Lead (Pb) poisoning is a significant threat to Aotearoa New Zealand's endangered kea (Nestor notabilis), an avian species important to Māori. Historically, exposure was thought to be from lead-containing building materials; however, recent field observations suggest lead-based ammunition as an additional source. We used stable lead isotopes to investigate the sources of lead to kea. Comparing ²⁰⁷ Pb/²⁰⁶ Pb ratios in kea blood (n = 91) to both ammunition and building materials, we found approximately one-third of exposed kea (blood lead > 10 µg/dL) had lead isotope ratios consistent with exposure to lead-based ammunition. As lead ammunition is still used, including in government-sponsored culling programs, our data indicate an urgent need to shift toward non-lead ammunition use to prevent further poisoning and aid conservation efforts. Collaborating with tangata whenua/Māori guardians, we advocate for immediate policy changes to eliminate lead-based ammunition in kea habitat to safeguard this endangered culturally treasured species from extinction.

中文翻译：

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铅基弹药对濒临灭绝的新西兰啄羊鹦鹉 （Nestor notabilis） 构成威胁


铅 （Pb） 中毒对新西兰濒临灭绝的啄羊鹦鹉 （Nestor notabilis） 构成重大威胁，这是一种对毛利人很重要的鸟类。从历史上看，暴露被认为来自含铅的建筑材料;然而，最近的现场观察表明铅基弹药是另一个来源。我们使用稳定的铅同位素来研究 Kea 的铅来源。将啄羊鹦鹉血液中 ²⁰⁷ Pb/²⁰⁶ Pb 的比率 （n = 91） 与弹药和建筑材料进行比较，我们发现大约三分之一的暴露啄羊鹦鹉 （血铅 > 10 μg/dL） 的铅同位素比率与暴露于铅基弹药一致。由于铅弹药仍在使用，包括政府资助的扑杀计划，我们的数据表明迫切需要转向无铅弹药的使用，以防止进一步中毒并帮助保护工作。我们与 tangata whenua/毛利守护者合作，倡导立即改变政策，消除啄羊鹦鹉栖息地中的铅基弹药，以保护这一濒临灭绝的文化珍宝物种免于灭绝。