Bald eagles have come a long way in the past few decades. In fact, their population has more than four times at less than 48 since 2009. However, a new study shows that there is a lingering threat that continues to hinder their recovery: lead bullets.
Researchers from Cornell University believe that lead poisoning is affecting the recovery of species in the Northeast, and they’ve found out if that’s true. Their findings, published in Wildlife Management Magazine, seems to confirm their suspicions. The data show that although species numbers continue to grow, lead poisoning is reducing eagle population growth by 4%-6% annually in the region.
Eagles encounter lead when consuming animal carcasses contaminated with the substance. The researchers explain that switching to a different type of ammunition, such as one made of copper, could help solve this problem.
Dr. Krysten Schuler, senior author and research assistant professor in the Department of Public Health and Ecosystems, speak“It is hoped that this report will add information to force hunters, as conservationists, to think about their ammunition choices.”
To determine the impact of lead poisoning on bald eagles, the team used population modeling and autopsies records to determine how reduced levels of lead in the environment would affect species populations. Records include 1,200 birds that died between 1990 and 2018 in seven northeastern states. Of those animals, nearly 500 were tested for lead, and the researchers looked at whether their exposure was at toxic levels.
Using these methods, the team determined that deaths from lead poisoning reduced annual population growth. 4.2% for women and 6.3% for the south in the Northeast. They hope the numbers can inspire changes in hunter-gatherers and federal regulations.
The authors write, “Reducing eagle mortality from (lead) poisoning could alleviate the survival pressures of females and breeders, and could return eagle populations to an active state.” has strong resilience. The results of this study could be used in efforts by state and federal wildlife managers or non-governmental organizations to educate hunters about the consequences of selection. ammunition or to provide information on policy around the use of lead ammunition. ”
The team said that although this study focused on bald eagles, lead poisoning could also affect other scavengers.
Dr. Schuler tell NPR, “What we have is a lot of data on bald eagles. They are of the poster type that we are using for this problem because we do not have the same amount of data to do this type of analysis on other species. “
If you want to help, you can Sign this petition urged federal officials to protect wildlife from lead.
