Final Revised Environmental Assessment, Management Plan, and Implementation Guidance. Take of Nestling American Peregrine Falcons in the Contiguous United States and Alaska for Use in Falconry

摘要

o We considered six alternatives for take of nestling American peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus anatum) in Alaska and the contiguous United States west of 100DG longitude. We based this assessment on recent population and productivity data for the western States. o The alternatives we considered were no action, which would mean no take; take of 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent of annual production; and no restrictions on take beyond the existing falconry regulations. o Rather than basing our decision on population growth with specific mortality and productivity rates, in this revision we focused on the effects on the rates of change in the population that would result from different levels of take. o We determined that take of 5% of the nestlings would minimally reduce the rate of population increase. The take we believe might actually be allowed by the States would affect the rate of population change by less. The effect of a 5% level of take is so small that it would be undetectable in any population monitoring. o The proposed action is a maximum take of 5% of nestlings in each State west of 100DG longitude. Within that limit, take will be managed by the State consistent with the Federal falconry standards. Authorized take would be based on the most recent nesting population data for each State.