The California Condor : A Saga of Natural History and Conservation

As the largest flying bird of North America, and one of the most endangered, the California Condor has been a source of tremendous interest and awe. This book offers up-to-date information on both the biology and conservation of the condor, as analyzed by the two most knowledgeable field biologists to have studied the species. The authors present first a thorough review of the history of condor studies and conservation efforts, then a detailed examination of the biology and recent decline of the species, and finally a hopeful plan for ultimate restoration of the species as a viable member of wild ecosystems. The book is illustrated with over a hundred superb color photographs covering numerous aspects of natural history of the species and recent conservation efforts on its behalf. Conservation of the California Condor has always been highly controversial, and this book does not shrink from controversy. Instead it offers a broad and insightful, but nevertheless sympathetic treatment of the many political conflicts of the past century.


Key Features?

• Reviews historical account of condor biology and conservation


• Analyzes nest site characteristics and limitations


• Studies breeding behavior and analyzes breeding effort and success


• Discusses mortality rates and the causes for their decline and efforts to improve reproduction


• Discusses the techniques, problems, and results of captive breeding and release programs

Noel Snyder earned his Bachelor's Degree from Swarthmore College; a BM from Curtis Institute of Music; and a Ph.D. from Cornell University.

Helen Snyder earned a Bachelor's Degree from Oberlin College.

Noel and Helen Snyder are field biologists who have worked most of their lives for the conservation of endangered birds, especially raptors and parrots. From 1980 to 1986 they were central participants in the program to conserve the California condor, leading census efforts, studies of breeding biology, and the effort to form a captive population.