Network analysis to reveal the most commonly detected compounds in predator-prey pairs in freshwater and marine mammals and fish in Europe.

Marine and freshwater mammalian predators and fish samples, retrieved from environmental specimen banks (ESBs), natural history museum (NHMs) and other scientific collections, were analysed by LIFE APEX partners for a wide range of legacy and emerging contaminants (2545 in total). Network analysis was used to visualize the chemical occurrence data and reveal the predominant chemical mixtures for the freshwater and marine environments. For this purpose, a web tool was created to explore these chemical mixtures in predator-prey pairs.

First evidence of widespread anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Germany.

Exposure of wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) has been extensively documented for species directly or indirectly linked to pest rodents via the terrestrial food web. Recently, the scientific focus extended to a former blind spot, namely AR emissions to the aquatic environment, and provided clear evidence of AR residues in freshwater fish. As second-generation ARs are likely to be transferred along the aquatic food chain, a total of 122 Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) individuals found dead in Germany between 2005 and 2021 were investigated to shed more light on resultant environmental risks.

Present in the Aquatic Environment, Unclear Evidence in Top Predators-The Unknown Effects of Anti-Seizure Medication on Eurasian Otters () from Northern Germany.

Emerging contaminants are produced globally at high rates and often ultimately find their way into the aquatic environment. These include substances contained in anti-seizure medication (ASM), which are currently appearing in surface waters at increasing concentrations in Germany. Unintentional and sublethal, chronic exposure to pharmaceuticals such as ASMs has unknown consequences for aquatic wildlife.

Back from Exile? First Records of Chewing Lice (; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) in Growing Eurasian Otter () Populations from Northern Germany.

Arthropod ectoparasites of aquatic wildlife often have complex relationships with their host species that have developed over long evolutionary time scales. Specialist parasite occurrence might depend on these hosts' distributions. Eurasian otter () populations are recovering in Northern German federal states, such as Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony.

Assessment of contaminants of emerging concern in European apex predators and their prey by LC-QToF MS wide-scope target analysis.

Apex predators are good indicators of environmental pollution since they are relatively long-lived and their high trophic position and spatiotemporal exposure to chemicals provides insights into the persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) properties of chemicals. Although monitoring data from apex predators can considerably support chemicals' management, there is a lack of pan-European studies, and longer-term monitoring of chemicals in organisms from higher trophic levels. The present study investigated the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in 67 freshwater, marine and terrestrial apex predators and in freshwater and marine prey, gathered from four European countries.

Deciphering Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra L.) and seal (Phoca vitulina L.; Halichoerus grypus F.) diet: Metabarcoding tailored for fresh and saltwater fish species.

Long-lived top predators shape biodiversity structure in their ecosystems and predator-prey interactions are critical in decoding how communities function. Studies on the foraging ecology of seals and Eurasian otters in Western Europe are outdated and most studies solely performed traditional hard part analysis. Molecular metabarcoding can be used as an innovative noninvasive diet analysis tool, which has proven efficient and complementary to hard part analysis, however, lacking application in the wider North Sea area.

Infections with highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (HPAIV) H5N8 in harbor seals at the German North Sea coast, 2021.

In brain tissue of three harbor seals of the German North Sea coast, high virus loads of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N8 were detected. Identification of different virus variants indicates high exposure to HPAIV circulating in wild birds, but there is no evidence for H5 specific antibodies in healthy seals. Replication of avian viruses in seals may allow HPAIV to acquire mutations needed to adapt to mammalian hosts as shown by PB2 627K variants detected in these cases.

Pathological Findings in Eurasian Otters () Found Dead between 2015-2020 in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

In times of massive biodiversity loss and ongoing environmental crises, it is extremely important to ensure long-term conservation efforts of threatened species like Eurasian otters (). To gain insights into the status of Northern Germany's otter population, 92 otters found dead in Schleswig-Holstein between 2015-2020 were collected and underwent detailed dissection with the aim to establish a monitoring program for this population. Examinations followed a protocol especially designed for otters, including various biological data assessments and extended sampling.

Blast injury on harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the Baltic Sea after explosions of deposits of World War II ammunition.

Harbour porpoises are under pressure from increasing human activities. This includes the detonation of ammunition that was dumped in large amounts into the sea during and after World War II. In this context, forty-two British ground mines from World War II were cleared by means of blasting in the period from 28 to 31 August 2019 by a NATO unit in the German Exclusive Economic Zone within the marine protected area of Fehmarn Belt in the Baltic Sea, Germany.

Male grey seal commits fatal sexual interaction with adult female harbour seals in the German Wadden Sea.

Males of several seal species are known to show aggressive copulating behaviour, which can lead to injuries to or suffocation of females. In the North Sea, grey seal predation on harbour seals including sexual harassment is documented and represents violent interspecific interaction. In this case series, we report pathological and molecular/genetic findings of 11 adult female harbour seals which were found dead in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, within 41 days.