Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Metal accumulation in bobcats in the Southeastern USA

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are wide-ranging mammals found throughout the continental USA. As carnivores near the top of their food chain, bobcats would seem to be a useful bioindicator of metal pollution in terrestrial environments. However, there is very limited research on bobcats in toxicology studies. Here, we offer the first analysis of metal (copper, selenium, silver, and zinc) contaminants in the livers of wild bobcats. Liver tissues from 120 adult bobcats (i.e., estimated to be ≥1 year old) were collected from 2003 to 2006 at four sites in Georgia and Florida, USA that experienced relatively similar levels of human disturbance. We found no differences in metal concentrations between males and females. At two of the sites sampled over three consecutive years, there was substantial year-to-year variation in the concentrations of Cu, Se, and Zn. We also documented some variation between sites, but only between sites sampled in different years, which may reflect additional temporal, rather than spatial, variation. Concentrations of Cu and Ag were significantly positively correlated with one another, as were concentrations of Se and Zn. Contrary to expectation, there were no significant relationships between body weight and metal concentrations. Finally, comparison with results from previous metal toxicology studies of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) and Virginia opossums (Didelphis virgianus), collected from the same sites during the same years, showed differential patterns of accumulation across species, suggesting that ecological lifestyle is an important influence on metal accumulation. This study provides reference levels of metal contaminants in the liver of bobcats as well as insight into metal accumulation in a top level carnivore.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aaseth, J., & Norseth, T. (1986). Copper. In L. Friberg, G. F. Nordberg, & V. B. Vouk (Eds.), Handbook on the toxicology of metals. Second edition. Volume II: specific metals (pp. 233–254). New York: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avsaroglu, D. T., Inal, T. C., Demir, M., Attila, G., Acarturk, E., Evlice, Y. E., & Kayrin, L. (2005). Biochemical indicators and cardiac functions tests in chronic alcohol abusers. Croatian Medical Journal, 46, 233–237.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bielmyer, G. K., Tomasso, J., Gatlin, D., Isely, J., & Klaine, S. J. (2005). Responses of hybrid striped bass to waterborne and dietary copper in freshwater and saltwater. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C., 140, 131–137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bielmyer, G. K., Tomasso, J., & Klaine, S. J. (2006). Physiological responses of hybrid striped bass to aqueous copper in freshwater and saltwater. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 50, 531–538.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bilandzic, N., Sedak, M., Dokic, M., & Simic, B. (2012). Metal concentrations in tissues of wild boar of continental Croatia. International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2, 6–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burger, J., Lord, C. G., Yurkow, E. J., & McGrath, L. (2000). Metals and metallothionein in the liver of raccoons: utility for environmental assessment and monitoring. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, 60, 243–261.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Casarett, L. J., Doull, J., & Klaasen, C. D. (2008). Casarett and Doull’s toxicology: the basic science of poisons (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cesur, S., Cebeci, S. A., Kavas, G. O., Aksaray, S., & Tezeren, D. (2005). Serum copper and zinc concentrations in patients with chronic hepatitis. British Journal of Infection Control, 51, 38–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, C. C. H., Walden, R. J., Graham, B., Gillham, C., Davies, S., & Prichard, B. N. C. (1991). Trace element and vitamin deficiency in alcoholic and control subjects. Alcohol, 26, 541–548.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Crowe, D. M. (1975). Aspects of ageing, growth, and reproduction of bobcats from Wyoming. Journal of Mammalogy, 56, 177–198.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cumbie, P. M. (1975). Mercury in hair of bobcats and raccoons. Journal of Wildlife Management, 39, 419–425.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cumbie, P. M., Jenkins, J. H. (1974). Mercury accumulation in native mammals of the southeast. In Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Game and Fish Commissioners. United States.

