High exposure rates of anticoagulant rodenticides in carnivorous birds and mammals in Danish landscapes

Abstract

We analyzed anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in birds of prey, owls and small mustelids to assess exposure rates and levels in Denmark. ARs were detected in 84-97% of individuals in all species. High AR prevalences and concentrations were recorded in all seasons in both birds and mammals. Prevalence of ARs was considerably higher than reported elsewhere with similar exposure scenarios. Further research on the potential effects of these high AR exposure levels on population levels of non-target species is warranted.

Keywords

• HPLC
• mustelids
• non-target species
• owls
• raptors
• secondary poisoning