A comprehensive study spanning 17 years has highlighted the alarming spread of mercury contamination to tropical birds, impacting biodiversity in Central and South America and the West Indies. The research involved collecting feather, blood, and tissue samples from 322 bird species across nine countries, making it the world’s largest database on mercury concentrations in birds.
Mercury’s Impact on Tropical Bird Biodiversity
Mercury contamination has been a growing concern in tropical regions, but its impact on bird biodiversity was not fully understood. The study, led by conservation biologist Chris Sayers from the University of California Los Angeles, serves as a significant wake-up call for international bird conservation in tropical areas. Tropical bird biodiversity has been declining in recent decades, and this research suggests that mercury may be a contributing factor.
Mercury and Gold Mining
Mercury is used by gold miners to separate gold from sediment. Artisanal gold mining, which is often conducted illegally in protected areas or informally outside reserves, has been a major source of mercury pollution in the tropics. The study adds to the growing understanding of how this mercury contamination affects wildlife in tropical regions.
Impact on Ecosystem Health
Birds are sensitive to mercury pollution and serve as indicators of ecosystem health. The high levels of mercury recorded in songbirds, especially those consuming meat or living in aquatic habitats, underscore the severity of the issue. Mercury contamination hotspots were identified in regions like Madre de Dios, Peru, Ayapel, Colombia, and central Belize, with local activities like gold mining and emissions from landfill incineration or coal combustion contributing to the problem.
Health Effects of Mercury
Mercury contamination can cause neurological illness, immune diseases, and reproductive failure in humans and wildlife. The study’s findings highlight the need for conservation efforts and awareness to mitigate the impact of mercury contamination on tropical bird populations.
