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Title: Effects of lead shot ingestion on free-ranging mourning doves

Journal Article · · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01701744· OSTI ID:7244252

Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) may develop Pb toxicosis from ingesting spent Pb shot from hunted fields in which they feed. One to 6.5 percent of the dove population may ingest Pb shot based on analysis of gizzard contents. No Pb shot toxicity studies have been conducted on free-ranging mourning doves. Mortality data for Pb-dosed, free-ranging doves would help determine the actual effects of Pb shot ingestion on the mourning dove population. Causes of death of Pb-treated doves also could help to estimate exposure of predators and scavengers to secondary Pb toxicosis. The objectives of this study were to compare mortality and causes of death of free-ranging Pb-treated and untreated mourning doves.

OSTI ID:
7244252
Journal Information:
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA), Vol. 43:2; ISSN 0007-4861
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English