Long-term trends and sources of organochlorine contamination in Canadian Tundra Peregrine Falcons, Falco peregrinus tundrius

Abstract

Levels of eggshell thinning, and organochlorine residues in egg contents, blood plasma of adults and juveniles, tissue samples, and prey species were determined for a population of migratory Peregrine Falcons ( Falco peregrinus tundrius) breeding in the Canadian Arctic. Temporal trends were assessed by comparing data collected during 1991–1994, with data from 1982–1986, for the same population. Shells ( n = 54) from 1991–1994 averaged 15% thinner than eggs produced prior to the introduction of DDT. No improvement in shell thickness was detected between decades. Mean DDE residue levels in eggs showed a decline from 7.6 mg kg (1982–1986) to 4.5 mg kg (1991–1994), but there was no significant change in ∑PCB residues. Moreover, the proportion of clutches with eggs exceeding critical ∑PCB, DDE, and dieldrin residue levels (10%) did not change between decades. Relative to Greenland and Alaskan populations, F. p. tundrius at Rankin Inlet show high levels of organochlorine contamination and little reduction in residues over the last decade. These Tundra Peregrines continue to be exposed to organochlorines in Latin America; however, results also link relatively high levels in the study population with waterfowl species that do not leave Canada in winter.