The Peregrine Falcon in New Jersey Report 2005

• Main Author: No Name Supplied
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Endangered and Nongame Species Program 2006
• Subjects: peregrine falcon
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.7282/t3kd1zpf; https://rucore.libraries.rutgers.edu/rutgers-lib/17190/

The decline of the peregrine falcon in the eastern U.S. has been linked to persistent organochlorine pesticide contamination. The eastern population plunged from 350 active sites in the 1940's to no active breeding birds in 1964. Recovery efforts began in 1975 after DDT was banned in the U.S. The NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Peregrine Fund first hacked falcons in 1975 and continued at several sites until pairs established territories. In New Jersey, the recovery goal is consistent, successful nesting by 8-10 pairs. In 2005, the NJ peregrine falcon population grew slightly to 20 pairs. A remote, motion-activated camera was used to photograph peregrines as they entered their nests. The highlight of 2005 was successful nesting in natural cliff habitat formerly devoid of peregrines since about 1950. Nest success was good at 75%, and 20 active pairs fledged 42 young. Management of nesting pairs and nest sites is essential to maintain peregrines in NJ.