Organochlorine insecticides and mercury in predatory bird livers (PBMS)
bibliographic citation: Walker, L.A., Potter, E.D., Shore, R.F., Chaplow, J.S., Pereira, M.G. (2016). Organochlorine insecticides and mercury in predatory bird livers (PBMS). NERC Environmental Information Data Centre. https://doi.org/10.5285/e39e3afb-eb90-4a7d-921d-e03b1a0f414d
description: Data comprise concentrations of organochlorine insecticides and mercury in sparrowhawk, kestrel and heron livers taken during post mortem from deceased birds of prey sent into the Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS) by the public. The data are presented as micrograms of contaminant per gram of liver tissue (wet weight). The PBMS is a long-term, national monitoring scheme that quantifies the concentrations of contaminants in the livers and eggs of selected species of predatory and fish-eating birds in Britain. Levels of contaminants are monitored to determine variations between species and regions, changes over time and effects on individual birds and their populations. The Scheme is currently funded by CEH, Natural England, the Environment Agency (EA) and the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU).
provenance: ProvenanceStatement
  label: The PBMS monitors contaminant concentrations principally in liver tissues and in addled or deserted eggs. The choice of matrix depends on the likely site of toxicological significance for any particular compound and/or the species of bird monitored. For example, SGAR residues are measured in the liver because it is the target organ for these compounds (where they interfere with the production of clotting factors) and contains high-affinity binding sites to which SGARs bind. Conversely some contaminants are embryotoxins and monitoring residues of these compounds in eggs is therefore more appropriate. Furthermore, the populations of some species, such as golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and merlin (Falco columbarius), are at low densities in Britain and it is not possible to collect sufficient carcasses each year to obtain a statistically robust sample for monitoring liver concentrations. However, it is possible to collect reasonably large numbers of failed eggs for these species. Thus, monitoring contaminant levels in eggs allows us to study the impacts of chemicals on these rarer species. The sampling of carcasses for the PBMS relies on members of the public who, in response to advertisements, collect and send in any dead predatory birds that they find. Taxidermists and wildlife rehabilitation centers also contribute significant numbers of specimens. However, only birds that have been freeliving prior to death, or at most have been in captivity for 7 days, are used by the PBMS. Volunteers submit the carcasses through the post using approved packaging (95kPa ADR [Road] compliant). Approximately 400 birds are submitted to the PBMS each year. Typically, the scheme receives most submissions in the autumn (September and October), and the early spring (February to April inclusive). Together, these five months account for approximately 60% of the birds submitted each year and predominantly consist of juveniles (birds that have hatched in the current or previous calendar ye…
spatial: Location
temporal: PeriodOfTime
  start date: 1963-02-01
  end date: 2006-12-31
publisher: NERC Environmental Information Data Centre
subject: Great Britain
subject: Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS)
subject: Falco tinnunculus
subject: Accipiter nisus
subject: Ardea cinerea
type: Dataset
available: 2016-06-07
landing page: https://doi.org/10.5285/e39e3afb-eb90-4a7d-921d-e03b1a0f414d
license: OGL-UK-3.0.ttl
rights: RightsStatement
  copyright notice: copyright UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
access rights: RAUT
creator: Walker, L.A.
creator: Potter, E.D.
creator: Shore, R.F.
creator: Chaplow, J.S.
creator: Pereira, M.G.
language: en

Walker, L.
type: Person
family name: Walker
given name: Lee
member: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

NERC Environmental Information Data Centre
type: Organization

Walker, L.A.
type: Person
family name: Walker
given name: L.A.
member: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Potter, E.D.
type: Person
family name: Potter
given name: E.D.
member: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Shore, R.F.
type: Person
family name: Shore
given name: R.F.
member: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Chaplow, J.S.
type: Person
family name: Chaplow
given name: J.S.
member: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Pereira, M.G.
type: Person
family name: Pereira
given name: M.G.
member: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Predatory Bird Monitoring Scheme (PBMS)
type: Concept

Falco tinnunculus
type: Concept

Accipiter nisus
type: Concept

Ardea cinerea
type: Concept

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
type: Organization