The link between feeding ecology and lead poisoning in white‐tailed eagles

摘要: Lead poisoning affects numerous threatened raptors and is a major cause of death in white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla). A reason for intoxication assumed to be lead fragments ingested while feeding on game animals killed by lead-based projectiles. However, empirical evidence the relevance carrion raptor diets remains scarce. We therefore investigated link between ecology poisoning, with as model species scavenging birds. collected data seasonal diet composition food availability 7 territorial eagle pairs northeastern Germany. also analyzed stomach contents (SCs) 126 found dead from 1996 2008 throughout Multiple regression models revealed that fish were primary prey eagles, waterfowl carcasses mammals comprised large portion alternative components. Eagles used individual foraging tactics, adjusted local supply, maximize profitability. They showed type II functional response availability. When sharply declined, switched carrion. The consumption mammal increased over autumn winter was positively correlated concomitant increase incidence stomachs lead-poisoned predominantly contained ungulate remains. These results indicate sources fragments. specific changing or poor habitat quality, leading lead-contaminated This shows constitutes considerable threat other birds similar habits long it contains bullet Conservation management would substantially improved if free One method achieve this widespread introduction lead-free ammunition. © 2012 Wildlife Society.