Levels of blood lead in Griffon vultures from a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Spain.

摘要: Abstract Lead is considered a highly toxic contaminant with important impacts to bird wildlife. Griffon vultures ( Gyps fulvus ) are sensitive indicator of the level environmental contamination due their position at top food chain and dependence on human activities. The aim this study was assess susceptibility lead intoxication in admitted Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers (WRC), measuring blood levels determining if concentrations related clinical signs, hematological, biochemical or radiographic findings. Also, influence age, gender, body condition, season primary cause admission were evaluated. This realized all during period one year Center GREFA. Blood measured by using anodic stripping voltammetry. In vultures, we observed that 26% analyzed birds presented above 20 µg/dL 74% below ([Pb] =9.34±5.60 µg/dL). our study, statistically significant differences found for according sex, center condition. A negative correlation between metal hematocrit. No association signs except digestive as stasis weight loss. On numerous occasions, specie ingestion ammunition; however, have not detected vultures. Compared other studies, generally low but WRC detectable concentrations. species apparently presents higher sensibility effects than described authors. It been there some evidence suggests subclinical could be predisposition injury diseases, even though these might causes. detection animals recovery will give valuable information which used monitor spatial temporal variations provide clearer picture emblematic avian specie.