Audubon's Crested Caracara Recovery Plan
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Audubon’s Crested Caracara
Recovery PlanRECOVERY PLAN
FOR THE FLORIDA POPULATION OF
AUDUBON’S CRESTED CARACARA
Prepared By
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Jacksonville, Florida
For
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Southeast Region
Atlanta, Georgia
Approved:
Date: November 14, 1989Recovexy plans delineate reasonable actions which are believed to be required to
recover and/or protect the species. Plans are prepared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, sometimes with the assistance of recovery teams, contractors, State agencies, and
others. Objectives will only be attained and funds expended contingent upon
appropriations, priorities, and other budgetary constraints. Recovery plans do not
necessarily represent the views nor the official positions or approvals of any individuals or
agencies, other than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, involved in the plan formulation.
They represent the official position of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service only after they
have been signed by the Regional Director or Director as approved. Approved recovery
plans are subject to modification as dictated by new findings, changes in species status, and
the completion of recovery tasks.
Literature citations should read as follows:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1989. Recovery Plan for the florida Population of
Audubon’s Crested Caracara. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, Georgia.
Additional copies of this plan may be purchased from:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reference Service
5430 Grosvenor Lane
Suite 110
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(301)492-6403 or
1-800-582-3421
The fee for the plan varies depending on the number of pages of the plan.EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Current status: The florida population of Audubon’s caracara occurs in a 5-county area
in south-central florida. The estimated population is between 400-500 individuals.
The species is federally listed as threatened due to loss of habitat as remaining
native prairies and pasturelands are lost to development.
Goal: The recovery goal is to delist the species once recovery criteria are met.
Recovery criteria: The following criteria must be met in order to delist the species:
1) The population is stable, or increasing from, the current population level.
2) Active territories are still found in, and have expanded from, the current five-
county distribution core. 3) The amount of nesting and foraging habitat needed to
maintain the stable or expanding population and distribution is secured through
acquisition, conservation easements, etc.
Actions needed: Five major actions are necessary to achieve recovery:
1) Gather data on the biology of the caracara in florida
2) Protect and enhance presently occupied nesting and feeding habitat whenever
possible
3) Create new habitat wherever possible
4) Develop public awareness and support for caracara protection
5) Establish rehabilitation center for injured or sick caracaras found in the wild.
Date of recovexy. If funds are available to accomplish the recommended tasks, and
additional research does not indiciate other limiting factors, the anticipated date of
recovery of this species is fiscal year 2010.
Total cost of recovery: The estimated total amount of money necessary to recover this
species is $200,000.TABLE OF CONTENTS
I: INTRODUCTION . 1
Taxonomy . 1
Description 1
Distribution 2
Habitat 3
Reproduction 3
Food Habits 5
Predators and Other Mortality Factors 5
Status of Species 5
Reasons for Decline 6
Conservation Measures Already Taken 7
Th RECOVERY 9
A. Recovery Objective 9
B. Narrative Outline 9
C. Literature Cited 18
LII: IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE 20
IX: ~DIX 23
A. List of ~
23PART I. INTRODUCTION
‘Thxonomy
John James Audubon (1834) found the crested caracara (Polyborus plancus
audubonii) in florida near St. Augustine (where it no longer occurs) on November 21,
1831, and published a full account of it as Polyborus vulgaris. In 1865 John Cassin
named the bird Polybonss audubonji after Audubon. It is known variously as Polybonis
plancus cheriway, Polyborus cheriway audubonii, and Caracara cheriway audubonii. The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service follows the American Ornithologist’s Union (1983) for
usage of the generic and specific names Polyborus plancus, and likewise the American
Ornithologist’s Union (1957) for usage of the subspeciflc name audubonji for the
florida population.
Vernacular names for the bird over the years have included Audubon’s caracara,
the caracara eagle, the Mexican eagle, the Mexican buzzard, and the king buzzard.
Description
Layne (i~ Kale 1978) described the caracara as a large, boldly patterned hawk
with a crest. It has a naked face, heavy bill, elongate neck, and unusually long legs. It
is usually 20 to 25 inches (50-64 cm) long, with a wingspread of 48 inches (1.2m).
