The combined effect of various pesticides decreases the reproductive capacity of the booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). Source: Fabrizio Sergio (EBD-CSIC)
Despite the fact that the Doñana National Park has the highest level of legal protection, pesticides from nearby agricultural activities put the reproductive success of some birds at risk. This is the outcome of a study developed by the Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) and the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), which detected 26 pesticides in eggs of 7 species of birds in Doñana in the period from 1999 to 2021.
Researchers have observed a change in the trend in the use of these compounds in agricultural areas around the park and warn that the combined effect of these pesticides decreases the booted eagle’s reproductive capacity.
“Even if the pesticide levels are apparently innocuous individually, synergistic interactions can occur, affecting the reproduction and with medium-long-term negative impact on bird populations,” concludes Ethel Eljarrat, IDAEA researcher and main author of the study.
Nota de prensa (ESP)
Nota de premsa (CAT)
The combined effect of various pesticides decreases the reproductive capacity of the booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). Source: Fabrizio Sergio (EBD-CSIC)
Despite the fact that the Doñana National Park has the highest level of legal protection, pesticides from nearby agricultural activities put the reproductive success of some birds at risk. This is the outcome of a study developed by the Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) and the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), which detected 26 pesticides in eggs of 7 species of birds in Doñana in the period from 1999 to 2021.
Researchers have observed a change in the trend in the use of these compounds in agricultural areas around the park and warn that the combined effect of these pesticides decreases the booted eagle’s reproductive capacity.
“Even if the pesticide levels are apparently innocuous individually, synergistic interactions can occur, affecting the reproduction and with medium-long-term negative impact on bird populations,” concludes Ethel Eljarrat, IDAEA researcher and main author of the study.
