Conservation Science
Contaminants biologists in Region 3 conduct studies to identify problems from exposure to pollutants in migratory birds, endangered species, anadromous fishes, and on National Wildlife Refuges. The goals of studies are to develop resource management recommendations to mitigate problems.
Partnership exams the health of Neotropical migratory birds using the Mississippi River corridor for migration A study team of scientists from Illinois Wesleyan University, Illinois State University, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Environmental Contaminants Program, and others capture and test birds while on their migration route from Latin American to the Central United States. The study objective is to determine whether the birds have accumulated harmful concentrations of pesticides. The pesticides tested include those that have been banned from the United States, but still in use by some Latin American countries. Seventy two birds of 11 species were tested with 66 of them containing the now banned pesticide chemicals. Tracking the presence of harmful chemicals help scientists monitor the health of migratory bird populations.
Click here to see abstract or to purchase journal article
The indigo bunting is a neotropical migrant that winters in Latin America. Photograph by USFWS; T. Barnes.
Other Research Projects:
Cedar River Mussel Biomonitoring
To request more information, please contact:
Mike Coffey
Environmental Contaminants Program Team Leader
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1511 47th Avenue
Moline, IL 61265
Email: Michael_Coffey@fws.gov
Phone: 309-757-5800 Extension 206
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