CONDORS READY FOR TAKEOFF
California condors, giant vultures that can fly over 100 miles in a
day, met with limited success when they were released by federal
biologists in California three years ago. The endangered birds
seemed inexorably drawn to human activities: Four birds died in
collisions with power lines, another from drinking anti-freeze.
Now, biologists hope the Vermillion Cliffs of Coconino County in
northern Arizona will prove more hospitable to the
reared-in-captivity birds. In a draft environmental study, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to release six to eight condors
at the remote, 1,000-foot-high sandstone cliffs. It is a first step
in the agency’s plan to establish two separate wild condor
populations of at least 150 birds each. Strong updrafts at the
cliffs will give the birds room to stretch their wings (condors can
achieve a nine-foot wingspan), says Robert Mesta, federal condor
coordinator. Still, the condors will be released as an
“experimental, non-essential population” under the Endangered
Species Act, which means people who accidentally kill birds will
not be prosecuted.
“In this
day and age, I don’t think you could release an extinct species
anywhere without an (experimental, non-essential designation),”
says Mesta. “Politically, it’s the only way to go.” With little
public opposition expressed, he says the first group should be
ready to take off early next year.
Meanwhile,
recent releases in California met with more success after
biologists used aversion training on captive condors, rushing them
with nets and building mock power lines that shocked the
birds.
For more information, contact Robert
Mesta, Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services, Ventura
Field Office, 2493 Portola Rd., Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003
(805/644-1766).
” Warren
Cornwall
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Condors ready for takeoff.
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