Sexual size dimorphism appears minimal, with females perhaps slightly larger than
males (Lyons 1985). The adult is dark brownish-black on the crown, wings, lower back,
and upper abdomen. The lower part of the head, throat, lower abdomen, and under
tail coverts are white, sometimes tinged with yellow. The breast and upper back are
whitish, heavily barred with black. The tail is white with narrow, dark crossbars and a
broad, dark tip. Prominent white patches are visible near the tips of the wings in
flight. Juveniles have a similar color pattern but are brownish and buffy, with the
breast and upper back streaked instead of barred. Subadults resemble adults but are
duller. Adults have bare reddish-orange facial skin, a massive bluish-colored bill, and
yellow legs.
According to Lyons (1984), “the most interesting physical characteristic of the
crested caracara may be the bare skin of its face. When at ease, preening itself,
accepting the preening attention of another bird, or engaging in other routine
non-aggressive activities, the bird’s facial skin is a bright orange-red color. However,
when the bird feels threatened, its skin will blanch progressively to pumpkin color and
finally to a pale yellow; the increase in blood pressure causes the blood and associated
1red color to be forced past the subepidermal blood vessels leaving the outermost layer
of skin literally washed out.”
Another noticeable physical characteristic of the crested caracara is its long,
unfeathered, yellow legs and large feet. The feet resemble those of falcons but have
flatter talons allowing the bird to run more readily. The caracara is often described as
ground-dwelling because it seems as adept at walking and running as it is at flying.
Bent (1938) described the flight of the caracara as somewhat like that of a marsh
hawk. like the marsh hawk, the caracara’s flight contains frequent turnings, risings,
and failings; but it is swifter and more graceful, with rapid wing strokes followed by
long periods of sailing. Caracaras are strong fliers and can reach speeds of up to 40
miles per hour (Layne 1985).
Distribution
In North America, Po~yborus plancus audubonji occurs primarily from northern
Baja California, southwestern Arizona, southern Texas, and central florida, south to
Panama, and also on Cuba and the Isle of Pines. It is rarely found in southern New
Mexico and southwestern Louisiana. Other subspecies range into South America as far
as Tierra del Fuego and the Falkland Islands. The florida population is isolated from
the remainder of the subspecies’ range in the southwestern United States and Central
America. This isolated population was at one time a common resident in the prairie
region of central florida, from northern Brevard County in the north, south to Fort
Pierce, Lake Okeechobee, Rocky Lake (Hendry County), the Okaloosa Slough, and the
Everglades (Collier County). Caracara sightings are reported from as far north as
Nassau County, and from as far south as the lower florida Keys (Monroe County).
Available evidence shows that the range of this subspecies in florida has experienced a
long-term, continuing contraction. Birds are now rarely found as far north as Orlando
or east of the St. Johns River. Currently the region of greatest abundance is a
five-county area (Glades, DeSoto, Highlands, Okeechobee, Osceola) north and west of
Lake Okeechobee (Sprunt 1954, Layne j~ Kale 1978, Layne 1985) (Figure 1). Birds
are still found in Charlotte, Hardee, and Polk Counties. Although genetic studies still
need to confirm it, there seems to be no migration or exchange of florida birds with
other populations.
The only other species of the genus Polyborus known from recent times is the
Guadalupe caracara (Polyborus lutosus). This species was extirpated early in the 20th
century.
2J Figure 1. DISTRIBUTION OF THE
FLORIDA POPULATION OF
AUDUBON’S CRESTED CARACARA
Legend
• Occasional Sightings
• Core Distribution
Habitat
Dry prairies interspersed with wetter areas and scattered cabbage palmetto
(Sabal palmetto) make up typical caracara habitat. However, improved pasture lands
and lightly wooded areas with more limited stretches of open grassland are also used
(Layne j~ Kale 1978). The bird’s center of abundance in florida is Kissimmee Prairie,
north of Lake Okeechobee. The prairie is a large, low, flat, grassy plain, drained by
the Kissimmee River. It is dotted with numerous shallow ponds and sloughs. There
are many small hammocks of large live oaks and cabbage palmettos. Scattered
throughout these hammocks are clumps of saw palmetto, a few scrubby oaks, many
solitary cabbage palmettos, and an occasional small clump of cypress. Also occurring
on the prairie are sandhill cranes and florida races of the red-shouldered hawk and
barred owl. The cranes nest in the shallow ponds and sloughs. The hawks and owls
nest in the hammocks. The caracara is primarily a woodland bird seldom seen in the
pines and still more rarely in cypress country.
