Peregrine Falcon

a) DDT and other organochlorine pesticides

-their harmful effects on Peregrine Falcons

b) Specific examples of population decreases

III. Human effort to reestablish population

- Initial plan to save species from extinction

b) Captive breeding, released into urban areas/wild

d) Examples of specific urban populations

b) Reintroduction to old nesting sites

- Failure of certain populations to recover

c) Worldwide outlook for Peregrine Falcons

Peregrine Falcon Population Timeline

1900 -2ooo breeding pairs in US (Rowland, 2000)

1950s -Populations began disappearing (Rowland, 2000)

-Heavy use of DDT and other organochlorine pesticides

1964 -Peregrine Falcon vanished from E

By the time scientists started noticing the huge population decline in the 1950s, the population was already in serious trouble. By 1964, there were no Peregrines in the Eastern United States, and only about 39 breeding pairs existed in the United States. This was the Falcon’s most critical time worldwide, specifically in the US, where the population used to be healthy (Rowland, 2000). By 1968, the population was completely eradicated east of the Mississippi River and western populations were greatly reduced (Raptorresource). In 1970, only 39 breeding pairs existed in the United States. Also in 1970, they were considered Endangered under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969.

1974 -After first year of Cade’s plan, 20 hatchlings survived captive breeding, some were released into the wild (Rowland, 2000)

-Peregrine Fund initiated by Dr. Tom Cade

Food is plentiful in cities for falcons because pigeons, starlings, and other birds are common. Similar to living in a natural area, city birds feed almost entirely on smaller birds and rodents occasionally. Preferred prey in cities are pigeons, starlings, blue jays, rats and squirrels. (Rowland, 2000)

1999 -Taken off US Endangered Species list

Even though it is small compared to other birds of prey, the Peregrine is an amazing predator who utilizes its eye sight and amazing flight speed to kill prey with ease. If it wasn’t such an amazing bird, it would most likely be extinct today. After a drastic population decline after World War II, scientists began noticing that the Peregrine population was in trouble. With the help of Falcon enthusiasts, scientists began introducing the birds into cities, which interested the public. Without human help, the Peregrine Falcon population would be gone or close to it.

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