title: Long-term effects of lead poisoning on bone mineralization in vultures exposed to ammunition sources.
abstract: Long-lived species are particularly susceptible to bioaccumulation of lead in bone tissues. In this paper we gain insights into the sublethal effects of lead contamination on Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus). Our approach was done on the comparison of two populations (Canary Islands and Iberian Peninsula) differing in exposures to the ingestion of lead ammunition. Blood lead levels were higher in the island population (Canary Islands range: 5.10-1780 microg L(-1) n=137; Iberian Peninsula range: 5.60-217.30 microg L(-1) n=32) showing clear seasonal trends, peaking during the hunting season. Moreover, males were more susceptible to lead accumulation than females. Bone lead concentration increased with age, reflecting a bioaccumulation effect. The bone composition was significatively altered by this contaminant: the mineralization degree decreased as lead concentration levels increased. These results demonstrate the existence of long-term effects of lead poisoning, which may be of importance in the declines of threatened populations of long-lived species exposed to this contaminant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, C.S.I.C., Avda M(a) Luisa s/n, 41013 Sevilla, Spain. laurag@ebd.csic.es
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gangoso
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alvarez-Lloret
authors.forename: Alejandro A B
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Navarro
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mateo
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hiraldo
authors.forename: José Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Donázar
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D046093:Falconiformes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons; D054041:Weapons
chemical_list: D007854:Lead