What is the impact of lead ammunition on wildlife?

The impact of lead ammunition on wildlife is significant, primarily due to the risk of lead poisoning. When hunters use lead bullets or shot, fragments of lead can be left in the environment. Scavenger species, such as eagles, vultures, and other birds, may ingest these fragments while feeding on carcasses or gut piles left by hunters. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe health issues, including neurological damage, organ failure, and even death in wildlife.

Lead poisoning occurs when animals consume lead particles, which disrupts their body's normal functions. For example, in birds, lead poisoning can result in symptoms such as lethargy, difficulty flying, and impaired movement, ultimately leading to a decline in population numbers. This is why understanding the implications of using lead ammunition is crucial for conservation and impacts wildlife health.

The other options suggest that lead ammunition could have beneficial effects, such as enhancing growth or improving scavenger populations, or that it has no significant impact, which does not align with the well-established scientific consensus on the harmful effects of lead on wildlife.