Research findings specific for Turkey Vulture vs. California Condor sensitivity to lead include :
(excerpt from
Journal of Wildlife Diseases, 2003, citation of original study:
Lead-induced mortality appears to have been a major factor in the decline of the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus). We orally dosed turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) with BB-sized lead shot from January 1988 through July 1988 to determine physiologic response (delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase inhibition, erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels, anemia), diagnostic tissue lead concentrations (blood, liver, and kidney), and comparative sensitivity of this species. Two turkey vultures died and two became so intoxicated they were euthanized. Overall, responses of measured parameters were comparable to other species exposed to lead although there was considerable individual variation. Survival time (143-211 days), even with the large numbers of shot and constant redosing, was much longer than reported for other species of birds, suggesting considerable tolerance by turkey vultures to the deleterious effects of lead ingestion. Based on these observations, turkey vultures appear to be poor models for assessing the risk of lead poisoning to California condors or predicting their physiologic response.)
Good overall assessment here:
http://www.ventanaws.org/Lead_poisoning ... Condor.pdf
pdf of pub:
www.pnas.org/cdi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1203141109
Finkelstein et al
AB 711 has passed both Calif. Senate and Assembly; awaits signature of Gov. Brown (bans lead ammo for all hunting throughout Calif.)
Also, read up on the latest findings re: DDT and shell fragility/low hatch rates (all over again!! Thank you Montrose!! PV /offshore superfund site...)