Antisana Andean Condor
IUCN: Near Threatened
The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is the largest flying bird species on our planet, with a wingspan of about nine feet. Named for the Antisana volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes, Antisana was hatched in captivity from an egg that was artificially incubated. Although the Andean condor population is relatively stable, working with this species has helped to save one of the rarest birds in the United States, the California condor (Gymnogyps californianus).
By developing techniques to incubate, rear, release, and monitor these magnificent birds, their population has been stabilized. California condor numbers had dropped to a low of less than 25 birds remaining in the historic wild population in the early 1980s. Removing the wild population for captive protection and breeding allowed for a very successful re-release record.
Currently, the total California condor wild population is nearly 300 birds living in California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico. This project shows we can make a difference and give some species of endangered wildlife a second chance.
By developing techniques to incubate, rear, release, and monitor these magnificent birds, their population has been stabilized. California condor numbers had dropped to a low of less than 25 birds remaining in the historic wild population in the early 1980s. Removing the wild population for captive protection and breeding allowed for a very successful re-release record.
Currently, the total California condor wild population is nearly 300 birds living in California, Arizona, Utah, and Baja California, Mexico. This project shows we can make a difference and give some species of endangered wildlife a second chance.