Wild animal stories, whether they are about the disappearance of charismatic top predators, or of grossly deformed embryos or frogs, provide powerful symbols that can and have captured the public's imagination and have resulted in increased awareness by decision makers. A new book on wildlife ecotoxicology provides insight into the processes and mechanisms involved both in environmental scientific investigation and in efforts to effect positive change. A variety of chemicals and topics are covered, from the impact of legacy pollutants such as dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls in birds, to controversial issues of herbicides and amphibians, and the recent case of the veterinarian pharmaceutical that has brought three species of Asian vultures to the brink of extinction. Researchers, regulators, educators, non-governmental organizations, and the general public will find this book valuable.

Wildlife Ecotoxicology: Forensic Approaches is edited by Environment Canada’s Drs. John Elliott and Christine Bishop, and Dr. Christy Morrissey of the University of Saskatchewan, and published by Springer New York in their series Emerging Topics in Ecotoxicology. Chapters were authored by Environment Canada’s Dr. Tony Scheuhammer and Laurie Wilson. Copies can be purchased from the publisher online.

Dr. Elliott’s other recent activities include an expert panel (September 21 to 22, 2011; Seattle, Washington, U.S.A.) related to the development of protocols for injury determination of polychlorinated biphenyl effects on fish, birds, and amphibians at Natural Resource Damage, Assessment, and Restoration sites. The panel used as a focus for discussion a severely contaminated site in Anniston, Alabama, where polychlorinated biphenyls were manufactured for more than 40 years. As well, he was recently appointed to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s Evolution and Ecology Evaluation Group for the Discovery Grant process.

Dr. Bishop currently chairs the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry World Council Advisory group on Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles.

Contacts: Dr. John Elliott, 604-940-4680, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division; Dr. Christine Bishop, 604-940-4671, Wildlife Research Division