Code
CCBTR-22-16
Publication Date
2023
Abstract
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was believed to be extirpated as a breeding species in Virginia by the early 1960s. An aggressive restoration program was initiated in 1978 that included the release of 115 captive-reared birds on the Coastal Plain (1978-1985) and 127 birds in the mountains (1985-1993). This program resulted in the first breeding of the modern era in 1982. Since this time, the population has proceeded through a rapid establishment phase followed by a consolidation phase. However, more than 95% of all breeding activity over the past 30 years has occurred on the Coastal Plain with very limited breeding within the historic mountain range. Since 2000 a dedicated translocation program has moved more than 250 birds from eyries on the coast to hack sites in the mountains in an effort to restore the mountain breeding population. Restoration of the breeding population in the mountains continues to be a management priority for the state.
Topic
Abund/Distr, Breeding/Demography/Pop Dynamics, Banding
Species
Peregrine Falcon
Source
Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series, CCBTR-22-16. William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA.
Recommended Citation
Watts, B. D. and M. U. Watts. 2023. Virginia peregrine falcon monitoring and management program: Year 2022 report. Center for Conservation Biology Technical Report Series: CCBTR-22-16. William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA. 22 pp.
