Six High-Profile Endangered Species in the United States
| U.S. Federally Listed Endangered Species | Use of Translocation | Other Recovery Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) | In 1995, eight female Texas pumas (Puma concolor stanleyana) were released in south Florida to increase genetic variability. | Vaccination against rabies and feline leukemia. Radio collars to track panthers. Prescribed burning to attract prey for the panther. Wildlife underpasses and fencing to reduce mortality from vehicle traffic. |
| Gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the U.S. northern Rockies | In 1995, 66 wolves from the MacKenzie Valley, Alberta, Canada, were released into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. | Radio collars to track movement; few other actions needed. |
| Red wolf (Canis lupus rufus) in eastern North Carolina | Captive breeding programs were established with wolves from a remnant population along the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana. Pups born in captivity are now successfully fostered into wild litters. | There is an ongoing program to reduce interbreeding with coyotes. Wild red wolves are often vaccinated against canine distemper, parvovirus, rabies, heartworm, mange, and other diseases and parasites. |
| California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) | The remaining 22 wild California condors were captured in 1987. Two breeding programs were established. In 1991 and 1992 condors were released in California. In 1996 condors were released on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. | Safe carrion (poison-and lead-free) is placed in areas where condors have been released. Captive birds conditioned to avoid power lines. Captive and wild condors vaccinated against West Nile Virus. “Nest-guarding” prevents parents from feeding chicks “microtrash” (small pieces of glass, metal, ceramics, or plastic). |
| Whooping crane (Grus americana) | In 1993, a nonmigratory flock was established in Kissimmee, Florida. In 2001, an eastern migratory population was established. | In the 1980s, eggs from the western migratory population were placed in nests of the sand hill crane (Grus canadensis). An eastern migratory population was established by “costume rearing” chicks from the captive population and teaching them to follow ultralight aircraft. |
| Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) | Translocation of breeding pairs from populations at or near carrying capacity has been used to increase populations in areas with excess capacity and to increase genetic variability. | The creation of artificial cavities helps to maintain family units and allows the best use of available habitat. Prescribed burning to prevent hardwood encroachment and improve the quality of foraging habitat. |