Protect our Flying Giants: The Sad Demise of a White-Tailed Eagle in Allgäu
Bearded Vulture in Allgäu perished due to lead contamination - Geese in the Allgäu succumbed to lead poisoning.
Hey there! Let's talk about the grim demise of a rare white-tailed eagle in the beautiful Allgäu. The Bavarian Bird Protection Association (LBV), based in Hilpoltstein, has released the autopsy findings of this majestic creature, whose wingspan spanned a whopping 2.5 meters. The eagle, who made its debut in Allgäu in early March, was found lifeless two weeks later.
"The eagle perished due to organ damage to the kidney, liver, and lung – all caused by lead poisoning. The analysis suggests that the bird absorbed the deadly metal while feeding on carrion tainted with lead-laced hunting ammunition," says Andreas von Lindeiner, the LBV’s state rep for nature conservation.
Lead in hunting ammo is a serious threat to all scavengers, not just exotic birds like the white-tailed eagle. Species like the griffon vulture, currently undergoing reintroduction in Bavaria, are also at risk. The LBV calls for a complete switch to lead-free ammo from municipalities and private hunters. In numerous other states, lead ammo is already forbidden on all hunting grounds. The dangers of lead ammo, particularly on large, rare birds of prey, have been known for a while, according to the LBV. These animals consume the poison through remnants of lead bullets left in the wild following hunting sprees. Even tiny amounts can be lethal, resulting in severe poisoning.
So, let's give our avian friends a fighting chance. Help the LBV in their quest for a lead-free Allgäu!
- Allgäu
- Scavengers
- Hilpoltstein
- Birds of Prey
- Griffon Vulture
- Hunting
- Lead Poisoning
- Bavaria
Note: The little critters deserve a chance to soar high! Let's clean up our hunting act for them!
- Adhering to the community policy of environmental protection in Allgäu, scavengers, birds of prey, and other wildlife should be prioritized over the use of lead ammunition by municipalities and private hunters.
- To promote health and wellness, both for humans and other aspects of the environment, it is essential to consider scientific evidence concerning the hazardous effects of lead-laced hunting ammunition, particularly in the context of medical-conditions that might affect various species such as the griffon vulture.
