Vernon Thomas

Professor Emeritus

College of Biological Science, Department of Integrative Biology

vthomas@uoguelph.ca

Select Publications

Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., Thomas, V.G. and M.A. Taggart. 2026.Use of an electronic device to determine the principal metal types of shot within intact shotgun cartridges. Wildfowl. In press.
Thomas, V.G., Green, R.E. and D.J. Pain. 2025. Inaccurate and misleading terminology may impede the protection of people and wildlife from adverse effects of lead ammunition. Environmental Pollution 385: 127010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127010
Thomas, V.G. 2025. Examination of the proposed relationships between menstruation and human reproduction. Frontiers in Global Women’s Health 6:1589736. https://doi.10.3389/fgwh.2025.1589736
Thomas, V.G. 2025. Enhancing Canadian bird conservation through further federal regulation of lead hunting and angling products. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Research 12(1): 1276. Doi:org/10.47739/2378-931X/1276.
Thomas, V.G. and N. Kanstrup. 2023. Promoting enforcement of non-lead hunting ammunition regulations and compliance in Europe and North America. Ambio 52: 1350-1358. Doi.10.1007/s13280-023-01863-y.
Hampton, J.O., Thomas, V.G. et al. 2022. Managing macropods without poisoning ecosystems.
Ecological Management and Restoration. Doi. Org/10.1111/emr.12555.
Thomas, V.G., Pain, D.G., Kanstrup, N., and R. Cromie. 2022. Increasing the awareness of health risks from lead-contaminated game meat among international and national human health organizations. European Journal of Environment and Public Health 6(2):em0110. Doi:org/102160/ejeph/12043.
Thomas, V.G., Lumsden, H.G., Lane, G. and K. Intini. 2021. Ontario Trumpeter Swan restoration: current population status and distribution. Ontario Birds 39(2): 107-115.
Thomas, V.G., N. Kanstrup, and D.J. Pain. 2021. Promoting the transition to non-lead hunting ammunition in the European Union through regulation and policy options. Environmental Policy and Law 51(4): 239-254. Doi:10.3233/EPL-201068.
Thomas, V.G. 2020. Feeding niche overlap and segregation among three grouse species wintering in Hudson Bay Lowlands of northern Ontario. Ontario Birds 38(2): 83-93.
Kanstrup, N., and V.G. Thomas. 2020. Transitioning to lead-free ammunition use in hunting: socio-economic and regulatory considerations for the European Union and other jurisdictions. Environmental Science Europe 32:91. https://:org/10.1186/s12302-020-00368-9.
Thomas, V.G., D. Pain, N. Kanstrup and R.E. Green. 2020. Setting maximum levels for lead in game meat in EC regulations: an adjunct to replacement of lead ammunition. Ambio 49: 2026-2037. Doi:10.1007/s13280-020-01336-6.
Thomas, V.G. 2019. The link between human menstruation and placental delivery: a novel evolutionary interpretation. BioEssays 41(6): 1800232-1800236. Doi.10.1002/bies.201800232.
Arnemo, J.M., R. Cromie, A.D. Fox, N. Kanstrup, R. Mateo, D.J. Pain and V.G. Thomas. 2019. Transition to Lead-free ammunition benefits all. Ambio Special Issue 48:1097-1098. Doi.org/10/1007/s13280-019-01221-x.
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G. and A.J. Fox. 2019. Foreword. Ambio Special Issue 48: 923-924. Doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01220-y
Kanstrup, N., and V.G. Thomas. 2019. Availability and price of non-lead hunting ammunition in Europe. Ambio Special Issue 48:1039-1043. Doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01151-8
Thomas, V.G., Kanstrup, N. and A. J. Fox. 2019. The transition to non-lead sporting ammunition and fishing weights: review of progress and barriers to implementation. Ambio Special Issue 48: 925-934. Doi:org/10.1007/s13280-018-1132-x.
Thomas, V.G. 2019. Chemical compositional standards for non-lead hunting ammunition and fishing weights. Ambio Special Edition 48: 1072-1078. Doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1124-x
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G. and A.J. Fox (Eds.). 2019. Lead in hunting ammunition: persistent problems and solutions. Ambio Special Issue: 48(9): 923-1098.
Thomas, V.G. 2018. Rationale for the regulated transition to non-lead products in Canada: a policy discussion paper. Science of the Total Environment. 649: 839-845. Doi: 10.1016/j.stoten.2018.08.363.
Thomas, V.G. and R. Guitart. 2016. Lead use in hunting and fishing – consequences to birdlife, humans, and the environment. In: The Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene 5: 177-180. Oxford, Elsevier. DOI: org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9-09982-6
Thomas, V.G. 2016. Design of non-lead bullets to allow instant identification. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 62(6): 771-774. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-1045-6.
Thomas, V.G., Gremse, C. and N. Kanstrup. 2016. Non-lead rifle hunting ammunition: issues of availability and performance in Europe. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 62(6): 633-641. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-1044-7.
Arnemo, J.M., Andersen, O., Stokke, S., Thomas, V.G., Krone, O., Pain, D.J. and R. Mateo. 2016. Health and environmental risks from lead-based ammunition: science versus socio-politics. EcoHealth. 13(4): 618-622. DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1177-x.
Thomas, V.G., Hanner, R.H. and A.V. Borisenko. 2016. DNA-based identification of invasive alien species in relation to Canadian federal policy and law, and the basis of rapid response management. Genome. 59: 1023-1031. DOI: 10.1139/gen-2016-0022.
Thomas, V.G., Guitart, R. 2016. Exposure to lead through ammunition, - need to revise strategies. Environmental Policy and Law 46(2): 127-131.
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G., Krone, O. and C. Gremse. 2016. Response to “Consumption of wild-harvested meat from New Zealand feral animals provides a unique opportunity to study the health effects of lead exposure in hunters” by Buenz et al. AMBIO 45(5): 632-633. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0803-8
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G., Krone, O. and C. Gremse. 2016. The transition to non-lead rifle ammunition in Denmark: national obligations and policy considerations. AMBIO 45(5): 621-628. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0780-y
Kanstrup, N., Balsby, T.J.S. and V.G. Thomas. 2016. Efficacy of non-lead rifle ammunition for hunting in Denmark. European Journal of Wildlife Research 62(3): 333-340. DOI; 10.1007/s10344-016-1006-0
Thomas, V.G. Kanstrup, N. and C. Gremse. 2015. Key questions and responses regarding the transition to use of lead-free ammunition. pp 125-135, In: Delahay, R.J., Spray, C.J. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Oxford Lead Symposium. The University of Oxford, Edward Grey Institute.
Thomas, V.G. 2015. Availability and use of lead-free shotgun and rifle cartridges in the UK, with reference to regulations in other jurisdictions. pp 85-97, In: Delahay, R.J., Spray, C.J. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Oxford Lead Symposium. The University of Oxford, Edward Grey Institute.
Thomas, V.G. 2015. Elemental tungsten, tungsten-nickel alloys and shotgun ammunition: resolving issues of their relative toxicity. European Journal of Wildlife Research 62(1): 1-9. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-015-0979-4
Lumsden H.G., Thomas, V.G. and B.W. Robinson 2015. Response of wild Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinators) to wetland drawdown and changes in food abundance. Can. Field Naturalist 129(4): 374-378.
Roussy, A-M, Kevan, P.G. and V.G. Thomas. 2015. Norway maple: policy options to deal with an invasive species. Ontario Arborist. Sept-Oct Issue: 18-20.
Thomas, V.G. 2014. Use and availability of non-toxic shot and lead-free rifle cartridges for hunting in California, with reference to regulations used in various jurisdictions. URL: http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2014/jul/Exhibits/RAM_Thomas_Dr Vernon_AB711ReportFinal_072814.pdf
Scheuhammer A.M., Thomas V.G. 2011. Eliminating lead from recreational shooting and angling: Relating wildlife science to environmental policy and regulation. Ch. 12, pp 359-382, In: Elliott J.E., Bishop C.A., Morrissey C.A. (Eds.). Wildlife Ecotoxicology – Forensic Approaches. Springer, New York, NY.
Thomas, V.G. 2009. The policy and legislative dimensions of non-toxic shot and bullet use in North America. pp. 351-362. In: R.T. Watson, M. Fuller, M. Pokras, and W. G. Hunt (eds.). Ingestion of Lead from Spent Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and Humans. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, USA. 383 pp.
Pain, D.J., Fisher, I.J. and V.G. Thomas. 2009. A global update of lead poisoning in terrestrial birds from ammunition sources. pp. 99-118. In: R.T. Watson, M. Fuller, M. Pokras and W.G. Hunt (eds.). Ingestion of Lead from Spent Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and Humans. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, USA. 383 pp.
Thomas, V.G., Scheuhammer, A.M. and Bond, D. 2009. Bone lead levels and lead isotope ratios in red grouse from Scottish and Yorkshire moors. Science of the Total Environment 407: 3494-3502.
Thomas, V.G., Vásárhelyi, C, and Niimi A.J. 2009. Legislation and the capacity for rapid response management of nonindigenous species of fish in contiguous waters of Canada and the USA. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 19: 354-364.
Thomas, V.G., Roberts, M.J. and Harrison, P.T.C. 2009. Assessment of the environmental toxicity and carcinogenicity of tungsten-based shot. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 72: 1031-1037.

Vernon Thomas

Professor Emeritus

College of Biological Science, Department of Integrative Biology

vthomas@uoguelph.ca

Select Publications

Green, R.E., Pain, D.J., Thomas, V.G. and M.A. Taggart. 2026.Use of an electronic device to determine the principal metal types of shot within intact shotgun cartridges. Wildfowl. In press.
Thomas, V.G., Green, R.E. and D.J. Pain. 2025. Inaccurate and misleading terminology may impede the protection of people and wildlife from adverse effects of lead ammunition. Environmental Pollution 385: 127010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127010
Thomas, V.G. 2025. Examination of the proposed relationships between menstruation and human reproduction. Frontiers in Global Women’s Health 6:1589736. https://doi.10.3389/fgwh.2025.1589736
Thomas, V.G. 2025. Enhancing Canadian bird conservation through further federal regulation of lead hunting and angling products. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Research 12(1): 1276. Doi:org/10.47739/2378-931X/1276.
Thomas, V.G. and N. Kanstrup. 2023. Promoting enforcement of non-lead hunting ammunition regulations and compliance in Europe and North America. Ambio 52: 1350-1358. Doi.10.1007/s13280-023-01863-y.
Hampton, J.O., Thomas, V.G. et al. 2022. Managing macropods without poisoning ecosystems.
Ecological Management and Restoration. Doi. Org/10.1111/emr.12555.
Thomas, V.G., Pain, D.G., Kanstrup, N., and R. Cromie. 2022. Increasing the awareness of health risks from lead-contaminated game meat among international and national human health organizations. European Journal of Environment and Public Health 6(2):em0110. Doi:org/102160/ejeph/12043.
Thomas, V.G., Lumsden, H.G., Lane, G. and K. Intini. 2021. Ontario Trumpeter Swan restoration: current population status and distribution. Ontario Birds 39(2): 107-115.
Thomas, V.G., N. Kanstrup, and D.J. Pain. 2021. Promoting the transition to non-lead hunting ammunition in the European Union through regulation and policy options. Environmental Policy and Law 51(4): 239-254. Doi:10.3233/EPL-201068.
Thomas, V.G. 2020. Feeding niche overlap and segregation among three grouse species wintering in Hudson Bay Lowlands of northern Ontario. Ontario Birds 38(2): 83-93.
Kanstrup, N., and V.G. Thomas. 2020. Transitioning to lead-free ammunition use in hunting: socio-economic and regulatory considerations for the European Union and other jurisdictions. Environmental Science Europe 32:91. https://:org/10.1186/s12302-020-00368-9.
Thomas, V.G., D. Pain, N. Kanstrup and R.E. Green. 2020. Setting maximum levels for lead in game meat in EC regulations: an adjunct to replacement of lead ammunition. Ambio 49: 2026-2037. Doi:10.1007/s13280-020-01336-6.
Thomas, V.G. 2019. The link between human menstruation and placental delivery: a novel evolutionary interpretation. BioEssays 41(6): 1800232-1800236. Doi.10.1002/bies.201800232.
Arnemo, J.M., R. Cromie, A.D. Fox, N. Kanstrup, R. Mateo, D.J. Pain and V.G. Thomas. 2019. Transition to Lead-free ammunition benefits all. Ambio Special Issue 48:1097-1098. Doi.org/10/1007/s13280-019-01221-x.
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G. and A.J. Fox. 2019. Foreword. Ambio Special Issue 48: 923-924. Doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01220-y
Kanstrup, N., and V.G. Thomas. 2019. Availability and price of non-lead hunting ammunition in Europe. Ambio Special Issue 48:1039-1043. Doi.org/10.1007/s13280-019-01151-8
Thomas, V.G., Kanstrup, N. and A. J. Fox. 2019. The transition to non-lead sporting ammunition and fishing weights: review of progress and barriers to implementation. Ambio Special Issue 48: 925-934. Doi:org/10.1007/s13280-018-1132-x.
Thomas, V.G. 2019. Chemical compositional standards for non-lead hunting ammunition and fishing weights. Ambio Special Edition 48: 1072-1078. Doi.org/10.1007/s13280-018-1124-x
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G. and A.J. Fox (Eds.). 2019. Lead in hunting ammunition: persistent problems and solutions. Ambio Special Issue: 48(9): 923-1098.
Thomas, V.G. 2018. Rationale for the regulated transition to non-lead products in Canada: a policy discussion paper. Science of the Total Environment. 649: 839-845. Doi: 10.1016/j.stoten.2018.08.363.
Thomas, V.G. and R. Guitart. 2016. Lead use in hunting and fishing – consequences to birdlife, humans, and the environment. In: The Encyclopedia of the Anthropocene 5: 177-180. Oxford, Elsevier. DOI: org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9-09982-6
Thomas, V.G. 2016. Design of non-lead bullets to allow instant identification. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 62(6): 771-774. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-1045-6.
Thomas, V.G., Gremse, C. and N. Kanstrup. 2016. Non-lead rifle hunting ammunition: issues of availability and performance in Europe. European Journal of Wildlife Research. 62(6): 633-641. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-016-1044-7.
Arnemo, J.M., Andersen, O., Stokke, S., Thomas, V.G., Krone, O., Pain, D.J. and R. Mateo. 2016. Health and environmental risks from lead-based ammunition: science versus socio-politics. EcoHealth. 13(4): 618-622. DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1177-x.
Thomas, V.G., Hanner, R.H. and A.V. Borisenko. 2016. DNA-based identification of invasive alien species in relation to Canadian federal policy and law, and the basis of rapid response management. Genome. 59: 1023-1031. DOI: 10.1139/gen-2016-0022.
Thomas, V.G., Guitart, R. 2016. Exposure to lead through ammunition, - need to revise strategies. Environmental Policy and Law 46(2): 127-131.
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G., Krone, O. and C. Gremse. 2016. Response to “Consumption of wild-harvested meat from New Zealand feral animals provides a unique opportunity to study the health effects of lead exposure in hunters” by Buenz et al. AMBIO 45(5): 632-633. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0803-8
Kanstrup, N., Thomas, V.G., Krone, O. and C. Gremse. 2016. The transition to non-lead rifle ammunition in Denmark: national obligations and policy considerations. AMBIO 45(5): 621-628. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-016-0780-y
