Foreword

For wild animals an appropriate sexual behaviour is necessary for the reproductive success. However, when discussing reproductive toxicology of environmental pollutants on animals we mainly consider the negative effects on the reproductive organs and gametes. Even so, it is becoming apparent that in many cases the reproductive behaviour is the most sensitive aspect of the reproductive process. One may therefore question whether we are focusing, scientifically as well as polcywise, on the right issues in reproductive toxicology.During this symposium the reproductive behaviour in various classes of animals and how it is physiologically developed and regulated was described. Then examples were presented from the field and laboratory on how chemicals affect the reproductive behaviour. Finally, a very skilled panel discussed how effects on reproductive behaviour are, or should be, handled from a regulatory, environmental monitoring and policy-making perspective. We in the ReproSafe programme are very pleased that leading scientists in the field as well as key persons in the policy-making process accepted to make presentations at this symposium. We also conclude that reproductive behaviour is a relevant end point that seems to be very sensitive for some chemicals and that it seems possible to include it in our test regimes.

Uppsala, April 2006

Ulf Magnusson and Björn Brunström, editors and organizers