An increasing number of harrier hawks are dying from lead poisoning after eating dead animals shot during pest control, a rescue organisation says. Supplied Oxford Bird Rescue and Wildlife Hospital in Christchurch is seeing a rise in the number of harrier hawks with lead contamination. A ban on the use of lead shot in wetlands in the European Union came into force in January. Howard said lead shot did not disappear from the environment and affected livestock grazing on crops where predator shooting had taken place. Howard described duck shooting season as having been an “absolute disaster” for young harrier hawks.

Source: Stuff August 03, 2021 05:01 UTC