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Katzner TE, Pain DJ, McTee M, Brown L, Cuadros S, Pokras M, Slabe VA, Watson RT, Wiemeyer G, Bedrosian B, Hampton JO, Parish CN, Pay JM, Saito K, Schulz JH. Lead poisoning of raptors: state of the science and cross-discipline mitigation options for a global problem. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024. [PMID: 38693847 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Lead poisoning is an important global conservation problem for many species of wildlife, especially raptors. Despite the increasing number of individual studies and regional reviews of lead poisoning of raptors, it has been over a decade since this information has been compiled into a comprehensive global review. Here, we summarize the state of knowledge of lead poisoning of raptors, we review developments in manufacturing of non-lead ammunition, the use of which can reduce the most pervasive source of lead these birds encounter, and we compile data on voluntary and regulatory mitigation options and their associated sociological context. We support our literature review with case studies of mitigation actions, largely provided by the conservation practitioners who study or manage these efforts. Our review illustrates the growing awareness and understanding of lead exposure of raptors, and it shows that the science underpinning this understanding has expanded considerably in recent years. We also show that the political and social appetite for managing lead ammunition appears to vary substantially across administrative regions, countries, and continents. Improved understanding of the drivers of this variation could support more effective mitigation of lead exposure of wildlife. This review also shows that mitigation strategies are likely to be most effective when they are outcome driven, consider behavioural theory, local cultures, and environmental conditions, effectively monitor participation, compliance, and levels of raptor exposure, and support both environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd E Katzner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, 230 North Collins Road, Boise, ID, 83702, USA
| | - Deborah J Pain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
- Zoology Department, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Michael McTee
- MPG Ranch, 19400 Lower Woodchuck Road, Florence, MT, 59833, USA
| | - Leland Brown
- Oregon Zoo, North American Non-lead Partnership, 4001 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR, 97221, USA
| | - Sandra Cuadros
- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 410 Summer Valley Rd, Orwigsburg, PA, 17961, USA
- Department of Biology, University of British Columbia, 1177 Research Road, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Mark Pokras
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd, North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA
| | - Vincent A Slabe
- Conservation Science Global, Bozeman, MT, USA
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Richard T Watson
- The Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709, USA
| | - Guillermo Wiemeyer
- CONICET- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, Calle 5 esq. 116 MO L6360, Gral. Pico, La Pampa, Argentina
| | | | - Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | | | - James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia
| | - Keisuke Saito
- Institute for Raptor Biomedicine Japan 2-2101 Hokuto, Kushiro, Hokkaido, 084-0922, Japan
| | - John H Schulz
- School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 1111 Rollins St, Columbia, MO, 65203, USA
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Cevallos‐Solorzano G, Bailon‐Moscoso N, Ordóñez‐Delgado L, Jara P, Tomás G, Espinosa CI. Chronic Degradation of Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests Increases the Incidence of Genotoxicity in Birds. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000774. [PMID: 37790599 PMCID: PMC10545417 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies have shown that exposure to pollutants can increase genotoxic damage in different taxa. However, to our knowledge, the effects of environmental stress have been explored little. In certain stressful ecosystems, such as seasonally dry tropical forests, the combined effects of anthropogenic activities and ongoing global changes can cause an increase in environmental stresses, in turn, may trigger physiological and genetic effects on biodiversity. The present aims to assess changes in the prevalence of genotoxic damage in birds within three states of forest degradation in the Tumbesian Region of Western Ecuador. We used blood samples from 50 bird species to determine the frequency of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes. Our results revealed a significant impact of forest degradation on the occurrence probability of micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities at the community level. Localities with higher levels of degradation exhibited higher levels of abnormalities. However, when analyzing the dominant species, we found contrasting responses. While Lepidocolaptes souleyetii showed a reduction in the proportion of nuclear abnormalities from the natural to shrub-dominated localities Troglodytes aedon and Polioptila plumbea showed an increase for semi-natural and shrub-dominated respectively. We concluded that the degradation process of these tropical forests increases the stress of bird community generating genotoxic damage. Bird responses seem to be species-specific, which could explain the differences in changes in bird composition reported in other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - N. Bailon‐Moscoso
- Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
| | - L. Ordóñez‐Delgado
- Laboratorio de Ecología Tropical y Servicios Ecosistémicos (EcoSs‐Lab)Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y AgropecuariasUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Museo de ZoologíaUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Programa de Doctorado en Conservación de Recursos NaturalesUniversidad Rey Juan CarlosMadridEspaña
| | - P. Jara
- Facultad de Ciencias de la SaludUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Carrera de BiologíaUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
| | - G. Tomás
- Laboratorio de Ecología Tropical y Servicios Ecosistémicos (EcoSs‐Lab)Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y AgropecuariasUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y EvolutivaEstación Experimental de Zonas Áridas (EEZA‐CSIC)AlmeríaEspaña
| | - C. I. Espinosa
- Laboratorio de Ecología Tropical y Servicios Ecosistémicos (EcoSs‐Lab)Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y AgropecuariasUniversidad Técnica Particular de LojaLojaEcuador
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Hampton JO, Lohr MT, Specht AJ, Nzabanita D, Hufschmid J, Berger L, McGinnis K, Melville J, Bennett E, Pay JM. Lead exposure of mainland Australia's top avian predator. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:122004. [PMID: 37302786 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) toxicity, through ingestion of lead ammunition in carcasses, is a threat to scavenging birds worldwide, but has received little attention in Australia. We analyzed lead exposure in the wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax), the largest raptor species found in mainland Australia and a facultative scavenger. Eagle carcasses were collected opportunistically throughout south-eastern mainland Australia between 1996 and 2022. Lead concentrations were measured in bone samples from 62 animals via portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Lead was detected (concentration >1 ppm) in 84% (n = 52) of the bone samples. The mean lead concentration of birds in which lead was detected was 9.10 ppm (±SE 1.66). Bone lead concentrations were elevated (10-20 ppm) in 12.9% of samples, and severe (>20 ppm) in 4.8% of samples. These proportions are moderately higher than equivalent data for the same species from the island of Tasmania, and are comparable to data from threatened eagle species from other continents. Lead exposure at these levels is likely to have negative impacts on wedge-tailed eagles at the level of the individual and perhaps at a population level. Our results suggest that studies of lead exposure in other Australian avian scavenger species are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O Hampton
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia.
