Heavy metal and other residues in feathers of laggar falcon Falco biarmicus jugger from six districts of Pakistan

Estimation of heavy metal residues from the feathers of Falconidae, Accipitridae, and Strigidae in Punjab, Pakistan

“…It was reported previously that heavy metals can reduce reproductive success and in severe cases even cause death (Sanpera et al, 2000); therefore, they are a serious threat to the survival of birds (Hernández et al, 1999). Movalli (2000) also documented higher metal deposition such as Cd, Zn, Pb, and Ni in the feathers of Laggar Falcons in southern Punjab (Bahwalnagar and Bahawalpur), indicating perhaps that falcons are more susceptible to metals. The threshold level of Cd is considered above 3 ppm (dw) in the liver and indicates increased environmental pollution (Scheuhammer, 1987;Burgat, 1990).…”

“…Three studies regarding heavy metal deposition in birds from various regions of Pakistan have been conducted so far (Table 6). Movalli (2000) studied metal deposition (Cd, Ni, Zn, and Pb) in feathers of the Lagger Falcon from various regions of southern Punjab and Sind provinces. The concentrations of Cd, Zn, Ni, and Pb in the feather samples of Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur (south Punjab) were all much lower than those estimated in the current study for all 3 families and regions of the Punjab.…”

“…It is also suggested that body feathers are more representative of metal levels than flight feathers (Doi and Fukuyana, 1983;Furness et al, 1986). These breast feathers grow back rapidly and their removal does not affect the bird's flight or thermoregulatory efficiency (Movalli, 2000). Difficulties experienced in trapping the birds and collecting their feathers affected the total sample size.…”

“…and ospreys (Pandion haliaetus). The terrestrial food chains are relatively less studied (Pain et al, 1995;Movalli, 2000;Dauwe et al, 2003;Kenntner et al, 2007;Zolfaghari et al, 2007;Perez-Lopez, 2009); however, due to environmental pollutants population decline has also been reported for raptors (Palma et al, 2005).…”

“…In the ecosystem, assessment of change in all the living components, properties, or functions is impossible; however, certain biological components like birds can act as bio-indicators for some conditions (Movalli, 2000). Among the species, toxicity and heavy metal exposure in birds are relatively well studied (Muralidharan et al, 2004).…”