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Sublethal Lead Exposure Alters Movement Behavior in Free-Ranging Golden Eagles
Frauke Ecke1,2, Navinder J Singh1, Jon M Arnemo1,3
1Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , SE-90183 Umeå, Sweden.
Lead ammunition fragments in wildlife carcasses cause lead poisoning in scavengers. Even low lead levels in Golden Eagles negatively impact their movement and increase mortality risk, highlighting a serious conservation threat.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Wildlife Ecology
- Conservation Science
Background:
- Lead poisoning from ammunition fragments in wildlife is a global concern.
- Ingestion of lead-contaminated carcasses and offal poses risks to scavenger species.
- Potential behavioral effects and increased mortality from lead exposure are under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of sublethal lead concentrations on the movement behavior of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos).
- To assess the correlation between lead levels in blood and the hunting season.
- To evaluate the increased mortality risk associated with sublethal lead exposure in eagles.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of blood and liver lead levels in recovered Golden Eagles.
- Correlation of blood lead levels with the progression of the moose hunting season.
- Tracking data analysis to assess movement behavior (flight height, movement rate) in relation to lead exposure.
Main Results:
- Sublethal blood lead concentrations (25 ppb) negatively affected Golden Eagle movement behavior.
- Lead levels in liver indicated increased mortality risk in eagles with sublethal exposure.
- Lead exposure from ammunition poses a significant threat to wildlife conservation.
Conclusions:
- Lead ammunition fragments pose a greater threat to wildlife conservation than previously understood.
- Sublethal lead exposure can adversely affect behavior and survival of scavenging species.
- Banning lead ammunition for hunting is suggested to mitigate these risks.
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