| | - Michael T Lohr
- School of Science, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia, 6027, Australia; SLR Consulting, 500 Hay St, Subiaco, Western Australia, 6008, Australia
| | - Aaron J Specht
- Purdue University, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, United States
| | - Damien Nzabanita
- School of Science, RMIT University, 264 Plenty Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083, Australia
| | - Jasmin Hufschmid
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Lee Berger
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Kate McGinnis
- Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Animal Welfare League Queensland, Shelter Road, Coombabah, Queensland, 4216, Australia
| | - Jane Melville
- Museums Victoria Research Institute, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Emma Bennett
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, 25 Rainforest Walk, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - James M Pay
- University of Tasmania, Churchill Avenue, Hobart, Tasmania, 7005, Australia
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Restrepo-Cardona JS, Parrado MA, Vargas FH, Kohn S, Sáenz-Jiménez F, Potaufeu Y, Narváez F. Anthropogenic threats to the Vulnerable Andean Condor in northern South America. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278331. [PMID: 36454783 PMCID: PMC9714725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Vultures comprise one of the most threatened groups of birds worldwide. With a total population not exceeding 6700 mature individuals, and in rapid decline across its range, the Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) is listed as a Vulnerable species in the IUCN red list. Local population extinctions and decline are of particular concern in northern South America, where no more than 340 condors may exist at present. Despite this, no quantitative assessments exist in Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela regarding the threats affecting Andean Condor populations. To address this, we compiled records of Andean Condors injured, or killed, between 1979 and 2021. We obtained data of 164 condors affected by different causes of injury, of which 83.5% were reported in Ecuador, 15.2% in Colombia, and 1.2% in Venezuela. Of the total number, 84.7% of the injured individuals died. Between 1979 and 2021, in Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela, at least 103 Andean Condors were presumably poisoned, 22 were shot, and 39 individuals were affected by other causes. The total number of individuals affected by different causes represents between 48% and 72% of the total population estimated in northern South America. Of great concern is the fact that, between 2007 and 2021, poisoning and shooting together caused the loss of 19-31% of the estimated population of condors in Ecuador, and 7-21% of the estimated population in Colombia. Given the important mortality induced by humans, environmental education programs, socio-ecological research, application of environmental laws, and management strategies based on scientific evidence to prevent and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts are urgently required for effective Andean Condor conservation in northern South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Sebastián Restrepo-Cardona
- Fundación Cóndor Andino Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - María Alejandra Parrado
- Fundación Neotropical, Bogotá, Colombia
- The Peregrine Fund, Galápagos, Ecuador
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Félix Hernán Vargas
- Fundación Cóndor Andino Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- The Peregrine Fund, Galápagos, Ecuador
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Tammone A, Caselli AE, Condorí WE, Fernandez V, Estein SM, Vanstreels RET, Sosa C, Delaloye A, Uhart MM. Lead exposure in consumers of culled invasive alien mammals in El Palmar National Park, Argentina. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:42432-42443. [PMID: 33813701 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13654-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of meat from animals hunted with Pb ammunition can cause toxic accumulation with consequent health risks, even if relatively small amounts are consumed in each exposure. In El Palmar National Park, Argentina, invasive alien mammals, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis), are culled with Pb ammunition and their meat is consumed. In this study, we evaluated blood Pb concentrations in 58 consumers of culled game and examined Pb exposure risk according to their demographics, duty, and consumption habits. Likewise, the likelihood of exposure was evaluated by quantifying Pb concentrations in meat samples of seven culled axis deer. Twenty-seven participants (46%) had detectable blood Pb levels (limit of detection = 3.3 μg/dL), with an average 4.75 ± 1.35 μg/dL (geometric mean ± geometric S.D.); the average for all participants was 3.25 ± 1.51 μg/dL. Blood Pb concentrations were significantly higher in hunters, in participants who reported consuming game meat more than 5 times per week, and in participants who reported frequently consuming cured game meat (compared to cooked or pickled). Pb concentration varied significantly along the trajectory of the bullet in deer muscle, being highest at mid-point but with detectable Pb levels even in distant tissue samples (control), suggesting potential for dietary intake by consumers. These findings provide evidence of Pb exposure risk in consumers and emphasize the relevance of replacing Pb ammunition with non-toxic alternatives. This change would reduce dietary exposure in frequent consumers and allow the use of game meat as safe food for people whilst eliminating collateral risks to wild animals and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostina Tammone
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrea Elsa Caselli
