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Publication Date

7-1-2004

Abstract

The White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica, WWDO) is considered one of the most important game birds of the southeastern United States. It generates important income in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas. This region is the historical natural breeding habitat of the species; however, since the 1920s, populations of WWDO have been declining. Reduction of WWDO density has been attributed to the loss of nearly 95% of the natural breeding habitat due to human disturbances, such as agricultural, industrial, and urban development. Nevertheless, some studies point out that native nesting habitat suitable for breeding is being underused, which suggests that processes other than habitat loss might be involved. For example, pesticide use in LRGV could be one of the factors implicated in the WWDO population declines. There is evidence that WWDO have been exposed to pesticides used in agricultural fields; and moreover, it has been hypothesized that WWDO are exposed to anticholinesterase compounds (organophosphates OPs; carbamates CAs) by ingesting contaminated water from irrigated cotton fields. Animals with sublethal cholinesterase depression show physiological and behavioral disorders that may decrease notably their potential for survival and reproduction. Currently there is no information about the amount of OPs or CAs dissolved in water from irrigated crops, or about the level of exposure that results from drinking contaminated water

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