California Condors Still Facing Lead Poisoning Problems

The California condor population went into dramatic decline during the 20th century due to poaching, lead poisoning, and habitat loss. In 1982 all of the remaining 22 wild condors were captured and taken to the SanCalifornia Condor Diego Zoo Safari Park and the Los Angeles Zoo for breeding.  The number of birds began to rise and in 1991 they began to be reintroduced into the wild. As of last month there were 213 condors living in the wild. The survival of the species continues to be threatened due to lead poisoning.

Condors are scavenging birds and eat carrion, i.e., animals that are already dead. This includes animals that have been shot and killed by hunters. As they eat the flesh they also ingest the lead shot or bullets that took the animal down in the first place.

California CondorWhile the condor population recovery has been impressive, it is also a bit of an illusion, for the condor is so dependent on humans for survival. The birds are currently tagged, monitored, and caught twice a year for blood tests. Up to one third of those tests show significantly elevated lead levels and many of those are serious enough to require veterinary care for the birds. They are given chelation treatements with calcium based drugs which bind to the lead and allow the lead to be passed out of the body. The chelation treatment itself can also cause nutrition issues that mean the bird's recovery time may be a month or more.

Some hunting and environmental groups, in association with the California Department for Fish and Game, have worked toward a lead ban in condor habitats. However, lead bullets and shot are cheaper and more readily available than ammunition made of other materials, so ranchers and hunters still use them. There is little enforcement to back up the plan.

Without finding a solution to this problem, there will never again be a self-sustaining condor population in North America. 

Sources: Sci-Tech.com, Science News