Abstract
The widespread occurrence of litter is a severe threat to global ecosystems. We have analyzed online media, to assess the diversity of animals that are prone to getting trapped in discarded containers and check which kind of containers is the most common trap for animals. A total of 503 records from around the world (51 countries, 6 continents) have been found. These include invertebrates (17 taxa, ca.1050 dead individuals), and vertebrates (98 taxa, 496 individuals including 44 carcasses). The latter group was most frequently represented by mammals (78.5% of all cases), then reptiles (15.3%), birds (1.2%), fish (1.0%) and amphibians (0.4%). Nearly 12.5% of the determined vertebrates are classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, according to the IUCN. Although most trapped individuals were smaller animals, bigger ones such as monitor lizards (Varanus spp.) or large carnivores were also recorded. In most cases, animals were trapped in glass or plastic jars (32.4%), drink cans (16.5%), and steel cans (16.3%). Our results demonstrate that discarded containers can be a threat to all major groups of animals. In order to address this phenomenon, it is necessary to decrease a global production of debris, implement container deposit legislation and organize repeatable cleanup actions.
Highlights
The widespread occurrence of litter is a severe threat to global ecosystems
Our study has shown that the number of incidents reporting animals getting stuck in containers that were shared on social media has significantly increased in recent years (Fig. 1)
Our study shows that discarded containers are deadly traps for animals from small invertebrates to large carnivores and in various habitats including undisturbed wilderness
Summary
The widespread occurrence of litter is a severe threat to global ecosystems. We have analyzed online media, to assess the diversity of animals that are prone to getting trapped in discarded containers and check which kind of containers is the most common trap for animals. A total of 503 records from around the world (51 countries, 6 continents) have been found These include invertebrates (17 taxa, ca.1050 dead individuals), and vertebrates (98 taxa, 496 individuals including 44 carcasses). The latter group was most frequently represented by mammals (78.5% of all cases), reptiles (15.3%), birds (1.2%), fish (1.0%) and amphibians (0.4%). Our results demonstrate that discarded containers can be a threat to all major groups of animals. uilding[9] or to nest i nside[10,11] Another problem is that some litter becomes evolutionary traps for animals which confuse them with mates or food[12]. Animals can ingest directly (when consuming prey or attacking items resembling prey) or indirectly (by ingesting prey which itself contains debris) small particles such as micro- or macro-plastic[16,17], and bigger items such as single-use plastic bags, bottles, ropes, and fishing lines which commonly cause internal injuries or d
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