Lead-Poisoning in Magpie Geese Anseranas-Semipalmata From Ingested Lead Pellet at Bool-Lagoon-Game-Reserve (South-Australia)

摘要

A high mortality of magpie geese, Anseranas semipalmata, was associated with the ingestion of leadnpellet, which had accumulated in the sediment at the Boo1 Lagoon Game Reserve, South Australia.nReceding water levels in the autumn of 1986 enabled the geese to feed in areas containing high densitiesnof lead pellets. The goose population of 320 birds was reduced by an estimated 44% during this period.nPost-mortem examination of the contents of the gizzards from 30 dead geese showed that 93%ncontained ingested lead pellets. Analyses of the blood from 34 sick and dying geese showed lead levelsnof between 5 and 34 mol L-'. The death of these geese raises concern about lead poisoning in othernwaterbird species throughout Australia in similar wetlands to Boo1 Lagoon.