1. The Status of the Northern Aplomado Falcon and Considerations for Reintroduction in Southern Arizona -Liz Urban

2. Aplomado 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 Strategy http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/Aplo_portrait2.jpg

3. History ❖ 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)

4. 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.jpg

5. Survival of released birds is approximately 70% at 21 days From Jenny et al. 2004

6. http://www.peregrinefund.org/images/aplomap.jpg

7. Status 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 releases http://www.peregrinefund.org/conserve_category.asp?category=aplomado%20falcon%20restor ation

8. Site 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)

9. 10j Areas -In 2005, proposed experimental/nonessential populations in New Mexico and Arizona -Public lands in NM and AZ -No releases intended in Arizona http://fws-nmcfwru.nmsu.edu/aplomado/images/small_aplomado_habitat_model.jpg

10. In Conclusion: ❖ Arizona: ❖ Habitat suitability work needs to be preformed ❖ Fledglings produced and available for release ❖ Management Plan ❖ Federal delisting in the future!?!

11. Acknowledgements Thanks to the researches who published their work and Dr. Duek for guidance. wildbirdsbroadcasting.blogspot.com