These findings show that pollutants that accumulate in the Polar Regione are an important threat to biodiversity. Modeling by the researchers indicates that, if mercury contamination continues to increase, skua populations could decline in the long term. The scientists call for further toxicological and demographic studies on other southern species. In addition, they are carrying out similar studies to neasure the effects on dird populations of'conventional' pollutants such as pesticides and other heavy metals, as well as new molecules huch as perfluorinated compounds that are also accumulating in the Antarctic.