![]() ![]() Moreover, it is free and relatively quick to obtain the source of data that would often be difficult to receive by traditional research methods. In particular, it applies to social networks like YouTube, Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, which allow the collection of large-scale data from various fields of science 34. Alternative data sources, other than conventional scientific literature, can provide completely new information or supplement existing knowledge 33, 37. Reasons for this trend are the dynamic development of technology, easy access to the Internet, and a resulting increased flow of information 35, 36. In recent years, scientists are increasingly embracing Internet resources, especially when data from the literature appear to be outdated or insufficient 33, 34. However, to our knowledge there are no reports suggesting the potential risk of discarded containers for birds and larger mammals such as ungulates or carnivores. Despite reports suggesting that invertebrates are the most threatened 28, 29, 30, most authors have focused on the effect of litter traps on small mammals 23, 25, 26, 31 and there are only single reports mentioning mortality of amphibians or reptiles 22, 23, 32. Consequently, a vast number of containers constitute a lethal trap for animals. Additionally, some rodents use discarded containers as shelter or enter containers during exploratory activities 25, 26, 27. Animals dying in this way can also be “bait” for other, e.g. The characteristic smell of putrefaction attracts many animals, which may suffer injury or get trapped when trying to extract food remains 21, 22, 23, 24. Animals can ingest directly (when consuming prey or attacking items resembling prey) or indirectly (by ingesting prey which itself contains debris) small particles such as micro- or macro-plastic 16, 17, but also bigger items such as single-use plastic bags, bottles, ropes, and fishing lines which commonly cause internal injuries or death 13, 18, 19.ĭiscarded food and beverage containers are currently one of the most common litter categories in the environment 20 and offer a specific kind of ecological trap. Anthropogenic products are ingested by both terrestrial and aquatic fauna 13, 14, 15. Another problem is that some litter becomes evolutionary traps for animals which confuse them with mates or food 12. Animals get used to the presence of litter and some groups even prefer littered habitats 8 and use anthropogenic particles for nest building 9 or to nest inside 10, 11. Over time, litter that accumulates in the environment becomes a permanent element of ecosystems or even creates new ecosystems like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch 7. by penetration of toxic substances into the soil 4 and water 5, or the release of greenhouse gases 6. Landfilled sites poses a serious threat to ecosystems, e.g. In 2016, more than two billion tons of debris were produced worldwide 3. Currently, one of the major environmental challenges is litter pollution 2, 3. Growing human population and urbanization has led to a decrease in natural habitats and thus to human-wildlife conflicts 1. ![]() In order to address this phenomenon, it is necessary to decrease a global production of debris, implement container deposit legislation and organize repeatable cleanup actions. Our results demonstrate that discarded containers can be a threat to all major groups of animals. In most cases, animals were trapped in glass or plastic jars (32.4%), drink cans (16.5%), and steel cans (16.3%). Although most trapped individuals were smaller animals, bigger ones such as monitor lizards ( Varanus spp.) or large carnivores were also recorded. Nearly 12.5% of the determined vertebrates are classified as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered, according to the IUCN. ![]() The latter group was most frequently represented by mammals (78.5% of all cases), then reptiles (15.3%), birds (1.2%), fish (1.0%) and amphibians (0.4%). These include invertebrates (17 taxa, ca.1050 dead individuals), and vertebrates (98 taxa, 496 individuals including 44 carcasses). A total of 503 records from around the world (51 countries, 6 continents) have been found. We have analyzed online media, to assess the diversity of animals that are prone to getting trapped in discarded containers and check which kind of containers is the most common trap for animals. The widespread occurrence of litter is a severe threat to global ecosystems.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |