RECOVER MAP 3.1.4.10 Effects of environmental mercury exposure on development and reproduction in White Ibises (Eudocimus albus).

The effects of methylmercury in birds have been researched for over 40 yr, but the effects of sublethal exposure in wild birds remain poorly understood, particularly in the context of typical daily challenges in the wild. This study is designed to identify the potential effects of environmentally realistic Hg exposure on development and reproduction in a carnivorous wetland bird under controlled conditions. The work has also been designed to establish a LOAEL for effects of MeHg on development and reproduction in these animals. The approach in this study is to raise White Ibises (Eudocimus albus) in captivity on controlled diets containing different levels of methylmercury exposure, and to examine these birds for treatment effects on health, survival, appetite, behavior and endocrine function. The global hypothesis examined with this project is that MeHg contamination at the levels chosen (see below, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.3 mg MeHg/kg ww in diet) has negative effects upon development, survival and breeding of ciconiform birds (specific predictions for each of these effects are enumerated).