Extinct Animals : Peregrine Falcon

Although egg-collecting, capturing young birds for falconry, the disturbance of nesting sites, and hunting have affected the peregrine falcon population, a serious decline was not noted until 1947. In 1960 it was found that this decline was related to the widespread use of pesticides, mainly DDT, which was banned in Canada in 1971 and in the United States in 1972.

The peregrine falcon has today disappeared from most of eastern North America and certain of the continent's remaining populations are on the endangered list. Young, captive peregrines from the far north have been experimentally released in suitable eastern habitats, even on high, cliff-like city buildings, and fed until able to hunt for themselves. There may be hope that such measures will re-introduce the species in the eastern part of the continent.