The California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) monitoring program at Grand Canyon National Park: 2016–2018 annual report
Wisher C, Espericueta, D, Terwilliger M. 2019. The California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) monitoring program at Grand Canyon National Park: 2016–2018 annual report. Natural Resource Report. NPS/GRCA/NRR—2019/1958. National Park Service. Fort Collins, Colorado
The California Condor was the first ever species listed under the Endangered Species Act when there were only 22 individuals left in the wild. There are currently 4 wild populations: Southern California, Central California, Southwestern (AZ & UT), and Baja California, Mexico. There is currently a proposal to introduce another population to the wilds of Northern California. Grand Canyon National Park has been a partner in the recovery of the wild Southwest population of the California Condor since reintroduction in 1996 due to both historical and current usage by these birds. The park contributes in two important ways: 1) by educating its many visitors about the California Condor, it’s status, and the threats to it, and 2) by monitoring the population within the park especially any active nests and fledged chicks. The first wild hatched chick for this population was in 2003 in Grand Canyon. As of December 31, 2018 there were 90 birds in the wild Southwest population, 46 of whom were of breeding age (>5-6 years of age), 38 of which seem to have paired (i.e. there are potentially 19 wild pairs).
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Wisher, Cale; Espericueta,, Desiree; Terwilliger, Miranda
- Date of Issue
- 2019-07
- Publisher
- National Park Service
- Units
- GRCA , NRSS