Conservation of an endangered species : the California condor

Abstract

There are several important points to consider when a species is to be conserved by captive propagation. First, the biology of the species must be understood in order to successfully reintroduce the species into the wild. This includes studies of the diet, habitat and seasonality of the species. Secondly, the reasons for the decline of the population must be known so that they can be eliminated, if possible. Decline of a population can be attributed to increased mortality, decreased reproduction or a combination of both factors. Lastly, captive propagation must be instituted before the genetic pool becomes too small to allow for the greatest genetic diversity. The Condor Research Center was founded in 1980 to initiate an intensive research program to study the California condor. The main goals of the CRC were: to accurately census the wild population, to study reproduction, mortality and habitat requirements and to form a captive breeing population.