The Status of the Northern Aplomado Falcon and Considerations for Reintroduction in Southern ArizonaAplomado FalconHistoryReintroduction EffortsSurvival of released birds is approximately 70% at 21 daysSlide 6Status of Populations in TexasSite Selection Requirements for Additional Reintroductions10j AreasIn Conclusion:AcknowledgementsThe Status of the The Status of the Northern Aplomado Northern Aplomado Falcon and Falcon and Considerations for Considerations for Reintroduction in Reintroduction in Southern ArizonaSouthern Arizona-Liz Urban-Liz UrbanAplomado Falcon❖Range ❖From Argentina to southern U.S.❖Grasslands❖Costal Prairies and Desert Grasslands❖Prey❖birds, small mammals, insects, reptiles❖Old Stick nests❖Mated Pairs hold a single territory throughout the year❖Cooperative Hunting Strategyhttp://www.peregrinefund.org/images/Aplo_portrait2.jpgHistory ❖Listed as Endangered February 25, 1986 ❖Reasons for decline:❖habitat loss❖loss of prairie dog colonies❖DDT❖Lead Poisoning❖Power-line electrocution❖Nest predation by Great Horned Owls❖haven’t been seen in AZ since 1940(Jenny et. al 2004)Reintroduction Efforts❖Goal to downgrade to “threatened”: to have 60 mated pairs in the wild in the U.S. ❖The Peregrine Fund: captive breeding program❖At about 1 month of age ❖banded❖hack box acclimation❖release and observation http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/Aplo.jpgSurvival of released birds is Survival of released birds is approximately 70% at 21 approximately 70% at 21 daysdaysFrom Jenny et al. 2004From Jenny et al. 2004http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/aplomap.jpghttp://www.peregrinefund.org/images/aplomap.jpgStatus of Populations in Texas❖Two distinct populations now exist in Texas:❖Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Area❖Matagorda Island❖In 2006, 56 wild fledglings produced by these two populations❖No releases in eastern Texas since 2005❖Safe-harbor agreements in New Mexico and western Texas facilitating additional releaseshttp://www.peregrinefund.org/conserve_category.asp?category=aplomado%20falcon%20restorationSite Selection Requirements for Additional Reintroductions❖Grassland habitat with scattered trees/shrubs (nesting/perching)❖sufficient prey base❖minimal hazards❖Accessible for logistical support❖Sufficient potential habitat in surrounding area to support a population❖Land manager or land owner’s willingness to cooperate (US F&WS 2005)10j Areas10j Areas-In 2005, proposed -In 2005, proposed experimental/nonessenexperimental/nonessential populations in New tial populations in New Mexico and ArizonaMexico and Arizona-Public lands in NM and -Public lands in NM and AZAZ-No releases intended -No releases intended in Arizonain Arizonahttp://fws-http://fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu/aplomado/images/small_aplomado_habitat_model.jpgnmcfwru.nmsu.edu/aplomado/images/small_aplomado_habitat_model.jpgIn Conclusion:❖Arizona:❖Habitat suitability work needs to be preformed ❖Fledglings produced and available for release❖Management Plan ❖Federal delisting in the future!?!Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Thanks to the researches who published their Thanks to the researches who published their work and Dr. Duek for guidance.work and Dr. Duek for