USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

   

Current Status:

The captive breeding program has increased the number of California condors from only 27 in 1987 to 64 in 1992. Continuing threats include loss of habitat, poisoning, and illegal shooting.

Achievements:

The improved status of the California condor is primarily the result of the successful captive breeding program. The program developed a multiple clutching technique that involved removing eggs from the nests and incubating them artificially. This stimulated the condors to lay second or even third clutches each breeding season. Additionally, an experimental Andean condor release project was successful in developing release techniques for California condors, as well as training biologists to perform and monitor condor releases. Two California condors bred in captivity were released into the wild in 1992. Section 7 consultations with the Forest Service resulted in the establishment of buffer zones around historic condor nesting and roosting sites, burial of powerlines in condor flight zones, and control on the timing and methods of oil development within critical parts of the condor's range.

Current Recovery Needs:

The condor breeding program should be expanded to accommodate the growing captive population. Additional release sites should be established in California, and at least one release site established outside the State. Also, research addressing contaminants in the condor's historical range should be initiated.

Partnerships

Forest Service: A participant on the Condor Recovery Team, this Federal agency has enhanced forest lands for condor recovery through its Los Padres National Forest management plan. The Forest Service has preserved historic roosting, nesting, and foraging habitat, and has provided facilities and equipment to support the condor reintroduction program.

California Department of Fish and Game: Another member of the Condor Recovery Team, this State agency protects condors and their habitat under State authorities and programs.

Los Angeles Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park: Since 1987, when the last wild condor was captured, propagation flocks at these zoological institutions have produced 37 chicks. In the last 2 years, they produced 23 chicks, 8 of which are eligible for release into the wild. Two were released in 1992, and six more will be released in 1993.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 4/9/75; revised 7/31/84.