Long-term lead intoxication of Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783) supposedly the result of illegal shooting

Abstract

The European Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus is a large-sized scavenger exploiting carcasses of livestock and wild ungulates and thus having a paramount importance in the natural ecosystems. In this study, we report on an adult Griffon Vulture detected with lead levels in the bones over the threshold. After two years of tracking, the bird died. The corpse’s clinical examination and radiography detected the presence of two embedded lead pellets from a healed gunshot wound in its right wing. Quantitative laboratory analysis of lead in bone and liver samples evidencing subclinical/chronic lead intoxication of the Griffon Vulture could potentially be a result of the long-term exposure to the lead originating from the pellets in its wing.

The importance of vultures for ecological stability and human society

“…This concern is particularly heightened by the challenges associated with managing the usage of chronically toxic substances, which may inadvertently infiltrate human food sources. Furthermore, the prevalence of lead poisoning is widespread and can often be attributed to the illicit act of shooting in various geographical areas [11]. Due to the introduction of illicit projectiles into the animal's anatomy, it is commonly observed that the animal is struck and subsequently attempts to escape, only to endure a protracted period of lead toxicity, ultimately resulting in its demise.…”