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Peregrine Falcon Population Sites

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. 

Peregrine Falcon Population Sites.JPG

Status

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. 

Evaluation Map

Active peregrine falcon nest sites within the Tahoe Basin from 2015 to 2019.

2019 Evaluation

Status
Considerably Better Than Target
Trend
Moderate Improvement
Confidence
High
View Evaluation

Applicable Standard

W6: Provide a minimum of 2 Peregrine population sites.
W13: Provide disturbance zones and influence zones for Peregrine.

Key Points

  • Peregrine falcons have made a remarkable recovery in the Tahoe Region since they first reappeared in 2009.
  • Active nests continue to grow, and as of 2019, there were five active nests in the Tahoe Region.
  • Years of monitoring at the Castle Rock nesting site revealed impacts from hikers resulting in nest failures. Multiple EIP partners worked together to discourage hiking and climbing near the nest site during the nesting period. Due to this effort, nesting success occurred in 2019.
  • The disturbance zone standard for Peregrine falcons has been implemented by TRPA and other partner agencies.

Delivering and Measuring Success

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.

Monitoring Programs