Frequency of abnormalities in wildlife species: is there a relation with their ecology?

ABSTRACTOne phenomenon that could generate interest of the public and puzzle scientists is morphological abnormalities appearing in wildlife species. Morphological abnormalities in wild animals have been recorded in Hellas (Greece) and Cyprus over the last 83 years. A total of 61 cases were recorded, 47 of which (77%) are color abnormalities and 14 (23%) represent other abnormalities. Among hunted species, abnormalities are more frequently observed in reared and released wild galliforms, in species that live in small and isolated populations, and species that live in low-sunlight conditions. The frequency of abnormalities identified in wildlife could be a key factor in detecting mutations and thus contribute to the monitoring of environmental impacts induced by pollution and other factors.