Contaminants

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Canyon bat (formerly western pipistrelle) (Parastrellus hesperus)
Family:Vespertilionidae

It is well documented that organochlorine pesticide residues accumulate in body tissues of insectivorous bats (Clark 1981, Bennet and Thies 2007, Geluso et al. 1976).  and insectivorous diets may lead to substantial pesticide loads (Clark 1988).  Detectable concentrations of elements such as mercury have been found in fur samples (Hickey et al. 2001).  The effects of contaminants from urban areas can be wide-ranging and all species are at some risk from contaminants.