Impact of lead shots on a mountain pass in central Apennines

Abstract

An evaluation of the effect of lead left in the environment, during hunting activity, on migratory birds was done in 2004. We calculated 5.63-7.10 quintals of lead dispersed every year, corresponding to 16.5-20.9 kg of Pb/ha/year (total area of 34 ha). Considering a percentage of shot success between 20 and 40%, we calculate 3,520-8,880 migratory birds killed every year, among them several protected species.