| Abstrakt: |
The article discusses the contaminants in eggs of western snowy plovers and California least terns, and assesses whether there is a link to population decline. Environmental contaminants may have adverse effects on avian reproduction and may be contributing to declines of avian species nesting along the southern California Coast. Examples of impaired reproduction caused by organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and elements such as mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) include delayed ovulation, reduced egg production, defective egg shells, decreased hatchability, embryotoxicosis, aberrant incubation behavior, and mortality of chicks and adults. |
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