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，包括在政府资助的扑杀计划中，我们的数据表明迫切需要转向非铅弹药的使用，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，以消除啄羊鹦鹉栖息地中的铅基弹药，以保护这种濒临灭绝的文化珍宝物种免于灭绝。