| This research is a preliminary investigation into one potential fate of persistent organic pollutants in the mountains of Western Canada. Seven of the world's twelve most toxic chemicals described in the Stockholm Convention occur in this region of Canada. Based on an analysis of cougar (Felis concolor) and wolf (Canus lupus) tissues, the concentration levels for all the chemicals tested were below the detection limits achieved in the analysis; however, there is the potential for falsely accepting these apparent negative results. The study recommends that the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection in British Columbia consider the affects of toxic chemicals as a threat to wildlife species when preparing recovery strategies for an endangered species. As a signature to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the governments of Canada have an international obligation to conduct further research on persistent organic pollutants in the mountains of Western Canada. |
