Data set to work: Land use intensity and trace elements in raptor pellets: evidence from two agricultural regions in Virginia

<p>Agricultural intensification can increase environmental contamination through fertiliser and pesticide use and soil disturbance, with consequences for wildlife and food webs. Raptors are effective bioindicators because they integrate exposure across trophic levels; however, non-invasive matrices beyond feathers and faeces remain underutilised for chemical analysis. Here, we evaluate American Kestrel (<em>Falco sparverius</em>) pellets as a non-invasive tool for monitoring trace element transfer in agricultural landscapes. We compared two regions in northwestern Virginia, USA, that differ strongly in land-use intensity and human population density: an intensively managed, production-oriented landscape (Shenandoah Valley Raptor Study Area) and a more rural system dominated by pastureland and woodland (Highland County). Between May and July 2025, we collected 185 fresh pellets from nest boxes and quantified concentrations of toxic elements (As, Cd, Ni, Pb) and potentially toxic elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) using ICP-MS. Generalised linear mixed models with nest box ID as a random effect revealed higher concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, and Pb in the intensively managed landscape, whereas Cd, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn did not differ between regions. Relative to published data from eastern Poland obtained with the same protocol, Virginia pellets showed markedly higher As, Cr, and Cu, especially at the intensive site, indicating a distinct regional contamination signature. Comparisons with owl pellet studies suggested broadly overlapping ranges for several elements, but consistently elevated Cu and low Ni in Virginia. Our results demonstrate that kestrel pellets capture land-use-related differences in contaminant pathways, highlight element-specific responses to agricultural intensification, and support pellets as a sensitive, readily available matrix for non-invasive biomonitoring in agroecosystems.</p>