Sheridan College science lecture discusses recovery of endangered falcon species

Sheridan College has announced a free special presentation on the re-establishment of the endangered Aplomado Falcon back into its original habitat in the United States.

As part of the Sheridan College Museum of Discovery Science Lecture Series, this lecture is free and open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7, in Room #201 in the Mars Ag. Center at Sheridan College.

According to the college, because of its changing habitat and invasive species, the Northern Aplomado Falcon became nearly extinct in the United States by 1952. In 1986, the US Fish and Wildlife Service listed the species as endangered. The Peregrine Fund was asked if they might undertake a recovery effort, similar to that of the effort underway at the time to recover the endangered Peregrine Falcon. Captive propagation and reintroductions of Aplomado Falcons occurred from 1990 – 2013, and The Peregrine Fund was successful at re-establishing a population of Aplomado Falcons throughout their historical Texas Gulf Coast range. 

According to the lecture presenter, Brian Mutch, however, there are many recovery challenges to overcome before the species can be considered for delisting.

Mutch grew up in Missoula, Mont., where he received his bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Montana. While his passions were wildlife- and wildland-oriented, he said the art of falconry and hunting with Peregrine Falcons and Gyrfalcons always stood out and continue today in his life. He is the current director of the Aplomado Recovery Program and has worked with the Peregrine Fund for 35 years. He also assisted with several research projects in Central America, Mexico, and in northwest Greenland, and has helped with recovery efforts for many species, including Peregrine Falcons, Harpy Eagles, Aplomado Falcons, Orange-breasted Falcons, and California Condors.