US EPA

2180470 

Journal Article 

Studies of the recent breeding success of the peregrine, Falco peregrinus 

Ratcliffe, DA 

1973 

0 

Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement
ISSN: 0449-3087 

PESTAB/75/0595 

19 

Suppl. 

377-389 

English 

4522385 

https://search.proquest.com/docview/82211524?accountid=171501
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PESTAB. In Great Britain in the 1950s, the peregrine, Falco peregrinus, showed a marked decline in number and breeding success. This was attributed mainly to poisoning of birds by organochlorine residues. The use of dieldrin, aldrin, and heptachlor is believed to have exerted an adverse effect on the overall reproductive mechanism in the birds. It has been noted that as DDE concentration increases, eggshell thickness decreases, with the relative effect reaching a maximum at lower residue levels and declining as the levels rise. In addition the organochlorine residues are believed to cause basic biochemical disturbances in the peregrine, and these disturbances manifest themselves as abnormal behavioral responses not conducive to successful breeding. Analysis for dieldrin in six adult peregrines found dead or dying in 1971 revealed liver residues ranging from 2. 0 to 9. 2 ppm; analysis for DDE levels ranged from 5. 0 to 50. 0 ppm. These toxic substances are implicated in impairment of reproduction and enhancement of premature death. 

Insecticides; Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene; 4M7FS82U08; CIW5S16655; Dieldrin; I0246D2ZS0; Index Medicus; Nesting Behavior; Dieldrin -- analysis; Animals; DDT -- adverse effects; United Kingdom; Birds -- physiology; DDT -- analysis; Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene -- analysis; Egg Shell; Liver -- analysis; Breeding; Insecticides -- adverse effects