Effects of Oil on Terrestrial Vertebrates: Predicting Impacts of the Macondo Blowout

In addition to external oiling, marine oil spills may affect vertebrate animals through degradation of habitat; alterations in food web structure; and contamination of resources by toxic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These processes are not well understood for vertebrates br...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioscience 2014-09, Vol.64 (9), p.820-828
Main Authors: BERGEON BURNS, CHRISTINE M., OLIN, JILL A., WOLTMANN, STEFAN, STOUFFER, PHILIP C, TAYLOR, SABRINA S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coastal ecology
Effects
Environmental degradation
GoMRI-sponsored Special Section Articles
Impact analysis
Land degradation
Marshes
Oil spills
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Predictions
Rats
Rice
Salt marshes
Sparrows
Species
Terrestrial ecosystems
Vertebrates
Wetland ecology
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Summary:In addition to external oiling, marine oil spills may affect vertebrate animals through degradation of habitat; alterations in food web structure; and contamination of resources by toxic compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These processes are not well understood for vertebrates breeding and foraging in terrestrial ecosystems affected by oil, such as coastal marshes that were heavily oiled following the 2010 Macondo oil spill. Here, we review what is known about the ecological and physiological effects of oil exposure on vertebrates in general. We then apply these concepts to salt-marsh vertebrates, with special reference to our ongoing monitoring of impacts and recovery in the seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus) and marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) in Louisiana following the Macondo spill.
ISSN:0006-3568
1525-3244
DOI:10.1093/biosci/biu124