Abstract
AbstractConcentrations of lead, mercury, and cadmium in the liver, kidney, and muscle of four Steller's sea eagles (Haliaeetus pelagicus) and one white‐tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) that were found dead or debilitated and subsequently died in Hokkaido, Japan, from 1986 to 1997 were determined. High lead concentrations (>70 μg/g dry weight) were detected in the liver of two Steller's sea eagles and the white‐tailed sea eagle. Lead shot was also found in the intestine and gizzard of one Steller's sea eagle and the white‐tailed sea eagle, respectively. Mercury and cadmium concentrations in the tissues of these raptors were low, implying that the toxicities of these elements were negligible. These results indicate that eagles in Hokkaido are suffering from secondary poisoning through ingestion of lead shot embedded in the tissue of their prey.
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