Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Honors Thesis (Open Access)
Department
Colby College. Environmental Studies Program
Advisor(s)
Gail Carlson
Second Advisor
Philip Nyhus
Third Advisor
William McDowell
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as those from plastics and pesticides, have been hypothesized to affect wildlife populations. According to the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, EDCs ‘are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife.’ A growing number of studies suggest wildlife are being exposed to EDCs, but how EDCs affect wildlife health and wildlife conservation is less well-understood. Through scientific literature analysis and a survey of wildlife conservationists and practitioners, this study aims to determine the current state of knowledge and data gaps of EDCs and effects on wildlife conservation.
Keywords
EDCs, wildlife conservation, survey, endocrine disruption
Recommended Citation
Reed, Eda, "The Impact of Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals on Wildlife Conservation" (2016). Honors Theses. Paper 837.https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/honorstheses/837
Included in
Animal Sciences Commons, Animal Studies Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health Commons, Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology Commons