The second edition of Handbook of Ecotoxicology, a reference text nearly 1300 pages in length, was just published and exhibited by CRC Press at the annual Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry meeting in Salt Lake City. This edition was written as an update to the first edition (1995), a best seller for Lewis Publisher/CRC Press. The editors include David J. Hoffman and Barnett A. Rattner of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, G. Allen Burton, Jr. of Wright State University and John Cairns, Jr. of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

This book focuses on toxic substances as well as other anthropogenic disturbances and how they affect ecosystems worldwide. It presents methods for quantifying and measuring ecotoxicological effects in the lab and field, as well as methods for estimating, predicting, and modeling ecotoxicological phenomena. Completely revised and updated with 18 new chapters, this second edition includes contributions from over 75 international experts, including many USGS scientists. New topics include exposure and sensitivity of amphibians to environmental contaminants; endocrine disrupters; the role of environmental contaminants in species endangerment; the role of ecotoxicology in industrial ecology and natural capitalism; nutrient and contaminant interactions; indirect effects of pesticides on wildlife; genetic effects of contaminant exposure and potential impact on animal populations. Other new chapters include QSARs, selenium, wildlife and contaminated soil remediation, impact of urban runoff, and ecological risk assessment examples. Six new case histories illustrating environmental contaminant disruption of natural ecosystems are provided. Further information on the content of this book can be found at http://www.CRCpress.com 

Contact: Dr. David Hoffman 301-497-5712

Shealer, DA. and J. A. Spendelow. 2002. Individual foraging strategies of kleptoparasitic Roseate Terns. Waterbirds 25(4)436-441.

We describe the kleptoparasitic behavior of ten adult Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) breeding at a colony at Falkner Island, Connecticut, USA between 1995 and 1998. These birds were considered habitual kleptoparasites because they stole fish repeatedly from other terns in every year they were observed at the site. No other breeding individuals were observed attempting to steal fish during our study. Kleptoparasitic techniques included aerial piracy, ground-based attacks, and deceptive behavior, but with one exception, each individual used one method exclusively. Success varied among individuals, but overall, kleptoparasites obtained prey at a significantly higher rate than did "honest" foragers. Eight of the ten kleptoparasites were females, suggesting a sex-biased tendency in Roseate Terns to engage in this behavior. Our observations indicate that kleptoparasitism by Roseate Terns is a specialized behavior, used regularly by only a few individuals at this breeding colony. This conclusion is consistent with a recent theoretical prediction regarding kleptoparasitism in birds.

Contact: Dr. Jeff Spendelow 301-497-5665

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