SR#2 Last

Summary and Response # 2
10/27/2008
Peregrine falcon return

In Cindy Hoffman's (1999) article, “The peregrine falcon is back” she talked about the deletion of the falcon from the list of threatened bird species. After many success stories with other birds, now the turn has come over the peregrine falcon. The falcon that nests in the cliffs or urban skyscrapers could not withstand the massive proliferation of DDT after the Second World War. The Environmental Protection Agency prohibited the use of DDT in the United States. Because the population of falcons in the eastern United States disappeared, and population in the west declined, the falcon was listed under the Endangered Species Conservation Act. As result, cooperation between American institutions as well as internal and international cooperating led by the Government of Canada to preserve the culture and the protection of nesting hawks has achieved impressive results. Some of the falcons started their new lives in the skyscrapers where they can find their prey. However, the peregrines are still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prevents any kind of threat to birds unless being under regulation hunting. In addition, they continue to follow up on the falcons after they are removed from the list for next five years to make sure they do not need to be listed again. This amazing success story might encourage other countries to try the American plans, which contributed to making the numbers of peregrine falcon double several times.

There is an Arab proverb that says, whoever does not know the Falcon, might grill it. This proverb describes the situation of many people, who do not respect the falcon’s life, or do not know how deal with them. However, the United States and Canada have taken strong action about protecting peregrines lives, they established many ways to let them survive, such as adding peregrine falcon to the list of endangered species, prohibition of use of harmful substances like DDT, and following-up, and monitoring the falcons after the birds are removed from the list. These approaches helped in the return of the falcon to his natural situation.

First, the United States has a list for all of endangered and threatened species after they noted high declines of the numbers of the birds in the United States, “The peregrine falcon has been protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act since the early 1970’s” (The peregrine falcons of Morro Rock, n.d). Many countries have the same idea, in the United States the government has the ability to apply the rules strongly; people also have high respect for rules. These two factors contributed to the scientific success. On the other hand, people in Saudi Arabia obey the rules in general, but they have problem with their friends or relatives who desire to break the rules for personal needs. Therefore, we still have many species on the brink of extinction, although they established several protection rules.

Second, these falcons have been suffering for a long time from harmful industrial toxics; in her article (2008, para. 7), Sharon Lem said, "DDT causes the shell of eggs to thin and break before the chicks are ready to hatch.” That clearly explained why the number of the falcons dropped sharply in the United States in the past. The government banned the use of DDT; this solution aims to protect the life of the peregrine falcon. This decision helped to purify the atmosphere and paved the way for the chicks to grow naturally developed during the incubation period.

Finally, in high provisional treatment, the government started a new program to breed new generations of peregrine falcons. “Peregrine falcons from various sources were used as breeding stock. Chicks were hatched and raised in captivity and then “’hacked’ into the wild” (Peregrine falcon, n.d). Many falcons live right now in the urban places such as cities or bridges. A recovery Plan has along strategy. They watched the birds for five years to make sure that they do not need any more recovery.

In conclusion, all governments around the world must protect our variety of species, especially peregrine. They might use the American method, which protects it under the force of law, or prevent everything that may affect falcon’s lives, and follow up in their planning without any excuse for any reason. If the world does that, we can keep our environment rich by various organisms.

REFERENCE

Hoffman, C.(1999, August 20).The peregrine falcon is back! Babbitt announces removal of world’s fastest bird from endangered species list. Retrieved October 27, 2008, from http://www.fws.gov/pacific/news/1999/ 9955. htm

Lem, S. (2008, August 18).Lord of the sky; 4 decades after DDT ban, the peregrine falcon is the endangered list. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from Lexis Nexis database

The peregrine falcons of Morrow Rocks, (n.d). Retrieved October 24, 2008, from www.morrorockperegrines.com/

Peregrine falcon (n.d).US Fish + wildlife service. Retrieved October 27, 2008, from http://fws.gov/chesapeakebay/peregr.htm