A review of lead poisoning from ammunition sources in terrestrial birds

Poisoning from lead shot in waterbirds has been well documented globally and, in some countries, legislation exists to combat lead toxicosis at wetlands and/or in waterbirds. However, poisoning of terrestrial species such as raptors and upland game birds, while of potential conservation concern, remains largely to be addressed. For several species, shot are not the only ammunition source of lead, as bullet fragments can be ingested from hunter-killed animal carcasses and gut piles left in the field. This review collates the current knowledge of lead poisoning from ammunition in non-waterbirds. Fifty-nine terrestrial bird species have so far been documented to have ingested lead or suffered lead poisoning from ammunition sources, including nine Globally Threatened or Near Threatened species. We discuss the conservation significance of continued lead use, and detail measures needed to combat lead poisoning.

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