Abstract-The U.S. Congress has passed legislation requiring the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to develop, validate, and implement screening tests for identifying potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals within 3 years. To aid in the identification of methods suitable for this purpose, the U.S. EPA, the Chemical Manufacturers Association, and the World Wildlife Fund sponsored several workshops, including the present one, which dealt with wildlife species. This workshop was convened with 30 international scientists representing multiple disciplines in March 1997 in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Participants at the meeting identified methods in terms of their ability to indicate (anti-) estrogenic/androgenic effects, particularly in the context of developmental and reproductive processes. Data derived from structure-activity relationship models and in vitro test systems, although useful in certain contexts, cannot at present replace in vivo tests as the sole basis for screening. A consensus was reached that existing mammalian test methods (e.g., with rats or mice) generally are suitable as screens for assessing potential (anti-) estrogenic/ androgenic effects in mammalian wildlife. However, due to factors such as among-class variation in receptor structure and endocrine function, it is uncertain if these mammalian assays would be of broad utility as screens for other classes of vertebrate wildlife. Existing full and partial life-cycle tests with some avian and fish species could successfully identify chemicals causing endocrine disruption; however, these long-term tests are not suitable for routine screening. However, a number of short-term tests with species from these two classes exist that could serve as effective screening tools for chemicals inducing (anti-) estrogenic/androgenic effects. Existing methods suitable for identifying chemicals with these mechanisms of action in reptiles and amphibians are limited, but in the future, tests with species from these classes may prove highly effective as screens. In the case of invertebrate species, too little is known at present about the biological role of estrogens and androgens in reproduction and development to recommend specific assays.

With upcoming global wind‐energy build‐out estimated in millions of units, cumulative environmental impacts must be considered and understood to promote responsible expansion of this renewable energy source. In June 2009, 30 wildlife scientists convened in Racine, Wisconsin, USA to identify key research priorities concerning wind energy's potential impacts on migratory wildlife (birds and bats). This working group suggested 4 areas where improved science is most needed to evaluate the impacts of wind‐energy development on migrating animals more accurately than can be accomplished today: 1) standardized protocols and definitions; 2) new methods and models for assessing and forecasting risk; 3) documenting lethal and sub‐lethal effects at existing wind facilities; and 4) improved facility‐site access, data access, and data management for researchers. Focused research based on these priorities will both quantify potential risks associated with wind‐energy development and help derive science‐based, peer‐reviewed, best‐management practices for existing and future wind projects. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract