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For Immediate Release: May 21, 2007
Contact: Kelly Lessard 952.431.9217
Apple Valley, MINN – They are beautiful, and they are fast. Reaching incredible speeds of up to 220 mph in pursuit of prey, they are the supreme aerial athlete whose conservation story is one of the most documented in the world. In 1962, they disappeared completely from the eastern two-thirds of North America. And now, after 20 years of conservation efforts led by the Minnesota Zoo, Raptor Center, and other local conservationists, peregrine falcons are back–and the public is invited to watch the next generation prepare to take flight.
The devastating effect of DDT and related chemicals on peregrines and many other species in the 1950s and 60s is a familiar story, but in the mid-1970s, a few determined and passionate falconers pioneered the restoration of this species. Efforts began in the eastern U.S. as Dr. Tom Cade and a group of peregrine admirers (The Peregrine Fund) developed techniques for captive breeding of adult falcons and controlled releases of their young. The techniques they used proved to be invaluable for other organizations assisting in the recovery of the species throughout the lower 48 states.
In the Midwest, two biologists carried out coordination for peregrine recovery: Dr. Pat Redig of The Raptor Center and Dr. Harrison Tordoff of the Bell Museum. Releases of young peregrine falcon chicks started along the cliffs of the Mississippi River near Kellogg, Minnesota in 1982. In 1985, the recovery project expanded to other urban areas, such as Minneapolis, Chicago, and Milwaukee, and included a total of 13 states and two Canadian provinces. Over the past 20 years, nearly 1,300 young captive-bred falcon chicks have been released; as of 2006 there are 210 territorial peregrine falcon pairs that produced over 430 young in the Midwestern population. Within a short period of time, the project was well on the way to recovery and the population continued to slowly grow.
In 1999, the peregrine falcon was officially removed from the Endangered Species list and is currently being monitored for changes in the population that might require re-listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Across the U.S., this successful effort has happened because of the passion people have for this species. Falconers, State wildlife departments, colleges and universities, corporations, and private individuals have all proven how cooperation could successfully work in a wildlife conservation program.
To celebrate 20 years of conservation success, the public is invited to observe the upcoming banding of peregrine falcons throughout Minnesota and beyond.
2007 Banding Schedule
Learn more about the Peregrine Falcon Restoration Project
The Minnesota Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine specializes in the medical care, rehabilitation, conservation, and study of eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. For more information, call 612.624.4745 or visit raptor.cvm.umn.edu. For more information on the Midwest Peregrine Project, visit midwestperegrine.org. |
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