Birds

Three Decades of the Condor

Conservation strategies to save the California condor.

Sexing Eggs in Endangered Baskets

The Reproductive Physiology division of the San Diego Zoo’s Conservation Research arm is developing a technique to remove minute blood samples from bird eggs. These blood samples are used to genetically determine the gender of the bird embryo using a gene copy machine.

Helping Captive Birds Reach Their Full Reproductive Potential

Understanding the reproductive physiology and behavior of avian species that do not reproduce well in captivity will guide management decisions leading to successful pairing and breeding.

Loggerhead Shrike Program Making a Home Run

Since 1991, the Zoological Society of San Diego has been involved in the recovery of the San Clemente loggerhead shrike Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi, one of the most endangered passerines in North America. This shrike is found only on the U.S. Navy-owned San Clemente Island, the southernmost island of California’s Channel Islands and an essential training base for U.S. military.

Hatching a Conservation Plan for the Brown Kiwi

Wild populations of kiwi are declining due to habitat degradation and the introduction of predators and competitors, resulting in low rates of chick survival. Prior to these disturbances, minimal parental care was needed to ensure chick survival and maintain sustainable populations.

Health Assessments for Thick-Billed Parrots in Northern Mexico

Current populations of thick-billed parrots are threatened by habitat destruction and degradation. Biologists have proposed the translocation of thick-billed parrots within Mexico and from Mexico into the U.S. in an attempt to bolster existing populations and create a separate population outside of the Sierra Madres.

Research for the Birds – Endangered Hawaiian Birds, That Is

The Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program (HEBCP) is a unique conservation partnership composed of the San Diego Zoo’s Conservation Research team, government agencies (U.S. Department of the Interior and the State of Hawaii), and Hawaii’s private landowners, working together on the recovery of Hawaii’s most threatened forest birds.

Effects of Wind Turbines on California Condor in Baja and Beyond

As concerns over global warming rise, interest in renewable energy have increased dramatically, resulting in the expanding development of wind turbine facilities around the world. However, wind energy has its own price, posing great risk to birds and bats.

Flying High: Andean Condor Reintroduction Program

San Diego Zoo Conservation Research is working State and Federal agencies, and in-country scientists in South America to re-establish Andean condors in its range countries.

Your “Tern!” Monitoring Least Terns and Snowy Plovers

San Diego Zoo Conservation Research continues to coordinate long-term monitoring efforts essential to understanding and slowing population declines in local threatened and endangered shorebirds.

Managing California Condor Health

San Diego Zoo Conservation Research is undertaking several health related studies for California condors, including West Nile Virus (WNV), effects of chronic lead exposure, and utilizing new DNA sequencing technologies.

Return of the California Condor to Baja and Beyond

Only a few hundred years ago, the California condor ranged from British Columbia to Baja California, Mexico. As European pioneers settled within its range, the species declined dramatically to near extinction in the mid-1980s. Working with Mexican partners, Conservation Research Applied Animal Ecology scientists have embarked on a long-term program to restore the California condor to the mountains of northern Baja California and beyond.

Check back regularly for additional conservation projects!