Mauritius Kestrel--Conservation Projects
28 Jul 03
The Mauritius Kestrel only exists in the wild on the island of Mauritius, the former home of the extinct Dodo Bird. As a result of habitat loss and pesticide contamination this small falcon was reduced to only four known wild birds in 1974.
Through captive breeding and release, and management of wild pairs, the population increased to about 100 pairs in 1996 with an estimate of 400 kestrels in the overall population. Today there are believed to be more than 1,000 kestrels! With the help of the Mauritian Wildlife Appeal Fund, The Peregrine Fund, and other cooperators, a fantastic recovery has occurred.
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