New Information on why Swainson's Hawks should not lose legal protections
Photo by Roger Dunstan
Good news! Scientists have been weighing in with the California Fish and Game Commission to explain why the Swainson's Hawk should not be delisted in California. We've posted three important letters on our website for you. You can share these to help get more signatures on our petition against delisting.
In short:
". . . with ongoing issues such as continuing habitat loss from conversion to unsuitable agricultural landscapes, development of large solar projects, and increased urbanization, and the low reproductive rates in the population, we feel it is premature to consider delisting the Swainson’s Hawk and that the current petition to delist submitted by the California Building Industry be rejected." - Jim Estep, Chair, Swainson's Hawk Technical Advisory Committee
"Swainson’s hawk faces ongoing threats of climate change, pesticide poisoning, and habitat loss and degradation, and there is not yet sufficient evidence that Swainson’s hawk is secure throughout all or a significant portion of its range." - Cameryn Brock and Jeff Miller, Center for Biological Diversity
Dr. Bloom's letter highlights his exhaustive knowledge of Swainson's Hawk nesting in California outside of the Central Valley. If you love learning about these hawks, don't miss this letter!