Non-lethal Avian Predator Control
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| Western Snowy Plover. Photo: Mike Baird |
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With the successful recovery of the Peregrine Falcon population in California came some unforseen consequences. Peregrine predation began to have an impact on other endangered and threatened species such as California Least Terns and Western Snowy Plovers. Consequently, we began to capture a few Peregrines each season and release them in areas with more abundant prey species Out of this work grew our Non-lethal Avian Predator Control Program.
Over the past 13 years we have developed methods and protocols to capture and move avian predators that are affecting the breeding success of threatened and endangered species in California. Currently we conduct non-lethal predator-relocations at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (ODSVRA), (near Pismo Beach in Central Coastal California), and have since 2002. The primary researcher conducting hands-on activities is long-time associate of our group Paul Young. We trap predatory birds at ODSVRA that prey upon nesting California Least Terns (endangered) and Western Snowy Plovers (threatened), and their chicks. We employ safe trapping methods; no bird has been harmed by our methods. The birds are banded with standard United States Geological Survey bands, and in the case of peregrine falcons, an additional alpha-numeric band that can be read at a distance. We quickly transport the birds and release them at locations remote from the tern and plover colonies and which support suitable habitat for the relocated species. Very few of the relocated birds are known to have returned to (ODSVRA). In follow-up studies of banded Loggerhead Shrikes and telemetered Great Horned Owls, they showed good survivorship.
The fledging rate at the breeding colonies has greatly improved where we have conducted this program. We are fully permitted to conduct these activities by the State of California and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and work closely with the California Department of Fish and Game, California Department of Parks and Recreation, and personnel of the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, who monitor the colonies. We target only individuals that appear to, or are known to have, pose a threat to the terns and plovers, and leave as many raptors in situ as possible so as not to upset the natural balance of predator and prey.
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| Relocated Great Horned Owl. Photo: Brian Latta |
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