Schwarzenegger gets the lead out - protect the California Condor
News from BirdLife International
16-10-2007
Schwarzenegger gets the lead out
Audubon (BirdLife in the US) have applauded Governor Schwarzenegger’s decision to sign into law a crucial bill that will ban the use of lead ammunition for hunting big game within the range of California Condor Gymnogyps californianus.
The newly-signed Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act will require the use of ‘non-lead centerfire’ rifle and pistol ammunition when shooting big game or coyotes within specific areas of the state.
Governor Schwarzenegger ignored the objections of his own Department of Fish and Game in deciding to sign the bill (AB821) last Saturday.
“This is a great day for the California Condor and the State of California,” said Glenn Olson, Executive Director of Audubon California. “I would like to commend Governor Schwarzenegger for signing the Ridley-Tree Condor Conservation Act and again putting our state at the forefront on wildlife protection.”
"This legislation is clear proof that creative solutions are available to our most vexing environmental issues." —Glenn Olson, Executive Director of Audubon California
The accidental ingestion of lead pellets has been a key factor in California Condor declines, so much so that in 1987 the species became extinct in the wild when the last six wild individuals were captured to join a captive-breeding recovery programme. Today the wild population numbers some 70 reintroduced individuals.
California Condor is listed as Critically Endangered by BirdLife International.
Audubon California - which has long advocated on behalf of California Condor- have described the new law as the most important conservation step for the condor in years, marking a significant victory after three previous attempts to get the bill signed had failed.
“This legislation is clear proof that creative solutions are available to our most vexing environmental issues, and that Californians need not choose between wildlife protection and recreational uses, such as hunting,” added Olson.
http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2007/10/lead_ban_california_condor.html
