![]() The recovery of Peregrine Falcons in Alaska occurred naturally, without breeding programs or reintroductions, but such programs were essential to the overall recovery of the species in many areas outside of Alaska where the species had suffered severe declines. Further, breeding programs helped baby birds survive and Peregrine Falcons were reintroduced into areas where they had disappeared. Although DDT is still used in some areas outside of the U.S., its use worldwide has been much reduced. Joint efforts by many countries and groups helped the species recover. More needed to be done to protect Peregrine Falcons, however, because they migrate through other countries and needed protection there, too. They measured the amount and types of toxins in the Peregrine Falcons’ feathers and eggs. In Alaska, scientists tracked the number of breeding Peregrine Falcons nesting along the upper Yukon River. Efforts started soon after to help the species recover, led by the U.S. ![]() ![]() law that protects imperiled species and their habitats. In 1973, Peregrine Falcons were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Peregrine Falcons disappeared completely from the eastern U.S. By the 1960’s, many species of birds, including Peregrine Falcons, declined across North America because of DDT. As a result, nesting birds produced fewer chicks. The fragile shells made the eggs susceptible to being crushed in the nest. In Peregrine Falcons and other birds, one effect of DDT was to interfere with egg formation, resulting in eggs with thin shells. As Peregrine Falcons fed on contaminated birds, the contamination was passed on to them in ever-increasing amounts. When birds ate insects contaminated with DDT, they themselves became contaminated. But DDT had other, unintended effects on the environment. It was used to kill insects that were pests on crops and that caused human diseases. Damage From an Insecticide and Help From a Lawĭichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, or DDT for short, is an insecticide introduced in the U.S. As a top predator in the ecosystem, human activities such as pollution and climate change can threaten Peregrine Falcons. Though they are powerful predators, the species has faced difficult challenges. Using their sharp vision, they target prey in mid-air, chase it, and strike with a sharp blow of their talons. This helps them catch their favorite meal-other birds. Diving from above, they can reach over 322 km/h (200 mi/hr). Peregrine Falcons are among the fastest birds in the world. (B) Biologists travel by motorboat and use binoculars and spotting scopes from riverbanks to look for Peregrine Falcons on bluffs (photo credit: Josh Spice, NPS).įalcons are birds of prey, meaning they hunt other animals for food. Inset shows the location of the preserve in Alaska with national park lands in green.
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