Journal of Ornithology Ecological differences in response of bird species to radioactivity from Chernobyl and Fukushima

Organisms differ in their susceptibility to ionizing radiation 27 although the ecological basis for such differences remain poorly 28 understood. We hypothesized that ecological characteristics such as body 29 size, diet, migration and pigments of plumage would predict the impact of 30 radiation on abundance through effects on relative food consumption rates, 31 free radicals and antioxidants. We made 2398 breeding bird censuses and 32 quantified the impact of radiation on abundance at Chernobyl and 33 Fukushima providing statistical replication, but also analyses of interaction 34 effects. The impact of radiation on abundance of birds was stronger in 35 Fukushima than in Chernobyl. Species with small body size and hence 36 relatively high food consumption rates were more negatively impacted. 37 Secondary consumers showed stronger negative effects of radiation on 38 abundance than herbivores, especially in Fukushima. There was no main 39 effect of migration, but migrants were more negatively impacted in 40 Chernobyl, while residents were more negatively impacted in Fukushima. 41 Carotenoid and pheomelanin plumage pigments associated with antioxidant 42 status showed stronger negative effects, especially in Chernobyl compared 43 to Fukushima, while eumelanic coloration that is not related to antioxidant 44 status did not show such an effect. These differences between Chernobyl 45 and Fukuskima may reflect differences in duration of exposure, differences 46 in radioactive isotopes and differences in accumulation of mutations. 47 48