Reproduction
Biologists know little about courtship behavior in caracaras. Batten (1969)
stated that they utter a cackling call in the breeding season during which time they
throw their head back, nearly touching the shoulders. Males sometimes fight in the air
3(Brown and Amadon 1968). Layne (j~ Kale 1978) reported that caracaras associate in
pairs year round, and occupy an exclusive home range. Adult caracaras maintain large
territories, usually with their mates. Pair bonds are strong, persisting until one mate
dies. The pair remains close throughout the year. Caracaras gather in large groups of
up to 10 birds during the non-breeding season. However, biologists believe this is
associated with the birds’ carrion feeding habits (Oberholser 1974).
The caracara begins nesting in Florida in late January to early February. As the
breeding season approaches, the pair begins to spend more time at the nest site (Layne
1985). Howell (1932) found that in florida pairs commonly nest 12 to 55 feet above
the ground in the tops of cabbage palmettos. The nests are rough, bulky structures,
made of weeds, bushes, and vines piled in a heap and trampled to form a depression.
Both male and female build the nest but are not aggressive in defending it. The male
stands lookout conspicuously near the nest, but flushes when an intruder approaches.
Even small birds can drive a caracara away from the vicinity of its nest (Bent 1938).
Sprunt (1954) reported seeing only two caracara nests not in cabbage palmettos.
Both of these were in oaks on the Kissimmee Prairie, although in different localities
and on different years. Bent (1938) found only one nest that was not in a cabbage
palmetto. It consisted of small sticks, 15 feet from the ground, on a branch of a live
oak tree, in an open space near a stream. He also cited an unconfirmed report of a
nest in the top of a large solitary pine tree between Fort Myers and Immokalee.
Caracaras lay two or three eggs (rarely four) in February or March. They are
ovate to oval in shape, and the shell is smooth or finely granulated. The ground color
is white, creamy white, or pinkish white. The entire shell is often washed or clouded
with light ochraceous buff, vinaceous cinnamon, or vinaceous russet. The ground color
is concealed by irregular blotches, scrawls, splashes, or spots of darker browns, bays,
chestnut brown, or burnt umber. Rarely, an egg may be pure white. Eggs average
2.32 by 1.81 inches (59.4 by 46.5 mm) in size (Bent 1938).
Incubation, shared by both sexes, lasts about 28 days. Caracaras ordinarily raise
only one brood in a season. However, if the eggs are destroyed, the parents may lay a
second or even third set (Bent 1938). Strecker (1894) believed that young caracaras
may occupy the nest for two or three months after hatching. Caracaras feed their
young with fresh meat rather than by regurgitation as is the case with vultures (Bent
1938).
Brown and Amadon (1968) reported a caracara living in captivity for over 30
years.
4Food Habits
According to Lyons (1984), “Caracaras have perhaps the most varied diet of any
raptor...reported to eat: rabbits, skunks, prairie dogs, opossums, rats, mice, squirrels,
snakes, frogs, lizards, young alligators, turtles, crabs, crayfish, fishes, young birds,
beetles, grasshoppers, maggots, and worms (Bent 1938), as well as turtle or other eggs
(Terres 1980, Grossman and Hamlet 1964), and coconut meat (Haverschmidt 1947).”
A pair will sometimes join forces to subdue a large animal such as a rabbit or egret
(Layne 1985). The largest portion of their diet consists of carrion but they will readily
attack live prey including fish and frogs (Bent 1938). Caracaras also harass vultures
until they disgorge their meals (Layne j~ Kale 1978). Caracaras have voracious
appetites and normally will eat as much as they can as fast as they can, with or without
competition. A female weighing 44 ounces (1,250 g) will consume an average of 3.85
ounces (110 g) per day or the equivalent of three large mice (Lyons, 1984).
Caracaras spend a considerable amount of time perched on telephone poles,
fence posts, or other high vantage points where they can search for prey. Hunting is
done both on the wing and on the ground. Road kills make up a large part of the
caracara’s food, and the birds regularly patrol sections of highway searching for dead
animals. Caracaras feed freely with vultures on carrion, the two species usually paying
little attention to each other (Sprunt 1954). However, caracaras are dominant over the
larger vultures, and will sometimes chase them away from a carcass (Howell 1932).
Bent (1938), reported seeing a caracara attacking a bald eagle in an attempt to steal
the eagle’s prey. Lyons (1985), citing various authorities, reports that caracaras, when
exercising their parasitic natures, will attack other caracaras, pelicans, gulls, vultures,
and other large birds. They jump on their backs or strike them from above with
talons, usually causing the victim to drop or regurgitate its prey. The caracara will then
dive and snatch the falling food before it hits the ground.
Predators and Other Mortality Factors
Detailed studies on natural predators are lacking. Pesticide contamination is not
known to be a detrimental factor. Food habits of caracaras do not indicate they would
be affected by organo-chlorine-induced eggshell thinning (Evans 1982). Highway
mortality, however, may be an important mortality factor (Evans 1982).
Status of Species
Based on early naturalists’ notes, published accounts, and museum specimens,
caracaras in florida have undergone a severe decline in numbers and distribution since
the early 1930’s. This decline is due primarily to habitat loss. Habitat available to
5caracaras has decreased and continues to decrease as native prairies and pasturelands
are lost to real estate development or intensive agricultural use (Layne 1985).
In the late 1960’s, Funderberg and Heinzman (1967) voiced concern over the
decline of the Florida population. Heinzman (1970) published results of a 4-year
survey (1967-1970). The survey indicated fewer than 100 individuals in about 58
localities remained in the State. Stevenson (1975) assumed a similar population size
for 1974. However, Layne (m Kale 1978), in a preliminary analysis of records from
1973 to 1975, arrived at a minimum estimate of 350 individuals. A more refined
estimate, based on data collected from 1973 to 1978, indicated the existence of about
150 active territories (300 adults), and about 200 immatures. This estimate gives a
total population in Florida of between 400 and 500 individuals (Layne 1985).
Most caracaras occur on privately-owned lands in the prairie region of central
Florida. A few transient birds may wander east to the Merritt Island National Wildlife
Refuge, Cape Canaveral Alr Force Station, Patrick Alr Force Base, and Kennedy Space
Center, or north to Ocala National Forest. The only Federal land, however, on which
birds may be permanently resident is the Alr Force’s Avon Park Alr Force Range in
Polk and Highlands counties. However, Ebersbach (pers. comm. 1985) reported that
they are only occasionally seen in that area and none have nested on the Range in
recent years.
Thacker (1971) estimated there were 55 Audubon’s crested caracaras in zoos in
1971. Breeding in captivity has occurred a number of times (Tom J. Cade, pers.
comm., 21 August 1986), and the potential is good.
Reasons for Decline
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1987), the florida population
of Audubon’s crested caracara is threatened for the following reasons:
1. The present or threatened destruction. modification or curtailment of its
habitat or range. Large areas of caracara habitat are lost to citrus groves, tree
plantations, improved pastures, other agricultural uses, and real estate development.
As the growth rate of florida’s human population increases and habitat loss
accelerates, the caracara’s range contracts.
2. Disease or predation (Lyons 1985). Diseases in caracaras remain largely
uninvestigated although cases of avian pox have been diagnosed. Lyons found that
most caracara rehabilitation problems at the Austin (Texas) Nature Center involved
poisonings, nutritional osteodystrophy, or traumatic injury. The Texas Nature Center
attributed cases of direct poisoning to ingestion of poison-laced coyote bait. There are
no documented cases of lead poisoning in caracaras. However, caracaras feed heavily
6on doves, waterfowl, and other game birds during hunting season. Lyons suspected
that this habit could make caracaras highly susceptible to lead poisoning in areas where
lead shot is used.
3. The inadequacy of existing regulatorv mechanisms. Both Federal (Migratory
Bird Treaty Act and Endangered Species Act of 1973) and State (Chapter 39-37,
Florida Administrative Code) laws offer protection for the caracara, but they do not
protect its habitat. Additionally, caracaras are still killed in the erroneous belief that
they are predators on newborn calves or because their large size and conspicuous
nature make them tempting targets. Large numbers of caracaras were killed in vulture
trapping operations in earlier years. Most likely some birds are still lost in illegal
vulture traps.
4. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence
Population growth in south-central Florida has resulted in increased roads and traffic.
This, coupled with the caracara’s habit of feeding along roadways, results in substantial
mortality.
The current number of breeding caracaras (300 birds) is low relative to most
large raptors in Florida. In addition, these birds are long-lived, have low reproductive
rates and large, widely dispersed territories. These factors make the species very
susceptible to natural or human-caused catastrophes, such as hurricanes and poisoning
(pesticides, herbicides, etc.). In addition, the low number of caracaras in Florida may
eventually reduce the genetic viability of the population and make it more vulnerable
to these stresses. Finally, the scarcity of the birds, combined with their scattered
territories, makes it difficult to detect changes in numbers. Thus, the caracara could
experience a significant decline that might jeopardize the population before evidence of
the decline became apparent.
