Fluorosis among wild fauna of India: assessing toxicity and its effects on the ecosystem

Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that plays a significant role in environmental health. It is present in various environmental components due to both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Extended exposure to fluoride in animals can result in toxicity, leading to adverse health outcomes and fluorosis. This condition predominantly affects dental and skeletal structures, potentially causing deformities in animals. Chronic exposure to fluoride presents serious risks not only to domestic animals and humans but also to critical wildlife populations. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the prevalence of skeletal and dental fluorosis in commonly present wild fauna due to fluoride pollution. Most research concerning fluoride toxicity has concentrated on human health and domestic species, with limited studies examining wildlife. Among terrestrial vertebrates, herbivores are generally more vulnerable to fluoride toxicity than carnivores and omnivores, owing to their relatively non-selective feeding behavior and the tendency for bulk consumption. Elevated fluoride concentrations in local water sources have been linked to fluoride toxicity in large carnivores and various herbivorous species, including lions, deer, and nilgai. Furthermore, considerable instances of fluorosis have been documented among apex predators, such as Asiatic lions, in the Lathi Liliya area of Gujarat, India. The contamination of drinking water with fluoride poses a substantial threat to the health and survival of these populations, emphasizing the susceptibility of wildlife to the detrimental effects of prolonged fluoride exposure. The integrity of forest ecosystems-including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and protected forests-remains at significant risk due to potential disturbances in the population equilibrium between herbivores and carnivores. Such disruptions can have profound negative consequences for the stability of vulnerable forest ecosystems.