AI Article Synopsis
- The study analyzed causes of death in golden eagles, turkey vultures, and common ravens, focusing on their exposure to contaminants found in carrion and prey.
- From 2007 to 2009, dead birds were tested, revealing that collision-related trauma (63%) was the leading cause of mortality, followed by lead poisoning (17%) and anticoagulant rodenticides (8%).
- The findings highlight the significant impact of human activities on these bird species, emphasizing the need for monitoring and regulation to reduce their mortality rates.
Article Abstract
Objectives: We documented causes of mortality in an opportunistic sample of golden eagles, turkey vultures and common ravens, and assessed exposure to several contaminants that have been found in carrion and common prey for these species.
Methods: Dead birds were submitted for testing through wildlife rehabilitation centres and a network of wildlife biologists in California from 2007 to 2009.
Results: The leading causes of mortality in this study were collision-related trauma (63 per cent), lead intoxication (17 per cent) and anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning (8 per cent). Elevated liver lead concentration (≥2 µg/g) and bone lead concentration (>6 µg/g) were detected in 25 and 49 per cent of birds tested, respectively. Approximately 84 per cent of birds tested had detectable rodenticide residues. The majority of rodenticide exposure occurred in peri-urban areas, suggesting that retail sale and use of commensal rodent baits, particularly in residential and semi-residential areas in California, may provide a pathway of exposure.
Conclusions: Monitoring anthropogenic causes of mortality in predatory and scavenging bird species provides important data needed to inform on mitigation and regulatory efforts aimed at reducing threats to these populations.
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|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4562445 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vropen-2014-000028 | DOI Listing |
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