Lead And Mercury In Lesser Snow Geese Wintering In Louisiana

Author:	Larry D. West and John D. Newsom
Citation:	Proc. Ann. Conf. S.E. Assoc. Fish & Wildlife Agencies 31:180-187
Section:	Wildlife Sessions
Page Numbers:	180-187
Year:	1977
Retrieve article in:	PDF
Abstract:

Wintering Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens) were analyzed for lead and mercury residues and lead shot ingestion. Lead shot ingestion paralleled assimilation of lead residues. Snow geese collected in rice-growing areas had significantly (P < 0.01) more lead residues than marsh area geese. This was attributed to different soil finnness, feeding habits, and hunting practices in the 2 areas. Recent deposits of lead apparently played a major role in lead shot ingestion because lead residues and shot ingestion were greatest during the hunting season. Mercury residues significantly (P < 0.05) declined over the wintering season.

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