Dr. Steven Buskirk
Department of Zoology and Physiology
University of Wyoming
Abstract: The movement and concentration of heavy metals
through food webs terminating in vertebrates is of general
scientific and public interest. Some metals, particularly Cd,
Zn, Pb and Cu have the potential to bioaccumulate in vertebrates
of importance to humans. High concentrations of metals in
vertebrates can be important because humans eat them, or because
they are of conservation concern. The snowshoe hare approaches
the southern limit of its boreo-montane distribution in the
southern Rocky Mountains. It presumably attains low densities
compared to those in the northern part of its range. Snowshoe
hares are hunted by humans for food, and are important prey of
several vertebrates of conservation concern, including the
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentiles) and Canada lynx (Lynx
canadensis). Therefore, the potential effects of metals
accumulation in snowshoe hares, either via natural processes or
mining-caused mobilization of metals near the surface, has
important implications for the management of both of these
species. Objectives: 1). Estimate the concentrations of Cd and
Zn in livers and kidneys of snowshoe hares from sites with and
without histories of mining within the mineralized belt of the
southern Colorado Rockies. 2). Estimate the population densities
of snowshoe hares on two trapping grids positioned on
vegetatively homogenous sites with histories of mining in the
upper Henson Creek area, Colorado. The sites will be selected in
consultation with representatives of BLM-Colorado. 3). Collect
and necropsy the kidneys and other tissues of snowshoe hares for
lesions typical of chronic Cd or Zn toxification.
Funding Agency:
Bureau of Land Management
Modification #: KAF020002
$23, 124
Effective Dates: 5/16/02 – 9/30/03
