Publications by authors named "Sylvain Pezeril"
Bite-like skin lesions on harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) have been suspected to be caused by grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), and a few field observations have been reported. Bite-like skin lesions observed on stranded animals were characterized by two main components: large flaps of loose or missing skin and blubber with frayed edges and puncture lesions. Definitive demonstration of predation by a grey seal was not reported so far in those stranded animals.
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- The study focused on the rising number of stranded harbour porpoises in the southern North Sea, investigating the impact of contaminants on their health and analyzing metal concentrations over time.
- Researchers measured trace elements in the kidneys and livers of 132 stranded porpoises from various locations, finding that those who died from diseases had higher levels of certain metals compared to healthy ones.
- While contamination is a concern, the study concluded that it alone does not account for the increase in stranded porpoises, indicating that other threats must also be considered.