Population-level Assessment of Risks of Pesticides to Birds and Mammals in the UK

Sibly, Richard M.; Akçakaya, H. Reşi̇t; Topping, Chris; O’Connor, Raymond J.

doi:10.1007/s10646-005-0033-5

Cited by 40 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…Common population endpoints used are abundance, population growth rate [160,161] and the chance of population extinction [162]. Two types of models have been suggested: simple life-history models distinguishing between life-history stages of juveniles and adults [163] and spatially explicit individual-based landscape models [164]. Data can be gathered from experimental mesocosms or from historical records.…”

Section: Population Modellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Risk Assessment of Agrochemicals — A Critical Appraisal of Current Approaches

Sánchez‐Bayo¹,

Tennekes²

2015

Toxicity and Hazard of Agrochemicals

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This chapter provides insights into the difficulties and challenges of performing risk evaluations of agrochemicals. It is a critical review of the current methodologies used in ecological risk assessment of these chemicals, not their risks to humans. After an introduction to the topic, the current framework for ecological risk assessment is outlined. Two types of assessments are typically carried out depending on the purpose: i) regulatory assessments for registration of a chemical product; and ii) ecological assessments, for the protection of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, which are usually site-specific. Although the general framework is well established, the methodologies used in each of the steps of the assessment are fraught with a number of shortcomings. Notwithstanding the subjectivity implicit in the evaluation of risks, there is scepticism in scientific circles about the appropriateness of the current methodologies because, after so many years of evaluations, we are still incapable of foreseeing the negative consequences that some agrochemicals have in the environment. A critical appraisal of such methodologies is imperative if we are to improve the current assessment process and fix the problems we face today. The chapter reviews first the toxicity assessment methods, pointing to the gaps in knowledge about this essential part of the process and suggesting avenues for further improvement. Deficiencies in the current regulations regarding toxicity testing are discussed, in particular the effect of the time factor on toxicity and the issue of complex mixtures.

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Section: Population Modellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Risk Assessment of Agrochemicals — A Critical Appraisal of Current Approaches

Sánchez‐Bayo¹,

Tennekes²

2015

Toxicity and Hazard of Agrochemicals

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show abstract

“…Some of these models are currently being used for regulatory purposes. For example, the Animal Landscape and Man Simulation System (ALMaSS), a probabilistic individual-based population model in which the individuals move around the defined landscape based on user assumptions and species-specific behaviors (Topping et al 2003;Sibly et al 2005;Dalkvist et al 2009), has been used in Europe to review the registration of agrochemicals and the influence of new government policies. Similarly, HexSim, which is an individual-based, spatially explicit model for evaluating terrestrial wildlife population dynamics and interactions, is currently under development by USEPA (Lawler and Schumaker 2004).…”

Section: Examples Of Available Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatially explicit ecological exposure models: A rationale for and path toward their increased acceptance and use

Wickwire

Johnson²,

Hope

et al. 2011

Integr Envir Assess & Manag

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Spatially explicit wildlife exposure models have been developed to integrate chemical concentrations dispersed in space and time, heterogeneous habitats of varying qualities, and foraging behaviors of wildlife to give more realistic wildlife exposure estimates for ecological risk assessments. These models not only improve the realism of wildlife exposure estimates, but also increase the efficiency of remedial planning. However, despite being widely available, these models are rarely used in baseline (definitive) ecological risk assessments. A lack of precedent for their use, misperceptions about models in general and spatial models in particular, non-specific or no enabling regulations, poor communication, and uncertainties regarding inputs are all impediments to greater use of such models. An expert workshop was convened as part of an Environmental Security Technology Certification Program Project to evaluate current applications for spatially explicit models and consider ways such models could bring increased realism to ecological exposure assessments. Specific actions (e.g., greater accessibility and innovation in model design, increased communication with and training opportunities for decision makers and regulators, explicit consideration during assessment planning and problem formulation) were discussed as mechanisms to increase the use of these valuable and innovative modeling tools. The intent of this workshop synopsis is to highlight for the ecological risk assessment community both the value and availability of a wide range of spatial models and to recommend specific actions that may help to increase their acceptance and use by ecological risk assessment practitioners.

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“…In the deterministic version of the model, in which there is no variation in parameter values, the life histories are completely described by two parameters, fecundity and adult annual survival. Further details of the deterministic model are given in Sibly et al (2005; Appendix 1).…”

Section: Life-history Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Risk Assessment of UK Skylark Populations Using Life-History and Individual-Based Landscape Models

Topping¹,

Sibly

Akçakaya

et al. 2005

Ecotoxicology

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Following a workshop exercise, two models, an individual-based landscape model (IBLM) and a non-spatial life-history model were used to assess the impact of a fictitious insecticide on populations of skylarks in the UK. The chosen population endpoints were abundance, population growth rate, and the chances of population persistence. Both models used the same life-history descriptors and toxicity profiles as the basis for their parameter inputs. The models differed in that exposure was a pre-determined parameter in the life-history model, but an emergent property of the IBLM, and the IBLM required a landscape structure as an input. The model outputs were qualitatively similar between the two models. Under conditions dominated by winter wheat, both models predicted a population decline that was worsened by the use of the insecticide. Under broader habitat conditions, population declines were only predicted for the scenarios where the insecticide was added. Inputs to the models are very different, with the IBLM requiring a large volume of data in order to achieve the flexibility of being able to integrate a range of environmental and behavioural factors. The life-history model has very few explicit data inputs, but some of these relied on extensive prior modelling needing additional data as described in Roelofs et al. (2005, this volume). Both models have strengths and weaknesses; hence the ideal approach is that of combining the use of both simple and comprehensive modeling tools.

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Population-level Assessment of Risks of Pesticides to Birds and Mammals in the UK

Cited by 40 publications

References 53 publications

Environmental Risk Assessment of Agrochemicals — A Critical Appraisal of Current Approaches

Environmental Risk Assessment of Agrochemicals — A Critical Appraisal of Current Approaches

Spatially explicit ecological exposure models: A rationale for and path toward their increased acceptance and use

Risk Assessment of UK Skylark Populations Using Life-History and Individual-Based Landscape Models

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