PROSPECTS FOR THE PEREGRINE FALCON, FALCO-PEREGRINUS, IN THE NINETIES

The first continent-wide survey of Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) was taken in 1970 and was followed by additional surveys in 1975, 1980 and 1985. The results of those of the 1970s were previously published in The Canadian Field-Naturalist and the present issue summarizes data obtained in the 1980s. These studies combined provide the basis for assessment of the species' prospects in the nineties and for some suggestions on the emphasis for studies in the next decade. Ecological differences among three North American geographic races have contributed to their present differential success. F. p. pealei occurs and breeds along British Columbian and Alaskan coasts. F. p. tundrius breeds in the arctic and winters in Latin America. F. p. anatum occupied a broad band from interior Alaska south through western Canada and a narrow range in the central and eastern portions of the country. Of the three, F. p. anatum has been affected the most, and was extirpated in eastern Canada and the United States. F. p. pealei and F. p. tundrius seem secure enough that the costly five-year surveys may no longer be justified for them. F. p. anatum is still at risk and its former range has been the focus of re-introduction programs. The introduction of captive-bred stocks has met with more success in the United States than in Canada. The observation that many falcons are only seen for one season is disturbing. Allelic frequency and DNA fingerprinting would aid in determining the relative effect of different stocks used in the release programs. Levels of organochlorines are still a concern. Release sites should be carefully chosen and the analysis of abandoned eggs continued. Finally, the studies of residues in Latin America should take a broad approach to identify specific problems of pesticide usage.