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Dieldrin and Eggshell Thickness in Ducks

Nature volume 224, pages 1218–1219 (1969)Cite this article

Abstract

CHLORINATED hydrocarbons may cause reproductive failure in several vertebrate species, and their presence seems to be related to the eggshell quality of birds. Raptors in Britain, including the peregrine (Falco peregrinus), sparrow hawk (Accipiter nisus) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), have reproduced less successfully with the increased use of chlorinated hydrocarbons, especially DDT1–3, and egg breakage in the nest seems to be a major part of the phenomenon. Increased egg breakage in raptors and herring gulls (Larus argentatus) has also been correlated with DDT residues in the eggs4,5.

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Author notes

  1. PHILIP N. LEHNER

    Present address: Department of Zoology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80521

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Utah Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Wildlife Resources, Utah State University, Logan

    PHILIP N. LEHNER & ALLAN EGBERT

Authors
  1. PHILIP N. LEHNER
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  2. ALLAN EGBERT
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LEHNER, P., EGBERT, A. Dieldrin and Eggshell Thickness in Ducks. Nature 224, 1218–1219 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/2241218a0

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