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DDE still high in white-faced ibis eggs from Carson Lake, Nevada

Colonial Waterbirds
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https://doi.org/10.2307/1521598

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Abstract

White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) eggs collected in 1996 at Carson Lake, Nevada, showed no decrease in p,p′-DDE (DDE) concentrations from levels in 1985 and 1986 which is contrary to DDE patterns shown for most avian species. An estimated 40-45% of the population was adversely affected by DDE in 1985, 1986, and 1996 with a probable net loss of about 20% of the expected productivity. One segment of the nesting population at Carson Lake in 1996 averaged 18.3% eggshell thinning, although the mean for the whole population is not known. Obvious population declines of White-faced Ibis have not been reported, although quantitative population data are incomplete; however, the excellent and predictable food sources on the breeding grounds in Nevada (due to flood irrigation by farmers) appear to contribute to a high reproductive potential. While adverse consequences of DDE were not documented at the population level, it is important to locate the source(s) of the DDE/p,p′-DDT (DDT). Results of a previous study showed that prey from the breeding grounds were not contaminated with DDE/DDT. The White-faced Ibis DDE/DDT loads are suspected to originate from localized areas on the wintering grounds and/or staging areas. Use of satellite transmitters placed on nesting birds is proposed to locate the source of the DDE/DDT.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title DDE still high in white-faced ibis eggs from Carson Lake, Nevada
Series title Colonial Waterbirds
DOI 10.2307/1521598
Volume 20
Issue 3
Year Published 1997
Language English
Publisher Waterbird Society
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description 7 p.
First page 478
Last page 484
Country United States
State Nevada
Other Geospatial Carson Lake
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