Exploring Contents of Lead and Cadmium in Tissues of Fat Dormouse Glis glis (Linnaeus, 1766) (Rodentia: Gliridae) for Use in Monitoring of Environmental Pollutants in the Southern Caspian Coast Forests, Iran

Abstract

The levels of Pb and Cd in the liver and muscle samples of fat dormouse (Glis glis) were measured and compared in various localities in Hyrcanian forests of Northern Iran. We detected the highest Pb and Cd residues in sampled animals inhabiting forest patches closer to high-traffic roads and a decreasing trend was recorded ranging from polluted areas to far remote and high altitude areas. The results showed no significant differences between the sexes. We found positive correlation between lead concentration and age of the sampled animals as identified on the basis of their morphometric characteristics. The results of the present study as well as the relatively unique ecological and biological peculiarities of fat dormouse indicate this species as a potential bioindicator of the heavy metal contamination and forest ecosystems health.