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Current Status:

Current trends in nesting peregrine falcons indicate that the recovery goal of 20-25 breeding pairs in the Great Lakes Recovery Region may be reached in the next decade. Although there is concern that environmental contaminants could cause decreases in reproduction and increases in mortality, there is little evidence that such problems exist now. Predation on nestlings, fledglings, and adult falcons by great horned owls and raccoons has been significant at some historic eyries, making them unsuitable as hacking sites.

Achievements:

Fourteen peregrine falcons were hacked in Ohio in 1991 and seven in 1992. The State is winding down its hacking program because of the growing population of peregrines in the wild. One successful peregrine nesting occurred in Toledo in 1991, with the fledging of a single falcon. In 1992, the same nest produced two fledglings. During these years, another pair was active in Cleveland but did not reproduce. Additional peregrine pairs established territories Dayton and Cincinnati in 1992, and will likely nest in 1993.

Current Recovery Needs:

The peregrine falcon will need continued monitoring in Ohio to detect problems with contaminants, predation, and low genetic variability. Additionally, individual falcons and their nest sites will need continued protection.

Partnerships

Ohio Department of Natural Resources: This State agency leads the peregrine falcon recovery program in Ohio, including the hacking program mentioned above.

The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, St Paul Campus: The Raptor Center has coordinated peregrine falcon reintroduction efforts in Ohio and throughout the Midwest.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 8/20/79; revised 9/27/91.