Peregrine falcon (pealei and anatum/tundrius) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 1

Assessment Summary

Assessment Summary – April 2007

Common namel: Peregrine Falcon - pealeisubspecies

Scientific name: Falco Peregrinus Pealei

Status: Special Concern

Reason for designation: This subspecies occurs in small numbers along most of the coastal area of British Columbia, where it breeds mostly in protected areas. Its population has shown ongoing increases in size over the last 35 years. Immigration from the United States, where numbers are stable, is likely.

Occurrence: British Columbia

Status history: The Peregrine Falcon in Canada was originally evaluated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) as three separate subspecies: anatum subspecies (Endangered in April 1978, Threatened in April 1999 and in May 2000), tundrius subspecies (Threatened in April 1978 and Special Concern in April 1992) and pealei subspecies (Special Concern in April 1978, April 1999 and November 2001). In April 2007, the Peregrine Falcon in Canada was assessed as two separate units: pealei subspecies and anatum/tundrius. The Peregrine Falcon pealei subspecies was designated Special Concern in April 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.

 

Assessment Summary – April 2007

Common name: Peregrine Falcon - anatum/tundrius

Scientific name: Falco Peregrinus Anatum / Tundrius

Status: Special Concern

Reason for designation: Continental populations of this species have shown continuing increases in population size since the 1970s up to near historical numbers. Population thresholds for downlisting have been achieved for both the tundrius and anatum subspecies. This recovery has been the result of reintroductions across much of southern Canada, and natural increases in productivity following the ban in Canada of organochlorine pesticides (e.g. DDT). These compounds were the primary factor responsible for the historic decline. These pesticides continue to be used on the wintering grounds, and continue to be found in peregrine tissues, albeit at levels that do not significantly affect reproductive success. The unknown effects of new pesticides regularly licensed for use in Canada are also a concern.

Occurrence: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland

Status history: The Peregrine Falcon in Canada was originally evaluated by COSEWIC as three separate subspecies: anatum subspecies (Endangered in April 1978, Threatened in April 1999 and in May 2000), tundrius subspecies (Threatened in April 1978 and Special Concern in April 1992) and pealei subspecies (Special Concern in April 1978, April 1999 and November 2001). In April 2007, the Peregrine Falcon in Canada was assessed as two separate units: pealei subspecies and anatum/tundrius. Peregrine Falcon anatum/tundrius was designated Special Concern in April 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.

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