Christine A. Bishop - Böcker

Many books have now been published in the broad field of environmental toxicology.  However, to date, none of have presented the often fascinating stories of the wildlife science, and the steps along the way from discovery of problems caused by environmental pollutants to the regulatory and non-regulatory efforts to address the problems.  This book provides case by case examinations of how toxic chemical effects on wildlife have brought about policy and regulatory decisions, and positive changes in environmental conditions.  Wild animal stories, whether they are about the disappearance of charismatic top predators, or of grossly deformed embryos or frogs, provide powerful symbols that can and have captured the public's imagination and have resulted in increased awareness by decision makers.  It is the intent of this book to present factual and balanced overviews and summaries of the science and the subsequent regulatory processes that followed to effect change (or not).  We cover a variety of chemicals and topics beginning with an update of the classic California coastal DDT story of eggshell thinning and avian reproduction to more recent cases, such as the veterinarian pharmaceutical that has brought three species of Asian vultures to the brink of extinction.  Researchers, regulators, educators, NGOs and the general public will find valuable insights into the processes and mechanisms involved both in environmental scientific investigation and in efforts to effect positive change.

Building on the success of its popular predecessor, the second edition of Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles presents newly available findings on the species that are important environmental indicators. This new edition covers nearly twice as many topics as the first, including recent developments in the ecotoxicology of amphibians and reptiles, the current status of these animals, and intrinsic factors that affect their susceptibility to contaminants. The book also provides the latest information on specific groups of contaminants and their effects and body burdens in herpetafauna. After a review of how contaminants interact with other ecological factors, the text explores concerns for the future. New in the second edition: New research on the effects of pesticides, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and UVBIncreased focus on the effects of contaminants rather than merely reporting residue informationA synthesis of information on atrazine and its effects on gonads at low concentrationsCoverage of the potentially alarming new cadre of chemicals that have recently or are about to come on the market for which there is very little or no informationImportant advances in surveying and monitoringOne of the major factors behind the writing of the first edition was the worldwide phenomenon of declining amphibian populations. Although this decline has not abated, the breadth of research into its causes has expanded significantly. With chapter contributors carefully selected by the team of editors as leaders in their fields, this book provides an authoritative compendium of the most recent information on effects and residues coupled with a syntheses of what these numbers mean to science and policy.