Reproductive Success and Eggshell Thinning of a Reestablished Peregrine Falcon Population

Publication Date

1991

Journal or Book Title

Journal Of Wildlife Management

Abstract

Examined numbers of Falco peregrinus pairs, reproductive success, and eggshell thinning in New Jersey during 1979-88. Productivity of these falcons (mean 1.38 young fledged/pair) was comparable with that of stable populations, but productivity was lower for pairs near Delaware Bay and River (0.58 young/pair) compared to those in other regions of New Jersey (1.55 young/pair). Lower productivity and nest success of 4 pairs near Delaware Bay and River studied in both 1987 and 1988 were due to low hatching success and predation, probably by great horned owls Bubo virginianus. During 1985-88 eggshell thickness from New Jersey peregrines averaged 16.4% below pre-DDT levels and apparently has decreased steadily since 1979. This decrease in eggshell thickness statewide suggests that falcons continue to be exposed to environmental contaminants.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2307/3809153

Volume

55

Issue

2

Pages

294-299

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