Peregrine falcon

Falco peregrinus Conservation status: LEAST CONCERN The peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest animal, able to dive at speeds of more than 320 km/h. It’s the largest falcon in North America and its adaptability and vast breeding range make it the most widespread raptor in the world, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. The peregrine falcon is classified as least concern by the IUCN. However, it was nearly brought to extinction between the 1940s and ’70s, primarily through exposure to DDT and other pesticides. In use as a pesticide since 1939, DDT is stored in fatty tissues and isn’t metabolised easily. It caused thinning of peregrine eggshells and a resulting crash in hatching rates. Largely due to the 1962 publication of the book Silent Spring by author and conservationist Rachel Carson, DDT was banned in the USA in 1972. Captivebreeding programmes became very successful after the ban was introduced and the peregrine was removed from the US federal endangered species list in 1999 – the North American peregrine population increased by a staggering 2,600 per cent over 40 years. As a cliff dweller that adapts easily to urban environments, peregrines live successfully side by side with humans, nesting on balconies and ledges, and hunting pigeons and other birds.