Earthspan biologists conduct many important projects in addition to their landmark peregrine falcon research.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Monitoring in Migratory Peregrines
The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill released an estimated 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico during April through July 2010. Earthspan and its partners, The Peregrine Fund and the University of Connecticut, collected and analyzed blood samples from migrating Peregrine Falcons at South Padre Island (TX) and Assateague Island (MD) to measure pre and post-spill concentrations of hydrocarbons from 2009-2011. (more…)
42 Years of Peregrine Falcon Studies
Earthspan principals conduct long-term studies on migrating peregrines at Assateague Island, MD/VA (autumn since 1970) and Padre Island, TX (autumn and spring since autumn 1977). We have expended more than 49,000 man-hours of survey time in observing over 60,000 peregrines and capturing nearly 14,000. The tundra Peregrine has made a significant recovery and has been removed from the list of endangered species, yet continued monitoring of populations is imperative. (more…)
Wintering area DDE source to migratory white-faced ibis revealed by satellite telemetry and prey sampling
White-faced ibis with PTT package
Earthspan principals led a cooperative study to identify the source(s) of DDT-related contamination still plaguing a northern Nevada population of white-faced ibis many years after use of the pesticide was banned in the United States. (more…)
Broad-winged hawk: Movements and habitat association during migration and wintering periods
Problem/Background
Modern organophosphate insecticides are short-lived in the environment. These insecticides are toxic to raptors, but they are unlikely to be detected in animal blood or tissue unless the animals are sampled soon after exposure. Researchers postulate that pesticide exposures, and habitat alteration, in their wintering (more…)
Summary of Final Report: Study of Peregrine Falcons Wintering on the Gulf Coast of Mexico
Abstract
Fundación Ara and Earthspan conducted a study of peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) wintering on the Gulf coast of Mexico. Data collection occurred between January 1997 and October 1998. The main aim of the study was to better understand the movements of peregrine falcons on their wintering grounds. Other objectives were to track peregrines to their breeding areas (more…)
Swainson’s Hawk: Scientific Research Rescues Species Before Threatened or Endangered Status Listing is Needed
Problem/Background
The Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsonii, SWHA) is listed as a species of concern by five states and the Bureau of Land Management, and as a special emphasis species by the U.S. Forest Service. Nesting population declines was reported over much of the SWHA range in the early 1990s. With no obvious reason for this decline, (more…)
A Study of The Golden Eagle in Mexico
Selected Passages from the Final Report to Proyecto ARA A.C.
Introduction
Mexico’s national bird, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), is classified as “in danger” in Article 9 of the Federal Hunting Law (SEDUE 1984) and Ramos (1986) classifies the population as declining, primarily due to decreases in habitat quality. Environmental pollution (more…)
Satellite Tracking Oryx
Accomplishments
White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) is the military’s largest all-overland test range in the Western Hemisphere and encompasses 2.2 million acres, which can be extended to 4 million acres (total) by including adjacent federal land holdings. WSMR houses the U.S. Army Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (more…)
Satellite Tracking Ferruginous Hawks
Hill Airforce Base, Utah
Hill AFB Information:
Hill AFB is home of the 338th Fighter Wing and 419th Fighter Wing: both are F-16 Fighting Falcon units. Hill AFB also provides maintenance facilities for C-130 aircraft. Approximately 1 million acres is directly controlled by Hill AFB including a core area of 6,690 acres (more…)
Steller’s Sea Eagle Reseach In Russia
Problem/Background
At present, the world’s population of Steller’s sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla, SSE) appears to be stable and not endangered; however, this species is listed as a Bird to Watch. Its breeding range is located within remote, restricted areas in Russia – areas where access can be achieved only by air or sea. (more…)