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Walter Ezequiel Condorí
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valentina Fernandez
- Programa de Conservación Comunitaria del Territorio, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Marcela Estein
- Centro de Investigación Veterinaria Tandil (CONICET-CIVETAN), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Instituto de Pesquisa e Reabilitação de Animais Marinhos (IPRAM), Cariacica, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Cristian Sosa
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración Nacional de Parques Nacionales Argentina, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Aldo Delaloye
- Parque Nacional El Palmar, Administración Nacional de Parques Nacionales Argentina, Ubajay, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Marcela María Uhart
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Rocha O, Pacheco LF, Ayala GR, Varela F, Arengo F. Trace metals and metalloids in Andean flamingos (Phoenicoparrus andinus) and Puna flamingos (P. jamesi) at two wetlands with different risk of exposure in the Bolivian Altiplano. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:535. [PMID: 34327557 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Birds are widely used as bioindicators in monitoring programs in wetlands. We compare concentrations of seven trace metals and metalloids (TMM) As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Znin both feathers and blood in two flamingo species in two high-altitude wetlands in Bolivia, with different levels of anthropogenic point source pollution. Lake Uru Uru (LUU) receives discharges from mining operations, and also effluents from the nearby city of Oruro, while Laguna Colorada (LCo) does not receive contaminants from anthropogenic sources. We sampled water and sediments at each site, as well as flamingos in three age classes in an effort to establish a benchmark for long-term monitoring. Metal concentrations in water did not differ between sites, whereas Zn and Pb concentrations of TMM in sediments were higher at LUU, and Hg higher at LCo. TMM concentrations were highly specific for all separate elements, but results point to differences between Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus) chicks and the rest of the classes considered. As flamingo chicks did not molt before sampling, we pose that TMM concentrations in their blood and feathers may respond mainly to local conditions. Eggshells provide additional information, since adults transfer some TMM during egg development. Long-term monitoring in these species should include different age classes and sample both feathers and eggshells to monitor the environmental conditions and bioaccumulation of TMM in these species. Future studies should include sites devoid of natural sources of TMM to help distinguish sources of contamination, since some TMM (As and Pb) may be naturally in high concentrations in remote areas, like Laguna Colorada.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Rocha
- Centro de Estudios en Biología Teórica y Aplicada - BIOTA, Av, Las Retamas No. 15, Zona de Cota Cota, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - L F Pacheco
- Centro de Estudios en Biología Teórica y Aplicada - BIOTA, Av, Las Retamas No. 15, Zona de Cota Cota, La Paz, Bolivia.
- Colección Boliviana de Fauna, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Campus Universitario, Calle 27, Cota Cota, Casilla 10077, Correo Central, La Paz, Bolivia.
| | - G R Ayala
- Centro de Estudios en Biología Teórica y Aplicada - BIOTA, Av, Las Retamas No. 15, Zona de Cota Cota, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - F Varela
- Centro de Estudios en Biología Teórica y Aplicada - BIOTA, Av, Las Retamas No. 15, Zona de Cota Cota, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - F Arengo
- Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024, USA
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Cromie R, Newth J, Strong E. Transitioning to non-toxic ammunition: Making change happen. AMBIO 2019; 48:1079-1096. [PMID: 31257560 PMCID: PMC6675834 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
If the multiple negative health impacts associated with lead ammunition are to be mitigated, a transition to the non-toxic alternatives is needed. This paper aims to map out the pathways to such a transition via a modification of Kotter's eight step theory of change, identifying key stakeholders, exploring options for those of us advocating change and the relationships between policy and persuasion. The focus is primarily on the UK, but it is of direct relevance to the rest of Europe and beyond. The theory of change model involves (1) creating urgency, (2) building coalitions, (3) creating a vision for change, (4) communicating that vision, (5) removing barriers to enable action, (6) creating short-term or geospatial wins, (7) building on the change and (8) embedding change in culture and regulation. The paper reflects on good progress to date in initial steps, but throughout subsequent steps creative engagement and other disciplines which appreciate the human dimensions such as mediation and psychology of behaviour change have been lacking. Although significant barriers remain for Step 5, the paper identifies the central vision of sustainability of hunting as a shared value around which most stakeholders can engage. The paper concludes that, given the growing momentum surrounding this issue in recent years, the phasing out of lead ammunition is at a tipping point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Cromie
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT, UK.
| | - Julia Newth
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT, UK
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Emily Strong
- Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT, UK
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