Phthalate esters and monoalkyl phthalate esters were analysed in 95 wild samples.

Species-dependent distribution was associated with food habits and living patterns.

Metabolic pathway is different between short chained and long chained phthalates.

Detection frequencies of monoesters were higher than those of phthalate esters.

Monoesters could be used as biomarkers of exposure to phthalate esters.