The number of nesting pairs in the state has slowly increased. Indiana started its peregrine falcon reintroduction project in 1991, and by 1994 the DNR had released 60 young falcons in Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and South Bend. ![]() By 1965, no peregrine falcons nested east of the Mississippi River, and western populations had declined by 90 percent.Įfforts to study, breed and restore peregrine populations began in the 1970s. In 2013, they were removed from the state endangered species list and are considered a species of special concern.Ī half-century ago, habitat loss and decreased reproduction resulting from use of pesticides, such as DDT, put peregrine falcons in peril of surviving as a species. Their recovery resulted in their removal from the federal endangered species list in 1999. Once threatened with extinction in North America, peregrine falcons represent one of the most successful restoration stories in the 40 years of the Endangered Species Act. “Volunteers were invaluable in monitoring nesting, identifying adults and keeping young falcons out of harm’s way.” “Once again, building and plant managers throughout the state were cooperative in allowing access for banding at nest boxes,” John Castrale, retired nongame bird biologist said. Biologists credit building managers and volunteers with supporting the program. ![]() “Historically, they created a scrape on the ledge of a cliff and laid eggs there.”ĭNR biologists monitor peregrine falcon nesting every year, banding most young falcons with leg identification tags to help monitor movement and survival. “Peregrine falcons do not typically build a nest,” Gillet said. During falcon recovery efforts in the 1970s, scientists discovered that skyscrapers and other tall structures mimic the peregrine's natural cliff-side habitat. At some known nest sites, biologists have built a nest box to provide the birds with additional cover. ![]() In Indiana, peregrine falcons nest in urban and industrial settings on man-made structures. Some of the known nest sites are inaccessible to biologists, and it is possible that nest sites exist that have yet to be discovered, Gillet said. The number of falcons hatched this year in Indiana is likely even higher. Chicks were banded in East Chicago, Fort Wayne, Gary, Indianapolis, Michigan City, Petersburg, South Bend, Terre Haute and Wheatfield. This spring the DNR banded 40 chicks, up from 32 in 2016, according to biologist Allisyn Gillet of the Division of Fish & Wildlife. Indiana’s breeding population of peregrine falcons remains productive, according to DNR’s nongame bird biologist. Peregrine falcons were removed from the federal endangered species list in 1999.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |