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Lead poisoning in common loons (Gavia immer)
Avian Diseases
|April 1, 1982
Summary
Lead poisoning from fishing gear fragments is a significant threat to common loons (Gavia immer). Necropsies revealed high lead levels in emaciated loons, indicating fishing tackle as the likely cause of death.
Area of Science:
- Ornithology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Common loons (Gavia immer) are susceptible to environmental toxins.
- Lead fishing tackle poses a risk to avian wildlife.
Observation:
- Two emaciated common loons with fishing line and lead sinkers in their stomachs died.
- A third emaciated loon with fishing line remnants also showed elevated lead levels.
- Lead levels in affected loons were significantly higher than in loons dying from other causes.
Findings:
- High liver lead concentrations (20.6-46.1 ppm) were detected in two loons that ingested fishing gear.
- A third loon with fishing line remnants had a liver lead level of 38.52 ppm.
- Control loons (n=13) dying of other causes had liver lead levels <1 ppm.
Implications:
- Ingestion of lead fishing tackle is a likely cause of mortality in common loons.
- Lead poisoning from discarded fishing gear poses a serious conservation threat.
- Reducing lead fishing tackle use can mitigate risks to common loon populations.