We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Hidden microplastic pollution in protected terrestrial ecosystems: Evidence from gray wolves and Persian leopards
Summary
This study investigated microplastic contamination in fecal samples from gray wolves and Persian leopards in Golestan National Park, Iran, finding MPs in all sampled scats despite the park's protected status. The results confirm that even apex carnivores in strictly protected ecosystems are exposed to microplastics, likely through their prey.
Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants with the potential to penetrate even strictly protected terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we investigate microplastic contamination in apex carnivores, gray wolves and Persian leopards, within Golestan National Park, a national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve in northeastern Iran. A total of 34 scat samples were collected opportunistically across diverse habitats and systematically confirmed using DNA metabarcoding approach to avoid misidentification. Microplastic extraction involved oxidative digestion, density separation, and microscopic examination, followed by Raman spectroscopy for polymer identification. Microplastics were detected in 79.4 % of samples, with wolves showing a significantly higher total microplastic area than leopards, despite no significant differences in particle number or average size. Identified polymers included polystyrene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and polyamide, likely originating from tire wear, packaging, synthetic textiles, and agricultural plastics. Spatial analyses revealed negative correlations between microplastic load and distance to roads and nearby villages, highlighting anthropogenic sources as primary drivers of contamination even within fully protected zones. Wolves, as generalist and more mobile predators, exhibited elevated exposure compared to the more selective leopards, indicating dietary and behavioral influences on contaminant accumulation. These findings demonstrate that protected terrestrial habitats are not immune to diffuse human-derived pollutants and emphasize the role of infrastructure and rural settlements in shaping contamination patterns. Given the parallels observed in other protected areas globally, these results underscore the need for integrated monitoring and mitigation strategies to safeguard apex carnivores and ecosystem integrity in conservation areas worldwide facing similar anthropogenic pressures.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution of threatened terrestrial wildlife in nature reserves of Qinling Mts., China
Researchers found microplastics in the feces of three threatened wildlife species in China's Qinling Mountains nature reserves, including the golden snub-nosed monkey and leopard cat. Thirty-four types of microplastics were identified, with predators like the leopard cat having the highest levels, likely due to accumulation through the food chain. The finding that even protected wildlife in remote nature reserves is contaminated with microplastics shows how widespread this pollution has become.
Detection and quantification of microplastic pollution in the endangered Galapagos sea lion
Microplastics were detected in the feces of Galapagos sea lions — an endangered species living in a legally protected marine reserve — with fibers and fragments made primarily of polyester, nylon, and polyethylene. The findings suggest that even wildlife in nominally pristine protected areas are ingesting plastic, likely through their fish prey, raising conservation concerns for this vulnerable population.
Microplastics contamination in terrestrial wildlife: the study in carcasses and feces of vertebrate species in western Thailand
Researchers examined microplastic accumulation in terrestrial wildlife carcasses and fecal samples from protected and non-protected areas of western Thailand, finding contamination in multiple species. The presence of microplastics in wildlife from protected areas highlights the inability of conservation boundaries to shield fauna from pervasive plastic pollution.
Quantification and Characterization of Microplastics in Wildlife Feces: Case Study from Buffer zones of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu
Researchers collected fecal samples from wild elephants, sambar deer, gaurs, and rabbits in buffer zones of the Western Ghats, India, finding 127 microplastic particles across 12 samples, demonstrating that wildlife in protected areas are ingesting microplastics from the surrounding environment.
Microplastics contamination in terrestrial wildlife: the study in carcasses and feces of vertebrate species in western Thailand
Researchers examined microplastic accumulation in terrestrial wildlife carcasses and fecal samples from inside and outside protected areas in western Thailand. Microplastics were detected in multiple species regardless of protected status, suggesting wide environmental distribution.