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LEAD IN MIGRANT GOLDEN EAGLES
Researchers Rob Domenech from the Raptor View Research
Institute in Missoula and Heiko Langner from the University of
Montana Geosciences Department have been studying migratory
golden eagles along the Rocky Mountain Front and documented
elevated blood lead levels in a high portion of the birds. Blood
samples from 93 birds tested during 2006-2010 showed more than
50 with elevated blood lead levels. It is assumed that the
source of lead is lead core bullet fragments left in carcasses
and gut piles of game animals eaten by the golden eagles. There
is evidence that blood lead level increases rapidly after
ingestion of lead fragments and then decreases slowly (half-life
is two weeks) due to deposition of the metal in bones and other
tissues. However, blood lead levels will remain slightly
elevated, as the metal is not being excreted. The following
chart of blood lead levels is provided by Rob Domenech and Heiko
Langner.
http://www.umt.edu/geosciences/faculty/langner/EBL
http://www.raptorview.org/
EXOTIC WILDLIFE AND THEIR REGULATIONS
Exotic wildlife are those species not native to Montana and
often have resulted in adverse effects to native species and
ecosystems when they become established. Because of known or
potential adverse impacts Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP)
regulates exotic wildlife and classifies them into three
categories: noncontrolled, controlled, and prohibited.
Classifications are based on: (1) the environmental impacts
caused by the animal if it is released or escapes from captivity
including ecological and economic impacts, (2) the risk the
animal would pose to health or safety of the public, wildlife or
agriculture, and (3) the ability to readily control and contain
the animal in captivity.
Noncontrolled species may be possessed, sold, purchased,
exchanged, or transported within the state without a permit with
a few exceptions. Some examples of birds and fish in this
category are: mynahs, toucans, parrots, cockatoos, and all
tropical, subtropical, and marine fish for use in residential
and office aquariums.
Controlled species may be imported, possessed, sold, purchased
or exchanged in Montana under a controlled species permit
available from FWP. Examples of birds include all exotic
waterfowl in the Anatidae family (ducks, geese, swans). Koi and
goldfish used in outdoor ponds are in this category and must
complete a reporting form to FWP and the ponds must meet the
following criteria: must not be larger than 400 square feet,
must not be within the 100-year flood plain, must be at least
200 yards from any open water, must not receive diverted surface
water, and must not have an effluent or discharge to surface
water.
Prohibited species cannot be imported, transported, or possessed
in Montana including hybrids, viable embryos, or gametes.
African clawed frogs and North American bullfrogs are prohibited
as are several species of fish such as grass carp and walking
catfish. Examples of mammals on the list include axis deer,
foxes, nutria, most primates, red deer, and Russian boar.
A full listing of species in each category as well as further
information about the rules and classifications is available
from FWP or on their website at
http://fwp.mt.gov/wildthings/exotics.
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