Lizard contaminant data for ecological risk assessment.

Abstract

This review is the most comprehensive currently available of the effects and accumulation of environmental contaminants on lizards. The importance of lizards was emphasized in hope that they be included in ecological risk assessments as well as any study on environmental contamination. Some studies presented here indicated that lizards are ideal bioindicators. They are important as a component of biodiversity, and many species are listed as threatened or endangered. In addition, lizards are a significant part of many ecosystems as well as an important link in many food chains. There are large gaps in data for many environmental contaminants, particularly data on lizards. Ecotoxicological studies on a wide variety of lizard species are needed; both laboratory and field studies would provide useful information. Because the majority of lizards are insectivores, studies of the effects and accumulation of pesticides are essential. A few current studies are available from Africa and Australia, but most, especially those conducted in the U.S., were not current. Studies are needed on the effects and accumulation of ubiquitous contaminants, such as heavy metals and PCBs. Because of the many contaminated sites and the significant waste disposal problem, studies are needed on the effects and accumulation of radionuclides on lizards. Furthermore, effects of multiple stressors must be studied. Last, studies are needed linking the effects of contaminants to tissue residues. It is hoped that the convenience of having the vast majority of lizard environmental contaminant data available in one document will encourage its use.