Conservation Measures Already ‘Ibken
The Florida population of Audubon’s crested caracara is a threatened species
protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.). This Act mandates that all federal agencies insure that none of their activities,
authorized, funded, or carried out, jeopardize the continued survival of listed
endangered or threatened species. Most caracaras occur today on privately-owned
lands, but several large, federally administered tracts of land (Avon Park Alr Force
Range, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, etc.) formerly supported caracara
populations and could do so again if the bird achieves significant recovery. In such a
case, the Act could prove a useful tool in the bird’s conservation by requiring Federal
agencies to provide for its protection on these lands. The Endangered Species Act,
and/or regulations promulgated pursuant to that Act, also makes it illegal for any
person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take, import, export, ship in
7
.interstate commerce in the course of a commercial activity, or sell or offer for sale in
interstate commerce any listed species (except for specific purposes under permit).
The Florida population of Audubon’s crested caracara is also protected under the
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703 ~ seq.) and by florida State Law
(Chapter 39-37, florida Administrative Code). The State’s recognition of this bird will
be particularly useful in providing conservation measures on State managed lands.
8PART U. RECOVERY
A. Recovery Objective
The Florida population of Audubon’s crested caracara can be considered for
delisting if, over a period of 10 years, all three of the following conditions are
met:
1) The population is maintaining stability at, or increasing from, the current
population level of between 400 and 500 birds (300 adults and about 100
iminatures);
2) active territories are still found in, and have expanded from, the current five
county core of distribution (Glades, DeSoto, Highlands, Okeechobee, and
Osceola counties); and
3) the amount of nesting and foraging habitat needed to maintain the stable or
expanding population and distribution has been secured through acquisition,
conservation easements, etc. (note: research to determine the amount of nesting
and feeding habitat needed to maintain healthy populations of caracaras in
Florida is an essential part of this recovery plan and will be determined as the
recovery plan is implemented; see 134 of Outline Narrative below).
B. Outline Narrative for Recovery Actions Addressing Threats
1. Gather data on the biology of the caracara in Florida. Very little
research has been done on the caracara in Florida. Considerable
biological information is needed before the bird can be properly managed
and the effectiveness of management actions assessed.
11. Conduct research on the caracara’s basic biology. Trapping
and banding must be done to monitor bird movements. Banding
will provide information on caracara territoriality, home range,
nesting sites. It will also provide information on the birds’ ability
to adjust to habitat changes and human disturbances. It is
especially important to determine habitat use outside of the nesting
season and bird movements into and out of an area as habitat
improves or deteriorates. These factors relate directly to land
management activities. The data derived are necessary to develop
the rest of this recovery plan. This plan will be revised periodically
to include any new findings.
912. Determine population genetics both of the Florida population and
other populations. Determining genetic variability in the Florida
population and other populations may provide a useful baseline for
future comparisons of the genetic viability of the Florida
population of the crested caracara.
13. Determine habitat requirements of the caracara in Florida
Habitat loss is believed to be the primary cause of caracara decline
in Florida. Caracaras occupy dry prairies with some wet areas and
scattered palms. However, precise details are needed on nesting
and feeding habitat requirements, the percentage of forest or
agricultural encroachment caracaras will tolerate, and their need
for pure water. Precise details are also needed on the extent of
caracara movement into other habitats for feeding and drinking
purposes.
131. Determine essential habitat comronents. Identify all the
components that make up prime habitat. Prime habitat is
the sum of all essential components, where their absence
would make the habitat suboptimal or result in
abandonment of the area for nesting and/or feeding.
Determine the vegetation necessary for successful nesting
and roosting. Determine the need for water in proximity to
nests, and the need for privacy both during early and late
reproductive stages. Water quality analyses should be
conducted to determine whether agricultural chemicals are
making water unsuitable for caracaras.
132. Determine the minimum amount of nesting and feeding
habitat needed to support a population of caracaras
Determine the amount of nesting and feeding habitat
needed to support a population of caracaras. Nesting
habitat is relatively restricted, but caracaras feed over large
areas. Therefore, maintaining nesting habitat might be the
crucial factor in protecting the birds. Protection of nest
sites from predators may be necessary at some nesting sites.
Guidelines for protection of nests and nesting pairs should
be established.
