Heavy metal accumulation as a threat to the endangered Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus L.) in Turkey

Due to anthropogenic activity, most vulture species are threatened. Neophron percnopterus, the Egyptian vulture, is a vulture species with a declining population. One of the most important factors threatening the species is exposure to chemicals. The second largest population of this bird species is found in Turkey. Accumulation of heavy metals for this species has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to detect and measure As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn values in the feathers of Neophron percnopterus.