Effect of land use on the concentrations of trace elements and heavy metals in the hair of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

ABSTRACT: Increased exposure to environmental contaminants is a concern for local koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations where massive transformation or loss of habitat has occurred over the past century as a consequence of increased urbanisation and industrial and agricultural practices. The koala is a specialist eucalypt feeder that relies on an almost exclusive diet of eucalypt foliage. Eucalypts can accumulate elements to varying degrees. Chronic ingestion and bioaccumulation could potentially affect the metabolic pathways of koalas and consequently interfere with detoxification of eucalypt plant secondary metabolites, reduce food intake, and cause long-term health effects. This field study provides the first evidence of the significance of the environmental factor, land use, region and host

SUBMITTER: Marschner C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313856 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature