Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) have the potential to alter hormone pathways that regulate life processes in humans, vertebrates and invertebrates. Besides xcnobiotics having endocrine effects, there arc naturally occurring estrogenie compounds. The limited number of studies with EDCs in invertebrates is partially due to the fact that their hormonal systems are rather poorly understood in comparison with vertebrates. It is also important, but difficult to discriminate between hormone - mediated and other toxicological modes of action. Data of the potentially adverse impact of EDCs on wildlife species are reviewed.