Lead poisoning from spent ammunition is the leading cause of condor mortality and suffering — welfare science and advocacy for non-toxic ammunition are central to recovery programme success.
Lead poisoning causes extreme suffering in condors. Neurological effects include inability to fly, head drooping, and seizures over days to weeks before death without intervention. Wild condors must be captured for blood testing and treatment when lead levels are dangerously elevated. The welfare cost of lead poisoning — and the direct causal link to rifle ammunition — led to the California ammunition ban, which has measurably reduced condor lead exposure.