Modelling the impact of toxic and disturbance stress on white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) populations

Ecotoxicology. 2012 Jan;21(1):27-36. doi: 10.1007/s10646-011-0760-8. Epub 2011 Aug 23.

Abstract

Several studies have related breeding success and survival of sea eagles to toxic or non-toxic stress separately. In the present investigation, we analysed single and combined impacts of both toxic and disturbance stress on populations of white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), using an analytical single-species model. Chemical and eco(toxico)logical data reported from laboratory and field studies were used to parameterise and validate the model. The model was applied to assess the impact of ∑PCB, DDE and disturbance stress on the white-tailed eagle population in The Netherlands. Disturbance stress was incorporated through a 1.6% reduction in survival and a 10-50% reduction in reproduction. ∑PCB contamination from 1950 up to 1987 was found to be too high to allow the return of white-tailed eagle as a breeding species in that period. ∑PCB and population trends simulated for 2006-2050 suggest that future population growth is still reduced. Disturbance stress resulted in a reduced population development. The combination of both toxic and disturbance stress varied from a slower population development to a catastrophical reduction in population size, where the main cause was attributed to the reduction in reproduction of 50%. Application of the model was restricted by the current lack of quantitative dose-response relationships between non-toxic stress and survival and reproduction. Nevertheless, the model provides a first step towards integrating and quantifying the impacts of multiple stressors on white-tailed eagle populations.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DDT / toxicity*
  • Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene / toxicity*
  • Eagles*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Models, Biological*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / toxicity*
  • Population Density
  • Population Dynamics
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Reproduction / drug effects
  • Stress, Physiological

Substances

  • Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene
  • DDT
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls