Arctic Program - Greenland--Conservation Projects
12 Jun 08
Goal:
Conserve and understand Gyrfalcon and Peregrine Falcon populations and their environments in Greenland and other arctic areas.
Raptors are sensitive to changes in the environment. The effects of climate change on bird populations have become more evident over the past 10 years, with most changes occurring in timing of migration and breeding, breeding performance, and population size and distribution. Our Arctic Program has conducted research and monitoring in Greenland since 1993, gathering information about raptors that reflect changing conditions in their—and our—environment.
Traveling on foot, by kayak, helicopter, sea boat, and even dogsled, our biologists gathered data on Peregrine Falcons and Gyrfalcons, as well as their prey. Like other Arctic researchers, we witnessed notable changes in climate during this period. For example, warmer temperatures have likely allowed Peregrine Falcons to expand their range further north than ever documented in Greenland.
With research on climate change and its effects at the species level coming to the forefront of current scientific research, in 2007 The Peregrine Fund helped Kurt Burnham create a new nonprofit organization, the High Arctic Institute, which will continue the study of Arctic wildlife. Kurt, formerly the director of our Arctic Program, successfully defended his doctoral thesis at the University of Oxford and is now the president of the High Arctic Institute.
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