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Predation of ducks poisoned by white phosphorus: Exposure and risk to predators
Author(s) -
Roebuck B.D.,
Nam SaeIm,
Walsh Marianne E.,
Racine Charles H.,
Reitsma Leonard,
Steele Ben
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620131010
Subject(s) - predation , larus , herring , gizzard , white phosphorus , biology , herring gull , phosphorus , predator , feather , zoology , fishery , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , chemistry , organic chemistry
White phosphorus (P 4 ) has been identified as the cause of mortality for dabbling ducks and swans at an estuanne salt marsh in Alaska Predation of ducks poisoned by P 4 was monitored to assess the extent and range of predator exposures to P 4 Avian tissues were analyzed for P 4 by gas chromatography We observed that both sick and dead dabbling ducks were common prey of bald eagles ( Hahaeetus leucocephalus ), herring gulls ( Larus argentatus ), and common ravens ( Corvus corax ) Frank signs of P 4 intoxication attracted predators and rendered the ducks easy prey White phosphorus was found in the tis sue remains of ducks that had been preyed upon, thus providing positive evidence that predators were exposed to P 4 Although P 4 varied widely among individuals, P 4 was generally highest in the gizzard contents followed by fatty tissues such as fat depots and the skin White phosphorus was identified in fatty tissues of one eagle and in one herring gull egg, thus providing direct evidence of absorption of P 4 by predators