This indicator measures the number of active peregrine falcon nests in the Tahoe Region. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum) populations declined precipitously across the country in the mid-1900s. Peregrine falcons were recorded in the Tahoe Region in the early 1900s, but were not observed naturally occurring in the Region between 1960 and 2007. Their recovery is a result of banning DDT and similar chemical contaminants, and active species reintroductions. In the Tahoe Region, recreation such as climbing and hiking near nests is one of the threats to the species. Programs to reduce these recreation impacts aim to protect peregrine falcons. Peregrine falcons are monitored across the Region by TRPA and other partners.
Total number of active peregrine falcon nests recorded in the Tahoe Basin during years when formal surveys were conducted relative to the threshold standard of two population sites. Surveys were conducted four times between 1994 and 2008 but no confirmed nests were observed until 2009. The trendline shown was estimated using a linear regression model.
Data provided by the California Department of State Parks, California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe Institute for Natural Sciences, Nevada Division of Wildlife, Sierra Ecotone Solutions, USFS-Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Access detailed datasets on Tahoe Open Data, including: Peregrine Falcon nest locations with buffer and Annual Data.
Active peregrine falcon nest sites within the Tahoe Basin from 2015 to 2023. Not all known nest locations are active every year.
EIP Action Priorities
Public land acquisition preserves open and wild spaces.
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
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.
Ongoing wildlife survey and monitoring program for the many sensitive wildlife species on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe.
Monitoring Programs
No photos available.