitoring in Norway (TOV)