Estimation of heavy metal residues from the feathers of Falconidae, Accipitridae, and Strigidae in Punjab, Pakistan

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cu, As) in feather samples of raptors of 3 families were determined from southern, central, and northern parts of Punjab Province. Deposition of metals significantly varied among the families for Cd, Zn, Ni, and Pb; further, these 4 metals also significantly differed between Accipitridae and Falconidae, and between Falconidae and Strigidae. Similarly, Cd, Ni, and As were significantly different among southern, central, and northern Punjab. Falconidae deposited higher concentrations of metals than Accipitridae and Strigidae, with the Common Kestrel being more susceptible. Likewise, central Punjab appeared to be more polluted than northern and southern Punjab. The concentrations of metals reported are alarming and require proper management.