Peregrine Falcon Monitoring in Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska

Flamme M, Ambrose R, Florian C, McIntyre C. Peregrine Falcon Monitoring in Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve, Alaska. 2006. National Park Service

This project monitors Peregrine Falcons in the Central Alaska Network of National Parks. The number of occupied territories within the study area, which is located within Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, has shown a steady increase since the species neared extinction in the early 1970s because of nest failure caused by DDT contamination. In 2007, 50 occupied territories were observed, which is nearly a 5-fold increase since 1975. Reproductive success has improved during the past 3 decades. The number of nestlings, though variable among years, has increased from 17 in 1975 to 82 in 2007. Recent evidence suggests that American Peregrine Falcons are still threatened by environmental contaminants, though. Analyses of Peregrine eggs from the upper Yukon River suggest that mercury levels are increasing. Mercury is a persistent compound which bioaccumulates at high trophic levels and causes toxic effects (similar to DDT). The amount of mercury being found in Yukon area eggs is currently at levels that may affect reproduction. High levels of mercury are made biologically available through industrial processes such as mining and waste incineration, and will likely increase with global industrialization. Additionally, DDT and other pesticides are still being used on Peregrine wintering grounds, which may cause continued risk to the population.

Type
Project
Authors
Flamme, Melanie; Ambrose, Robert; Florian, Chris; McIntyre, Carol
Publisher
National Park Service
Units
CAKN , YUCH
Keywords
Alaska, Contaminants, Egg, Falco Peregrinus, Mercury, Monitoring, National Park, Peregrine Falcon, Population, Reproductive Success, territories, Yukon-Charley Rivers
Subjects
Ecological Framework: Biological Integrity | Focal Species or Communities | Birds

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