  • Eisler, R. (1985). Selenium hazards to fish, wildlife, and invertebrates: a synoptic review. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Biological Science Report, 5, 1–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisler, R. (1993). Zinc hazards to fish, wildlife, and invertebrates: a synoptic review. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Science Report, 10, 106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisler, R. (1996). Silver hazards to fish, wildlife, and invertebrates: a synoptic review. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Biological Science Report, 32, 1–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eisler, R. (1997). Copper hazards to fish, wildlife, and invertebrates: a synoptic review. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Biological Science Report, 33, 1–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feleafel, M. N., & Mirdad, Z. M. (2013). Hazard and effects of pollution by lead on vegetable crops. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 26, 547–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fleming, W. J., Gutenmann, W. H., & Lisk, D. J. (1979). Selenium in tissues of woodchucks inhabiting fly ash landfills. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 21, 1–3.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Flora, S. J., Mittal, M., & Mehta, A. (2008). Heavy metal induced oxidative stress and its possible reversal by chelation therapy. Indian Journal of Medical Research, 128, 501–523.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gaines, K. F., Romanek, C. S., Boring, C. S., Lord, C. G., Gochfeld, M., & Burger, J. (2002). Using raccoons as an indicator species for metal accumulation across trophic levels: a stable isotope approach. Journal of Wildlife Management, 66, 811–821.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goyer, R. (1996). Toxic effects of metals. In C. D. Klaassen (Ed.), Casarett & Doull’s toxicology (pp. 691–736). New York: McGraw-Hill.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guidotti, T. L., Audette, R. J., & Martin, C. J. (1997). Interpretation of the trace metal analysis profile for patients occupationally exposed to metals. Occupational Medicine, 47, 497–503.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jarvis, T. A., Lockhart, J. M., Loughry, W. J., & Bielmyer, G. K. (2013). Metal accumulation in wild nine-banded armadillos. Ecotoxicology, 22, 1053–1062.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, J. H., & Smith, N. S. (1979). Bobcat density and prey selection in Central Arizona. Journal of Wildlife Management, 43, 666–672.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Larivière, S., & Walton, L. R. (1997). Lynx rufus. Mammalian Species, 563, 1–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Litvaitis, J. A., Stevens, C. L., & Mautz, W. W. (1984). Age, sex, and weight of bobcats in relation to winter diet. Journal of Wildlife Management, 48, 632–635.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lockhart, J. M., Siddiqui, S., Loughry, W. J., & Bielmyer-Fraser, G. K. (2016). Metal accumulation in wild-caught opossum. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 188, 317.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lombardi, G., Lanzirotti, A., Qualls, C., Socola, F., Ali, A. M., & Appenzeller, O. (2012). Five hundred years of mercury exposure and adaptation. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, 2012, 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Loughry, W. J., & McDonough, C. M. (1996). Are road kills valid indicators of armadillo population structure? American Midland Naturalist, 135, 53–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Luoma, S. N., Hogstrand, C., Bell, R. A., Bielmyer, G. K., Galvez, F., LeBlanc, G. A., Lee, B. G., Purcell, T. W., Santore, R. C., Santschi, P. H., & Shaw, J. R. (1999). In A. W. Andren & T. W. Bober (Eds.), Silver in the environment: transport, fate, and effects (pp. 65–97). Madison, Wisconsin, USA: University of Wisconsin Sea Grant.

