Organochlorine Contaminants in Migrant and Resident Prey of Peregrine Falcons, Falco peregrinus, Venezuela, and Mexico

The levels of organochlorine contaminants in the bodies of Peregrine Falcons prey species were surveyed via a series of collections conducted in Panama, Mexico, and Venezuela. Samples were gathered from 1984-89 in the fall and spring. For samples collected in the fall, mean DDE levels varied between 0.28-0.68 ppm. For samples collected in the spring, mean DDE levels varied from 0.02-1.12 ppm. Samples collected in Mexico during the spring had DDE levels uniformly above the 1.00 ppm associated with decreased productivity in the predator species. Of the birds collected in the fall, certain prey species also had DDE concentrations above 1.00 ppm. Future research needed to help isolate problem areas is discussed.