Peregrine Falcon Monitoring

Importance
As a top trophic-level predator, the American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) occupies an important niche in Northern Colorado Plateau Network (NCPN) ecosystems. Known as the world’s fastest bird, the peregrine falcon was nearly decimated in the 1950s and 1960s by pesticide contaminants such as DDT, and was listed as federally endangered in 1970. Though its successful recovery led this bird to be de-listed in 1999, population monitoring remains crucial, and is a high priority for NCPN parks. Public interest in the species, together with federal law, necessitate continued monitoring to track the population’s recovery and document park-level populations in need of special conservation efforts. The peregrine falcon breeds throughout the Colorado Plateau, and occurs in 10 of the 16 NCPN park units. Objectives for peregrine falcon monitoring are to determine annual status and trends in territory occupancy, nest success, and productivity of peregrine falcons.

Peregrine falcon

Long-term Monitoring
Inventory and monitoring of the peregrine falcon has been ongoing in 10 NCPN park units since 1973. In conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)’s 2003 Monitoring Plan for the American Peregrine Falcon, the NCPN developed monitoring protocols and a database that were subsequently distributed to NCPN parks. Actual peregrine monitoring and reporting is funded and completed by the individual park units. The network continues to provide overall guidance and data management support when requested.

For more detailed information, see the In-depth Information box below.

In-depth Information: