The Northern Aplomado Falcon was once a part of the dynamic and diverse wildlife community associated with our southwestern grasslands, but the species disappeared during the early 20th century. Restoring this species underscores the need to conserve important habitats. This effort is an ideal vehicle to promote creative solutions to problems associated with the Endangered Species Act, such as the innovative “Safe Harbor” permit, which has enrolled more than 2 million acres of potential Aplomado Falcon habitat in the interest of conservation.
Field studies are being conducted to document the current status of Aplomado Falcons and to understand their ecology. This effort provides a unique opportunity to study a new population as it begins to occupy both traditional and novel habitats. The Aplomado Falcon is an important “indicator species” for environmental quality due to its unique ecology and propensity to accumulate environmental contaminants. Addled eggs and tissue samples are being analyzed to gain knowledge of contaminant levels throughout the Aplomado Falcon’s range.
At the northern extent of the species’ range in Texas, the Aplomado Falcon is regaining its place as an integral part of the grassland ecosystem from which it has been absent for more than 50 years.
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