Possible Condor Poisoning
Biologists were alarmed to observe as many as 11 endangered California condors feeding
outside the monument on rodents that had been shot with lead ammunition and/or poisoned
with rodenticides. National Park Service biologists are now attempting to trap 11 of the
monument’s 13 condors that were observed feeding on these rodents during the past week.
The monument’s Chief of Natural Resources, Denise Louie, explained, “We’re going to trap
them and field test their blood for lead residues. We will also give them immediate treatment for
the rodenticide. If their blood shows high levels of lead, then we’ll drive them straight to the Los
Angeles Zoo for treatment.” Once at the Los Angeles Zoo, veterinarians will x- ray the affected
birds to determine if lead fragments are still in their crop. If lead is found, the veterinarians will
remove any fragments. The birds will then be held for an extended period while receiving daily
shots of a compound (calcium EDTA) that ‘collects’ lead in the blood and allows the bird to
eliminate it from their system. As of yet, no behavioral symptoms of poisoning have been
observed, but due to the possibility of ingesting multiple poisons, immediate action must be
taken.
In 1987, the last wild California condors were taken to zoos for an intensive captive- breeding
program. In 2003, Pinnacles National Monument, a historic breeding area, partnered with the
US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Ventana Wildlife Society to become the fifth area to
reintroduce California condors. Both captive- breeding efforts and the reintroduction of
condors back into the wild have been a great success, raising the overall population of condors
from 22 to just under 300 birds. The monument is surrounded by undeveloped ranchland and
the local ranching community has shown steady support for the reintroduction program.
The monument is the most accessible to the public of all the condor release sites, and is the only
reintroduction site that invites the public to attend all releases. The reintroduction of such a
"signature species" has already begun to increase visitation, and the Pinnacles Condor Program
has drawn substantial positive public attention and national press. All partner agencies agree
that the reintroduction is succeeding. Biologists have tracked condor flights ranging from
northern Santa Clara County to the northern tip of San Luis Obispo County. During an
exploratory flight to the Big Sur coast this month, two condors from Pinnacles met with condors
from the Big Sur flock for the first time.
As the condors increase their range, they also expose themselves to potential hazards, such as
lead poisoning. The consumption of lead fragments occurs when condors feed on animal
carcasses that have been shot using lead bullets. Even microscopically small pieces of lead can
be fatal for these birds because they become unable to process food when the lead paralyzes
their digestive system. The poisoned bird quickly becomes very weak, mentally impaired, and
either dies from starvation or is preyed upon by predators. Pinnacles’ biologists have been
working with the local ranching community and have been largely successful in their efforts to
reduce the use of lead ammunition by encouraging the use of non- lead alternatives.
The threat from lead poisoning is precisely why National Park Service biologists monitor
condor movement patterns on a daily basis, as well as track them remotely using GPS
technology and cameras. Earlier this year Pinnacles began posting photographs on its web page,
taken by remote cameras at the monument’s feeding site. Now with the CondorCam,
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/condor/condor.htm visitors can see these birds close up, while
researchers use the same photos to gain critical information about the health of each animal.
Contacts:
• Jim Petterson, Pinnacles National Monument Senior Biologist, 831.389.4485 x 223
• Denise Louie, Chief of Research and Resource Management, 831.389.4485 x 222
• Chris Ketchum, Ranch Foreman, Paicines Ranch, 831.801.7910 (Local rancher who switched
from lead ammunition to steel in response to the condor reintroduction.
General park information can be obtained by visiting www.nps.gov/pinn or by calling 831- 389-
4485 extension 0.
Release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release Date: 6/19/2006
Contact: Eric Brunnemann, Superintendent
Phone: (831) 389 – 4485 x233
