California condors now face more threats than before with their attempt to repopulate. The first nesting attempt was regarded a failure, though the reason was determined to be the young birds' inexperience in mating. However, when the eggshells were examined, they were discovered to be dangerously thin, so thin that DDT is believed to be the cause. Scientists believe the source of DDT comes from marine animals which are a source of the condors' diet. The Montrose Chemical Corporation used DDT, though ceased when the ban was implemented in 1971. However DDE, a by-product of DDT, was found in the blubber on sea lions, likely the source of DDT in the California condor. This news disturbs me, as the California condor already had enough of a struggle repopulating itself. I feel scientists should remove the condors from the area where they believe the DDT is located to prevent them from continuing to consume this dangerous pesticide.
I agree with Haydan it really is rather wrong. The DDE and DDT chemicals shouldn't have been released in the first place. I think that all the Condors should be checked out and released to another area that is like the habitats they adapt to. I don't agree that they shouldn't use it though if it is needed I just think that it needs to be controlled. I also think that if they kept a few mature birds in captivity for mating then maybe that would help the population increase a little bit better and so on.
ReplyDelete