CA: Peregrine Falcons Taken Off Endangered List - Scientist cite ban on the pesticide DDT

[Kadie]

Peregrine Falcons Taken Off Endangered List
California's Ban On DDT Lifted

POSTED: 11:55 am PDT August 17, 2009
UPDATED: 1:11 pm PDT August 17, 2009

EUREKA, Calif. -- Scientists said a state ban on the pesticide DDT has helped revive the peregrine falcon, one of the first animals protected under the California Endangered Species Act.

The state Fish and Game Commission unanimously voted this month to remove the falcon from the endangered species list.

Before California banned DDT in 1972, the peregrine falcon was pushed to the brink of extinction. The number of breeding pairs fell to 10, far below the 100 to 300 pairs estimated to exist historically.

Scientists said the pesticide causes falcons and other birds to lay eggs with shells too thin to support the weight of their parents.

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