Relevance

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) populations declined precipitously across the country in the mid-1900s (USFWS 2003). Peregrine falcons were recorded in the Tahoe Basin in the early 1900s (Orr and Moffitt 1971), but were not observed naturally occurring in the basin between 1960 and 2007 (J.S. Romsos, Schlesinger, and Manley 2000; Zanetti 2015; California Department of Fish and Wildlife 2007). In the mid-1980s, several juveniles were re-introduced, but left the basin the same year (U.S. Forest Service 2009). The species was federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act until it was removed in 1999 due to an overall increase in the population. They were, however, considered endangered by the State of California until 2009. Their recovery is a result of banning DDT and similar chemical contaminants, and active re-introductions (USFWS 2003). They are still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prevents harming peregrine falcons or their nests.

Human and Environmental Drivers

In some areas peregrine falcons have shown reduced reproductive success when nesting cliffs are used by rock climbers (Mearns and Newton 1988; Cade, Enderson, and Linthicum 1996). Within the Tahoe Basin, some of the cliffs with nests are used by rock climbers, which could affect nesting success. However, at the two sites in the basin with rock climbing activity, the species has successfully reproduced every year since 2011, suggesting that these birds are not disturbed by the current rock climbing activity (U.S. Forest Service 2015b). An evaluation of potential peregrine falcon habitat in the basin concluded that potential nesting habitat exists, but it is of marginal quality, which may limit the total number of active nests the Region can support (Boyce and White 1980). Some peregrine falcons nesting in the basin may migrate to Central or South America for the winter, where they could be affected by contamination from organochlorine pesticides (e.g. DDT) (USFWS 2003).

EIP Action Priorities

• Acquire Environmentally Sensitive Lands for Restoration and Protection

  Public land acquisition preserves open and wild spaces.

• Restore and Protect Native Fish and Wildlife

  Enhancing the biologic integrity of ecosystems to improve the environmental conditions necessary for the full range of species to help compensate for past degradation.

Example EIP Projects

• Castle Rock Peregrine Falcon Habitat Protection

  Organizations working to harmonize wildlife protection and responsible recreation to protect peregrine falcons while allowing access to hiking and climbing routes near the birds’ nesting sites.

• Special Status Species Monitoring and Investigation Program

  Ongoing wildlife survey and monitoring program for the many sensitive wildlife species on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.

Monitoring Programs

• Peregine Falcon Population Sites Monitoring

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