“Falconers train birds of prey to hunt wild animals. But years ago, they were not allowed to own peregrine falcons in the U.S. The once widespread species was nearly eradicated from North America in the 20th century, reduced to just 39 pairs in the lower 48 states by 1979. Two subspecies were listed as federally endangered in 1970 before today’s Endangered Species Act even existed.”Falconers train birds of prey to hunt wild animals. But years ago, they were not allowed to own peregrine falcons in the U.S. The once widespread species was nearly eradicated from North America in the 20th century, reduced to just 39 pairs in the lower 48 states by 1979. Two subspecies were listed as federally endangered in 1970 before today’s Endangered Species Act even existed.

More than 50 years later, peregrine falcon populations are flourishing across the U.S. Even though they’re still listed as a species of special concern in Iowa, their local populations are stable. Their profound resurgence arose from decades of collaboration between falconers and researchers, two groups working toward the same goal: to save the species.”

From The Gazette.