Response of Birds and Bats to Neonicotinoid’s Exposure

Neonicotinoids are the safest option available and are extensively used in agriculture as insecticides, however, their use in the veterinary field cannot be ignored. Due to this rationale use, many non-target avian species are being affected. Higher concentrations of neonicotinoids induce acute intoxication in avian species and bats, and in some circumstances, death. Direct effects on avian populations may result from disruptions in reproduction, development, or predation avoidance. Indirect effects are genotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and cytotoxicity. Through oxidative stress, neonicotinoids affect the bird’s reproductive system, growth, and development, indicating a disparity between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of a biological system to effectively detoxify the reactive intermediary substances or easily repair the resulting damage. So, in this chapter, their possible effects on avian species and bats have been summarized from the published literature.