Peregrine falcons and other birds of prey

DDT may have serious effects on reproduction in birds and other vertebrates. DDT s countdown started when Ratcliff (1967) at Monks Wood Experimental Station, Abbots Ripton, U.K., found that a decrease in eggshell weight in peregrine and sparrow hawk had been synchronous, rapid, and widespread from 1945. He wrote in his Decrease in Eggshell Weight in Certain Birds of Prey (Ratcliff, 1967)  

As early as 1966 Sladen and co-workers (1966) reported that DDT residues were present in adipose tissue of the Antarctic Adelie penguin (Pygosce-lis adeliae) and crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophagus). The animals were taken 

Not all accepted that bird reproduction toxicity was a serious problem and that DDT should be banned. In October 1971 Nature had a comment from the Nobel Peace Price winner Norman E. Borlaug that symbolized the green revolution. 

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