    Google Scholar 

  • Main, W. P. L., Ross, C., & Bielmyer, G. K. (2010). Copper accumulation and oxidative stress in the sea anemone, Aiptasia pallida, after waterborne copper exposure. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C, 151, 216–221.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mariniakova, M., Omelka, R., Stawarz, R., & Formicki, G. (2011). Accumulation of lead, cadmium, nickel, iron, copper, and zinc in bones of small mammals from polluted areas in Slovakia. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 21, 153–158.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDonough, C. M., Lockhart, J. M., & Loughry, W. J. (2007). Population dynamics of nine-banded armadillos: insights from a removal experiment. Southeastern Naturalist, 6, 381–392.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Millan, J., Mateo, R., Taggart, M. A., Lopez-Bao, J. V., Viota, M., Monsalve, L., Camarero, P. R., Blazquez, E., & Jimenez, B. (2008). Levels of heavy metals and metalloids in critically endangered Iberian lynx and other wild carnivores from southern Spain. Science of the Total Environment, 399, 193–201.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mullally, A. M., Vogelsang, G. B., & Moliterno, A. R. (2004). Wasted sheep and premature infants: the role of trace metals in hematopoiesis. Blood Reviews, 18, 227–234.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nriagu, J. O., & Skaar, E. P. (2015). Trace metals and infectious diseases. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Nwokocha, C. R., Owu, D. U., Nwokocha, M. I., Ufearo, C. S., & Iwuala, M. O. E. (2012). Comparative study on the efficacy of Allium sativum (garlic) in reducing some heavy metal accumulation in liver of wistar rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 50, 222–256.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Prasad, A. S. (1979). Clinical, biochemical, and pharmacological role of zinc. Annual reviews in pharmacology and. Toxicology, 20, 393–426.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pyati, R., Bielmyer, G. K., Chalk, S., McCarthy, D., McCarthy, H., Pinto, G., Sonnenberg, L., Welsh, P. (2012). Case study: St. Johns river basin, USA. In: Fourth United Nations World Water Development Report, World Water Assessment Programme 2012. UNESCO Publishing, France.

  • Riley, M. R., Boesewetter, D. E., Kim, A. M., & Francisco, P. S. (2003). Effects of metals Cu, Fe, Ni, V, and Zn on rat lung epithelial cells. Toxicology, 190, 171–182.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, N. M., & Crimmins, S. H. (2010). Bobcat population status and management in North America: evidence of large-scale population increase. Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, 2, 169–174.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roggeman, S., de Boeck, G., De Cock, H., Blust, R., & Bervoets, L. (2014). Accumulation and detoxification of metals and arsenic in tissues of cattle (Bos taurus), and the risks for human consumption. Science of the Total Environment, 466-467, 175–184.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shore, R. F., & Rattner, B. A. (Eds.) (2001). Ecotoxicology of wild mammals. Ecotoxicology and environmental toxicology series. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki, K., Oyama, R., Hayashi, E., & Arakawa, Y. (1996). Liver disease and essential trace elements. Nihon Rinsho, 54, 85–92.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, B. S., Goodkin, N. F., Angeline, N., Switzer, A. D., You, C. F., & Hughen, K. (2011). Temporal distributions of anthropogenic Al, Zn, and Pb in Hong Kong Porites Coral during the last two centuries. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 63, 508–515.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wijnhoven, S., Leuven, R. S. E. W., van der Velde, G., Jungheim, G., Koelemij, E. I., de Vries, F. T., Eijsackers, H. J. P., & Smits, A. J. M. (2007). Heavy-metal concentrations in small mammals from a diffusely polluted floodplain: importance of species-and location-specific characteristics. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 52, 603–613.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the USDA-WS for collection of the samples, and Samreen Siddiqui and Eric Barber for assistance in analyzing some of the samples. Thanks also to Corey Anderson for advice on statistical analyses. We are grateful for the comments of two anonymous reviewers in improving this paper.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA, USA

    Rachel K. Thomason, J. Mitchell Lockhart & W. J. Loughry

  2. Department of Chemistry, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA

    Gretchen K. Bielmyer-Fraser

Authors
  1. Rachel K. Thomason
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. Mitchell Lockhart
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. W. J. Loughry
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Gretchen K. Bielmyer-Fraser
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gretchen K. Bielmyer-Fraser.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Thomason, R.K., Lockhart, J.M., Loughry, W.J. et al. Metal accumulation in bobcats in the Southeastern USA. Environ Monit Assess 188, 565 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5587-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5587-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation