California Condors

Kelly Pardy
NR 320- Blog

In modern times, there are numerous species that we have seen go extinct due to human induced causes. While some species have become extinct, some species have been more fortunate. California condors are no exception. Since 1982, there have been major efforts placed in order to preserve the California condor’s continued existence. By 1987, all 22 wild individuals were caught and brought into captivity to start a captive breeding program. Being an endangered species whose populations were once extinct in the wild, the California condors’ numbers now reach 369 birds, 191 in the wild and 178 in captivity (azgfd.gov 2011).
Despite this recovery, there are still threats affecting the continued existence of the released birds. It is not that the condors cannot thrive on their own, but instead, their survival is hindered by conditions and situations brought about by people. Multiple factors contribute to the diminished ability of these condors to maintain self-sustaining populations in the wild. One major factor includes prevalence of litter/trash. California condors are inquisitive birds. If they come in contact with micro-trash, such as glass shards or nails, they may ingest those products, which may inevitably result in intestinal/digestive problems or even death. Is it worth it, or even possible, to try and stop a natural behavior that is potentially detrimental to the species own survival? I believe that people need to reduce littering, increase recycling, and make more effort to actually go out and clean up such debris in order to decrease negative effects. Are our current methods to improving the environment enough to save these birds, or is microtrash so prevalent that cleaning up what we are able to will provide no hope for the continuity of this species?
Another major problem is one that contributed to record lows in condor numbers in the first place. This problem is bioaccumulation of lead. This bioaccumulation occurs due to use of lead in hunting. Lead, once ingested, stays in the body and begins to accumulate within the organism. Since condors are such large birds and utilize carrion as a food source, many of the animals they are feeding on are deer and other animals that have been shot. If lead bullets were utilized, the lead from shattered bullets will accumulate in their body. The bioaccumulation of lead can result in a cascade of negative effects throughout the body. I believe we need to have a complete ban of lead bullets in order to prevent continued poisoning of released condors. If these birds are feeding on animals killed by lead bullets, and we are utilizing these animals as food, then aren’t we likely to succumb to such negative effects? Banning the manufacturing and use of lead bullets should be considered. The continued use of lead bullets will continue to poison the condors, which would require additional treatment of poisoned birds.
Once a species is put on the endangered species list, the only way it can be removed is if the species is down-listed and no longer requires a recovery plan. With the current recovery plan in place, continued efforts must be made to save the California condors. The problem lies within the cost necessary in order to maintain this species’ survival. As it currently stands, millions of dollars are spent per year in order to fund the efforts. Is one species worth it? Should we even care about the California condor? If not, then is the endangered species act flawed in that we must spend so much money on a species that may potentially have problems self-sustaining in the wild? Although the costs are high, I believe we must play a part in helping this species. I believe it is our duty to help right the wrongs of society, past or present, and their effects on the environment. Maybe it would be worth our time to focus on caring for the environment so that this species may sooner be delisted. Our society has contributed to the loss of biodiversity in many ways, and if we do not make an effort to take care of our environment, the California condor may never achieve self-sustaining populations.

Sources:
"California Condor Recovery." Arizona Game and Fish Department: Azgfd.gov. Web. 03 Nov. 2011. http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/california_condor.shtml.