California Condor Recovery Program

The California Condor Recovery Program is an initiative aimed at saving the critically endangered California condor, North America's largest bird. Launched in the 1980s when only 27 birds remained, the program involves breeding condors in captivity and releasing them into the wild. It focuses on habitat protection, monitoring the birds’ health, and reducing threats like lead poisoning from ingested ammunition. Thanks to these efforts, the population has increased to over 500 individuals today, with a growing number living freely in California, Arizona, and Utah, showcasing successful conservation strategies for endangered species.