Condors with greater independence have higher lead levels

IET WebDev — December 04, 2014 - 9:05am

As California condors return from the brink of extinction, the threat of lead poisoning persists, particularly for older, more independent condors, according to a study led by the University of California, Davis.

Researchers evaluated blood lead levels in wild condors over the past 15 years where the condor, the largest flying bird in North America, has been re-introduced to its previous range from Southern California to the Central Coast.

Two new studies link hunting to lead in scavenger birds

IET WebDev — April 06, 2011 - 12:00am

Two new �°��ϲ��Ļ��Ϣ Davis studies add scientific evidence that hunters’ lead ammunition often finds its way into carrion-eating birds, such as eagles and turkey vultures.

These scavenger species often take advantage of animal remains left behind when a hunter cleans a kill or when a shot deer or wild pig escapes the hunter but dies later.

However, when the remains contain lead shot pellets or bullet fragments, the scavenger birds can develop lead poisoning, which can cause inability to fly, starvation, anemia, blindness, seizures and death.

Lead Ammunition Content

Condors with greater independence have higher lead levels

Two new studies link hunting to lead in scavenger birds