Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve

18 May, 04 AM - 05 Jun, 10 AM

The primary goals of the proposed research are to 1) document lead exposure in avian scavengers over a two year period in areas with varying big game hunting activity, 2) evaluate the effectiveness of the lead ammunition ban in the condor range by comparing lead exposure in California condors and sympatric avian scavengers before and after the initiation of the ban, and 3) compare the isotope ratios of lead detected in avian blood and tissue samples to the isotope ratios of lead in ammunition samples and other sources of lead collected from the study areas. The initiation of the legislation regulating lead ammunition in the condor range presents a unique opportunity to evaluate the success of a management action designed to improve wildlife health. Findings from this study will provide the data needed for science-based management and policy aimed at regulating the use of lead in ammunition and may help frame objectives for wildlife health and conservation on both a national and international level. Objective: Document and compare lead exposure in avian scavengers among areas with varying hunting activity. Methods: Lead exposure will be documented and compared in turkey vultures in areas with varying degrees of hunting activity. Hunting activity is classified by the type and intensity of hunting. The classifications include: (i) High deer: Mendocino County, (ii) High wild pig: Kern, Monterey, and San Benito Counties, (iii) Low intensity/no hunting (Riverside and Orange Counties). A total of 50 turkey vultures will be sampled from each hunting classification. Data collected on each individual will include precise geographical location (GIS coordinates), species, sex, age class, morphometrics, and blood lead level. Turkey vultures will be marked with vinyl patagial tags in order to identify specific individuals and to facilitate resight of individuals at study sites. Blood from these birds will be analyzed for lead concentration using element magnetic sector-inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). To compare lead exposure in the turkey vultures among areas with varying hunting activity, mean blood lead levels will be evaluated for significant differences between hunting activity classifications using ANOVA and Tukey?s multiple comparisons test. Additionally, mean blood lead levels will be compared by sex and season using two sample t-tests. Mixed effects linear regression models that include a within cluster term for trapping site will be developed to evaluate the relationship between hunting activity classification and lead concentration while adjusting for sex and age class.

Visit #17628 @Landels-Hill Big Creek Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 9552 | Research

Linking hunting activities to lead exposure in sentinel avian scavenging species: implications for conservation of the California condor

graduate_student - University of California, Davis

Reservation Members(s)

Terra Kelly May 18 - Jun 5, 2009 (19 days)
Terra Kelly May 18 - Jun 5, 2009 (19 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Highlands Camp 2 May 18 - Jun 5, 2009
Whale Point Researcher Cabin 2 May 18 - Jun 5, 2009