Temporal trends of inorganic elements in a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) population from south west Spain

摘要

Historical variations (1966-2016) in the exposure to inorganic elements in raptors of South West Spain have been little studied. Therefore, uncertainty exists concerning whether environmental or anthropogenic inputs, as well as dietary strategy shift, may cause changes in exposure patterns. To address this gap, essential and non-essential inorganic elements were measured in Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) feathers from museum specimens and free-living individuals spanning a 50-year period. Moreover, stable isotopes of delta C-13 and delta N-15 were also measured as proxies of Common kestrel feeding ecology over time. In general, all elements showed significant increasing trends overtime, suggesting changes of inputs from local sources. Moreover, delta N-15 signatures were correlated to the variations in Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn concentrations, suggesting trophic changes in this kestrel population as well as possible biomagnification processes. Finally, some values of Cr, Mn and Pb were above the threshold concentrations of potential toxicity. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.