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CONTACT: Kelly Sorenson Executive Director Ventana Wildlife Society Office 831-455-9514  |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 26, 2012
Contact: Kelly Sorenson,
Work: 831-455-9514
Email: kellysorenson@ventanaws.org
Helping Hunters and Ranchers Help Condors:
Wildlife conservation group to provide free, nonlead ammunition
Lead poisoning from spent lead ammunition in the food supply of the California condor remains the number one hurdle to full recovery for the species in the wild. Condors ingest fragments of lead ammunition found in carcasses of animals that were shot and not recovered in the field and also quite likely from gut piles of animals that were successfully harvested.
In 1987 the last free-flying California condor was captured from the wild and an extensive recovery effort was initiated to save the species from extinction. Condors have been released to Big Sur by Ventana Wildlife Society since 1997 and at Pinnacles National Monument by the National Park Service since 2003. There are currently 62 condors living in the wild in central California with a total population in the wild and zoos combined of 386 individuals. In the 1980’s, the total population stood at just 22 birds. While these numbers are dramatic, wildlife biologists believe that due to the ongoing presence of lead from spent ammunition the condor could not survive on its own currently. “We are pleased to launch this progressive approach to wildlife conservation in partnership with the hunting and ranching communities,” says VWS board chair Bill Kampe.
The Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act was passed by state legislators and enacted in 2008 that requires the use of nonlead ammunition in the condor range in California. Hunters and ranchers have a long history of conserving wildlife. “By using nonlead ammunition, you have an opportunity to protect wildlife and advance this tradition of wildlife conservation in our community”, said Sorenson. Ventana Wildlife Society biologists trap condors twice per year and test the birds for lead exposure and despite the ban in California they continue to find above background levels of lead in the blood.
“We are so convinced that lead from spent ammunition is the number one problem for condors in the wild that we’re putting our money where our mouth is and are now providing free of charge two boxes of nonlead ammunition for residents of San Benito and Monterey Counties”, said Sorenson. Funding for this program was raised entirely from private individuals who are passionate about wildlife conservation and who support safe hunting. Their gift enabled Ventana Wildlife Society to launch and administer this pilot project. Ventana Wildlife Society surveyed their members last year and found that 95% of respondents were supportive of the idea to provide free-nonlead ammunition. “I think the results of this survey speak to the progressive thinking and dedication of our members and I thank them for their support”, says Kampe.
Ventana Wildlife Society understands that making a switch to nonlead ammunition can be difficult for some people, which is why they put together a list of ammunition products that meet the State’s certification of nonlead ammunition and projectiles and are now prepared to start placing orders. “Together, we can help bring back the condor to the wild places that we all share and enjoy. If you, or someone you know that lives in these two counties and would like to take us up on our offer, please fill out the form and give nonlead a shot now!” says VWS biologist Mike Stake who is managing the project. Using nonlead ammunition is not just good for condors but for at least 70 other species including bald eagles and other raptors.
Hunters and ranchers in Monterey and San Benito Counties interested in this new opportunity should apply soon as funds for the program are limited. The Society is asking applicants to fill out an online form at www.ventanaws.org/ammunition. The Society is also making available a print version which will be handed out in person at events and meetings in the coming months.
Ventana Wildlife Society is the only non-profit having released condors in California and works in collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and the National Parks Service as well captive breeding programs such as the Los Angeles Zoo, Oregon Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the World Center for Birds of Prey.
Kelly Sorenson
Executive Director
Ventana Wildlife Society
19045 Portola Drive, Ste F1
Salinas, CA 93908
831-455-9514
www.ventanaws.org and www.mycondor.org