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Endangered & Threatened Species of Utah

California condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
Step 2: Research the Timeline of your Chosen Species
When was your species listed, and what was it listed as?
Summarize key events from the timeline.
Physical Characteristics:
Habitat and Range:
Habitat and Ecology
Example Endangered, 7/11/2016, no annotations.
Why was the species listed as threatened or endangered? Example: Habitat loss, species eradication efforts, and plague outbreaks.
Geographic Range: Summarize the information in the geographic range section. Example: Found at three locations, with an area of occupancy of 28 km squared. The range is decreasing. The species lives at elevations of 1,500–2,700 m.
Population Trends: What is the population trend for your species? Example: Continuing decline in mature individuals.
Threats: In your own words, what are the main threats to your species? Example: Habitat destruction due to housing and urban development Agriculture crops Invasive species and diseases Drought.
Reflection: Write a 2-5 sentence paragraph reflecting on your species conservation efforts. Address the following: Do you believe it is important for your species to be conserved? Do you believe the current conservation efforts are enough, too much, or too little?

1 answer

Endangered & Threatened Species of Utah: California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)

Timeline of the California Condor

  • 1967: The California condor is officially listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Preservation Act.
  • 1987: The last wild California condors are captured in an effort to prevent extinction; a captive breeding program is initiated.
  • 1991: The first condor is released back into the wild after successful breeding in captivity.
  • 2000: A small population of California condors is re-established in Arizona and California, marking significant progress in recovery efforts.
  • 2016: The population reaches more than 400 individuals, including both wild and captive birds, although they remain critically endangered.

Physical Characteristics

The California condor is the largest North American land bird, with a wingspan averaging 2.5 to 3 meters. Adults exhibit a large, flat head devoid of feathers, which assists in thermoregulation and feeding. Their plumage is primarily black, with striking white wing patches visible during flight.

Habitat and Range

California condors historically inhabited open grasslands, oak savannahs, and coniferous forests. Currently, their range includes the mountainous areas and coastal regions of California, Arizona, and Utah. They typically inhabit elevations ranging from sea level to about 2,500 meters.

Habitat and Ecology

These birds primarily feed on carrion and rely on large open areas for foraging. They require a range of habitats that provide nesting sites, food sources, and minimal disturbances from human activity. They have a slow reproductive rate, with females only producing one egg every two years.

Reasons for Listing

The California condor was listed as endangered due to habitat loss, lead poisoning from ingesting spent lead ammunition, poaching, and microencapsulation from habitat degradation. The rapid decline in the population prompted immediate conservation efforts.

Geographic Range

The current geographic range includes parts of California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California. The species has an area occupancy of approximately 5,000 square kilometers, but their range is shrinking due to human encroachment and habitat degradation.

Population Trends

The population trend for the California condor has shown signs of stabilizing and recovery, with recent counts indicating a slight increase in mature individuals, primarily due to concerted conservation efforts like captive breeding and public awareness programs.

Threats

The main threats to the California condor include habitat destruction due to urban development and agriculture, lead poisoning from ingesting spent lead shot, collisions with power lines, and the impacts of invasive species that alter its natural habitat.

Reflection

Conserving the California condor is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for the health of ecosystems that rely on scavenger species. While current conservation efforts have made significant strides in increasing population numbers, continued monitoring and mitigation of threats are essential to ensure the long-term survival of this iconic bird. I believe current efforts, although promising, still require expansion and sustained commitment to effectively safeguard the condor's future.