Current status of reintroduced California Condors in Central California

The California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) population historically  experienced severe losses, prompting the complete removal of the species from  the wild in 1987. A successful captive breeding effort allowed reintroduction of  captive-born condors in southern California starting in 1992. From 1997-present,  Ventana Wildlife Society, in collaboration with federal and state partners, has been  reintroducing condors in California's central coast region. Lead poisoning and DDE  induced eggshell thinning are currently the two biggest survival threats to the  central California flock. Currently, resource intensive field management efforts  help offset the detrimental impacts of these contaminants. Establishment of a  viable, self-sustaining condor population will thereby depend on both a reduction  of DDT/DDE and lead in the food web supporting condors in central California.

Speaker: Joe Burnett, Ventana Wildlife Society