Lead‐based ammunition is a threat to the endangered New Zealand Kea (Nestor notabilis)

Eric J. Buenz; Myra Finkelstein; Ellen Cieraad; Pauline Howard; Gareth J. Parry; Simon Hunter; Jordan O. Hampton; Victoria J. Bakker; Fiona Sloan; Ben Hodgson; Kerry A. Weston

doi:10.1111/conl.13059

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Lead‐based ammunition is a threat to the endangered New Zealand Kea (Nestor notabilis)

Letter/Communication

Open access

Peer reviewed

Lead‐based ammunition is a threat to the endangered New Zealand Kea (Nestor notabilis)

Eric J. Buenz, Myra Finkelstein, Ellen Cieraad, Pauline Howard, Gareth J. Parry, Simon Hunter, Jordan O. Hampton, Victoria J. Bakker, Fiona Sloan, Ben Hodgson, …

Conservation letters, e13059

2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.13059

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Abstract

ammunition environmental impact

anthropogenic pollution

conservation strategies New Zealand

ecotoxicology lead regulations and wildlife

endangered avian species

kea conservation

lead isotopic analysis

lead toxicity in birds

wildlife lead exposure

Lead (Pb) poisoning is a significant threat to Aotearoa New Zealand's endangered kea ( Nestor notabilis ), an avian species important to Māori. Historically, exposure was thought to be from lead‐containing building materials; however, recent field observations suggest lead‐based ammunition as an additional source. We used stable lead isotopes to investigate the sources of lead to kea. Comparing 207 Pb/ 206 Pb ratios in kea blood ( n = 91) to both ammunition and building materials, we found approximately one‐third of exposed kea (blood lead > 10 µg/dL) had lead isotope ratios consistent with exposure to lead‐based ammunition. As lead ammunition is still used, including in government‐sponsored culling programs, our data indicate an urgent need to shift toward non‐lead ammunition use to prevent further poisoning and aid conservation efforts. Collaborating with tangata whenua /Māori guardians, we advocate for immediate policy changes to eliminate lead‐based ammunition in kea habitat to safeguard this endangered culturally treasured species from extinction.

Details

Title: Lead‐based ammunition is a threat to the endangered New Zealand Kea (Nestor notabilis)
Authors/Creators: Eric J. Buenz - Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
Myra Finkelstein - University of California, Santa Cruz
Ellen Cieraad - Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
Pauline Howard - South Island Animal Wildlife Hospital Christchurch New Zealand
Gareth J. Parry - Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
Simon Hunter - Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
Jordan O. Hampton - Murdoch University
Victoria J. Bakker - Montana State University
Fiona Sloan - Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Christchurch New Zealand
Ben Hodgson - Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Christchurch New Zealand
Kerry A. Weston - Department of Conservation Biodiversity Group Christchurch New Zealand
Publication Details: Conservation letters, e13059
Publisher: Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Number of pages: 9
Grant note: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology
We thank:
Identifiers: 991005709159707891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Terrestrial Ecosystem Science and Sustainability; School of Veterinary Medicine
Language: English
Resource Type: Letter/Communication

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.91 Contamination & Phytoremediation; 3.91.644 Mercury Dynamics
Web Of Science research areas: Biodiversity Conservation
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology