Natural History Wanderings

ScienceDaily  has a recent report on the continuing problem of California Condors suffering from lead poisoning. Read full Story at:  Lead continues to be a serious threat to California condor populations — ScienceDaily. Here is the brief summary:

The California condor was one of the first species to be listed under the Endangered Species Preservation Act in 1966 when the population was reduced to a handful of birds. Through a massive collaborative effort, the condor population has grown to more than 400 birds, more than half of which are now free-flying in the wild. Unfortunately, there is overwhelming evidence that lead poisoning from accidental ingestion of spent ammunition is the leading cause of death in the wild population.