Toxic metal poisoning is changing birds' personalities: Great tits are now less curious and unwilling to explore new places, say scientists

Researchers from the University of Antwerp have discovered that heavy metal poisoning in the area that birds live in has a detrimental impact on their behaviour and changes their personality.


Great tits are songbirds that have unique personalities. Research has found that living close to a smelter in areas with high levels of heavy metal pollution can change their behaviour and make them more wary of new spaces

Heavy metal waste such as cadmium and lead can be seriously harmful to birds
Animals living in high-pollution areas are more wary and less likely to explore
This also makes them more likely to be eaten by prey, as the toxic metal makes them more lethargic and less willing to explore

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