Integration of Data Sets Pertaining to Bald Eagles and Water Fowl Populations in Illinois

摘要

In response to increasing controversy over the issue of lead shot and the secondary toxic effects of lead shot to bald eagles, the study integrated existing data sets to determine the most likely areas of potential damage in Illinois. Data sets pertaining to bald eagle populations and to waterfowl populations, harvest, crippling, shot ingestion, and blood lead levels were analyzed to evaluate the risk of secondary lead poisoning from lead shot to bald eagles wintering in Illinois. Areas of potentially high risk of secondary lead poisoning in eagles were identified along the Illinois River and the Mississippi River. The density of bald eagles and the number of waterfowl harvested per square mile of wetlands were used as the primary criteria for determining risk levels.