Biologists to use captive breeding for egg found near
Pinnacles
A pair of endangered California condors at Pinnacles National
Monument that were nesting an egg now are caring for a hatched
chick after biologists swapped it with another one from the L.A.
Zoo to enhance possible breeding success, according to a press
release from Pinnacles Partnership.
Biologists to use captive breeding for egg found near Pinnacles
A pair of endangered California condors at Pinnacles National Monument that were nesting an egg now are caring for a hatched chick after biologists swapped it with another one from the L.A. Zoo to enhance possible breeding success, according to a press release from Pinnacles Partnership.
The chick successfully hatched in a shallow cave along a cliff at the RS Bar Guest Ranch in Paicines on April 18, a day after two biologists used ropes to descend to the nest for the swap.
Since biologists had not known if the original egg was viable, the move “enhanced the pair’s chances for breeding success,” according to a press release from Pinnacles Partnership.
Condor recovery experts also recommended transporting wild, laid eggs to captive breeding centers for hatching to assess potential contamination of the eggs by DDE and PCBs, said Joe Burnett, a Ventana Wilderness Society biologist, in the press release.
The hatched condor is the first in more than 70 years to nest in the wild in San Benito County, according to the release.
It is part of the wider effort at Pinnacles and other sites to bolster the endangered species’ numbers, which declined to a low of 22 in 1982 before they were captured in an attempt to rescue the birds from extinction. Today, there are 86 free-flying condors in California and 320 in the world.
Limited viewing of the nesting site is available by reservation only. The RS Bar Guest Ranch is a private lodge specializing in guided hunting and company retreats.
To arrange a visit, call Mark Paxton, a board member of the Pinnacles Partership, at 801-4882.
Pinnacles to get $1 million from stimulus bill
Pinnacles National Monument, east of the Salinas Valley, will receive $1 million in construction money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act – widely known as the stimulus package, according to a press release from Congressman Sam Farr’s office.
The funds, which total $1,056,000, will be used to construct an overlook trail and connector trail to the West Pinnacles visitor station; install six miles of fencing to protect sensitive park lands; and replace retaining walls that protect utility lines.
“The Recovery Act is creating jobs on the Central Coast and improving our infrastructure at the same time,” said Congressman Sam Farr, D-Carmel. “This economic stimulus bill is serving to jumpstart our economy, but we’ll also see many lasting improvements long after our economy has recovered.”
The National Park Service is investing $750 million in nearly 800 projects to stimulate the economy through the Recovery Act. All projects meet the Recovery Act’s criteria of addressing highest mission needs, generating the largest number of jobs in the shortest period of time and creating lasting value for the American people.
