Why is the California condor so endangered?
Shooting, poisoning and electrocution by power lines have all contributed to the condor’s high mortality rate. Even scientific collection impacted the original populations of these high flyers. Currently, lead poisoning, DDT (pesticide) poisoning and the ingestion of trash are among the leading causes of condor mortality. Condors often collect microtrash — small bits of garbage like bottle caps and broken glass — and take it back to their nests, where they regurgitate it to their chicks along with food. When chicks ingest the microtrash, it can fatally obstruct their digestive tracts. Scientists are not sure why condors are interested in microtrash, but conservation biologists are looking for ways to discourage the birds from eating it.