Kanstrup, N., Balsby, T.J.S. and V.G. Thomas. 2016. Efficacy of non-lead rifle ammunition for hunting in Denmark. European Journal of Wildlife Research 62(3): 333-340. DOI; 10.1007/s10344-016-1006-0
Thomas, V.G. Kanstrup, N. and C. Gremse. 2015. Key questions and responses regarding the transition to use of lead-free ammunition. pp 125-135, In: Delahay, R.J., Spray, C.J. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Oxford Lead Symposium. The University of Oxford, Edward Grey Institute.
Thomas, V.G. 2015. Availability and use of lead-free shotgun and rifle cartridges in the UK, with reference to regulations in other jurisdictions. pp 85-97, In: Delahay, R.J., Spray, C.J. (Eds.), Proceedings of the Oxford Lead Symposium. The University of Oxford, Edward Grey Institute.
Thomas, V.G. 2015. Elemental tungsten, tungsten-nickel alloys and shotgun ammunition: resolving issues of their relative toxicity. European Journal of Wildlife Research 62(1): 1-9. DOI: 10.1007/s10344-015-0979-4
Lumsden H.G., Thomas, V.G. and B.W. Robinson 2015. Response of wild Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinators) to wetland drawdown and changes in food abundance. Can. Field Naturalist 129(4): 374-378.
Roussy, A-M, Kevan, P.G. and V.G. Thomas. 2015. Norway maple: policy options to deal with an invasive species. Ontario Arborist. Sept-Oct Issue: 18-20.
Thomas, V.G. 2014. Use and availability of non-toxic shot and lead-free rifle cartridges for hunting in California, with reference to regulations used in various jurisdictions. URL: http://www.fgc.ca.gov/meetings/2014/jul/Exhibits/RAM_Thomas_Dr Vernon_AB711ReportFinal_072814.pdf
Scheuhammer A.M., Thomas V.G. 2011. Eliminating lead from recreational shooting and angling: Relating wildlife science to environmental policy and regulation. Ch. 12, pp 359-382, In: Elliott J.E., Bishop C.A., Morrissey C.A. (Eds.). Wildlife Ecotoxicology – Forensic Approaches. Springer, New York, NY.
Thomas, V.G. 2009. The policy and legislative dimensions of non-toxic shot and bullet use in North America. pp. 351-362. In: R.T. Watson, M. Fuller, M. Pokras, and W. G. Hunt (eds.). Ingestion of Lead from Spent Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and Humans. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, USA. 383 pp.
Pain, D.J., Fisher, I.J. and V.G. Thomas. 2009. A global update of lead poisoning in terrestrial birds from ammunition sources. pp. 99-118. In: R.T. Watson, M. Fuller, M. Pokras and W.G. Hunt (eds.). Ingestion of Lead from Spent Ammunition: Implications for Wildlife and Humans. The Peregrine Fund, Boise, Idaho, USA. 383 pp.
Thomas, V.G., Scheuhammer, A.M. and Bond, D. 2009. Bone lead levels and lead isotope ratios in red grouse from Scottish and Yorkshire moors. Science of the Total Environment 407: 3494-3502.
Thomas, V.G., Vásárhelyi, C, and Niimi A.J. 2009. Legislation and the capacity for rapid response management of nonindigenous species of fish in contiguous waters of Canada and the USA. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 19: 354-364.
Thomas, V.G., Roberts, M.J. and Harrison, P.T.C. 2009. Assessment of the environmental toxicity and carcinogenicity of tungsten-based shot. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 72: 1031-1037.