Peregrine falcon (pealei and anatum/tundrius) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 13
Technical Summary: Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius
Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius
Peregrine Falcon anatum /tundrius – Faucon pèlerin anatum/tundrius
Range of Occurrence in Canada:
All Canadian provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island
Extent and Area Information
Population Information
Threats (actual or imminent threats to populations or habitats)
- Organochlorine pesticide contamination leading to reproductive failure, controlled now but potential for problems in the future as new pesticides are permitted in Canada
- Possibility of increasing DDT use in overwintering areas, in an attempt to combat malaria.
Rescue Effect (immigration from an outside source)
Quantitative Analysis
None available
Current Status
COSEWIC: Anatum/Tundrius : Special Concern (2007); Anatum: Threatened (1999); Tundrius: Special Concern (1992)
Status and Reason for Designation
Status: Special Concern
Alpha-numeric code: not applicable
Reason for Designation: Continental populations of this species have shown continuing increases in population size since the 1970s up to near historical numbers. Population thresholds for downlisting have been achieved for both the tundrius and anatum subspecies. This recovery has been the result of reintroductions across much of southern Canada and natural increases in productivity following the ban in Canada of organochlorine pesticides (e.g. DDT), the primary factor responsible for the historic decline. These pesticides continue to be used on the wintering grounds, and continue to be found in peregrine tissues, albeit at levels that do not significantly affect reproductive success. The unknown effects of new pesticides regularly licensed for use in Canada are also a concern.
Applicability of Criteria
- Criterion A: (Declining Total Population): Does not meet criterion.
- Criterion B: (Small Distribution, and Decline or Fluctuation): Does not meet criterion.
- Criterion C: (Small Total Population Size and Decline): Does not meet criterion.
- Criterion D: (Very Small Population or Restricted Distribution): Does not meet criterion.
- Criterion E: (Quantitative Analysis): None available.
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