Lead in terrestrial game birds from Spain

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Avian Biology

Background:

• Lead (Pb) exposure from ammunition poses risks to wildlife.
• Terrestrial game birds may ingest lead pellets, leading to contamination.
• Understanding Pb exposure in game birds is crucial for conservation and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze lead exposure in seven game bird species across Spain.
• To investigate the relationship between lead-based ammunition and lead levels in birds.
• To identify potential bioindicators of lead contamination.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 530 liver samples for lead concentration.
• Examination of crops, gizzards, and intestines for ingested lead pellets.
• Determination of renal lead concentrations in birds exceeding exposure thresholds.

Main Results:

• 5.6% of specimens showed evidence of ingested lead shot.
• Geometric mean hepatic lead concentration was 0.054 μg g⁻¹ (wet weight).
• Common woodpigeons and rock doves in Madrid exhibited high liver lead concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Common woodpigeons and rock doves serve as effective bioindicators for rural and urban lead contamination, respectively.
• Partridges raised for hunting may have a higher risk of ingesting lead pellets.
• Findings inform management decisions regarding lead ammunition use and its impact on game birds.