133. Formulate estimates of habitat carrying capacity under
oDtimum conditions. Determine the carrying capacity of
nesting and feeding habitats of the Florida population of
10
.Audubon’s crested caracara. This will allow scientists to
evaluate which habitats are underutilized or overutilized.
This knowledge is essential for management of the birds.
134. Revise recovery objective in light of data derived from
above research activities. One condition required to
reach the recovery objective for the caracara is to ensure
that the amount of nesting and feeding habitat needed to
maintain stable or expanding populations has at least
remained stable or increased over a ten-year period. This
can only be determined after the results of the research
projects outlined above are obtained.
14. Determine precise areas where caracaras currently nest and feed in
Florida. Undertake surveys to determine current distribution and
abundance of caracaras in florida. Use LANDSAT or other
satellite data to locate search areas.
141. Map active nesting and feeding sites. Carefully prepared
maps of caracara distribution in Florida can assist land
management agencies and land planning groups. These maps
allow agencies to consider the caracara in connection with
their activities. They also help in the preparation of
Development of Regional Impacts (DRI’s) under Chapter
380, florida Statutes, and are of value to local governments
in preparing local Comprehensive Plans called for by
Chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes.
142. Monitor status of current populations. Caracaras occur in
small numbers over relatively large areas. It is possible that
subtle, undetected changes may occur which could threaten
the survival of the birds. Careful monitoring of the status of
all extant populations, especially monitoring of reproductive
success, is necessary.
15. Locate and map unused habitat within the former range of the
caracara that might be rehabilitated for reintroduction purposes
Caracaras once occurred in prairie habitat from northern Brevard
County south to Collier County. Caracara sightings were once
reported from as far north as Nassau County and as far south as
the lower Keys in Monroe County. Caracaras have disappeared
over much of this former range. This may be due to various factors
such as habitat deterioration, habitat destruction, indiscriminate
11
.killing of birds, etc. Efforts should be made to locate and map
these former inhabited areas to determine if it is feasible to
rehabilitate them for possible natural expansion of caracara range,
or for possible introduction. The St. Johns Water Management
District is currently buying ranches in Brevard County and restoring
habitat. This effort should be encouraged.
151. Determine why these areas are not used. These areas are
apparently unsuitable for caracaras since they are not used.
The cause(s) for the lack of use should be investigated.
152. Determine elements that need to be restored to make such
areas suitable for caracara utilization. The unoccupied
habitat may be too wooded, or no suitable nest trees may
remain. Pesticide contamination, especially in agricultural
areas, may be a factor. These conditions must be
recognized and corrected before caracaras can expand their
range, or be reintroduced.
153. Map currently unused habitat. Maps of potential habitat,
suitable for restoration, are essential in recovery and
conservation planning.
2. Protect and enhance currently occuDied nesting and feeding habitat
Alteration and habitat loss are primary threats to the Florida population
of Audubon’s crested caracara. As much of the remaining occupied
habitat as possible in Florida must be secured if the bird is to survive.
State and Corps of Engineers efforts to restore the Kissimmee River
floodplain might provide useful habitat for caracaras.
21. Protect and enhance habitat on public lands. Caracaras currently
do not nest on any Federal or State administered lands. However,
they are seen occasionally at the Avon Park Alr Force Range in
Highlands and Polk Counties; at Merritt Island National Wildlife
Refuge, Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral National
Seashore, and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, in Brevard
County; and at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge in Martin
County. Federal agencies that manage these lands are required to
protect caracaras and enhance the habitat these birds might use for
nesting and/or feeding.
12
.211. Conduct Section 7 consultations on all Federal activities that
might affect caracaras and their habitat. The Air Force and
the Department of the Interior will consult with the Fish
c~-~ -?e4~ and Wildlife Service on any activities (authorized, funded, or
carried out) that might adversely affect the caracara on
lands they control in Florida. Such activities include,
pesticide use, road building, construction of new facilities,
training exercises, clearing for new runways, etc.
~ &p+~Lsj
212. Maintain dry prairies and open pastures on public lands to
the maximum extent possible. Dry prairies and open
pastures are the preferred habitat for caracaras. Federal
-Ti land management agencies should try to protect, maintain,
and enhance habitat of this type on all lands they manage.
213. Prevent forests on public lands from expanding or
encroaching onto dry prairies and open pastures. Caracaras
will not use heavily wooded areas. Federal agencies should
control succession and maintain habitat in early successional
stages. Methods to control vegetation may include roller
chopping and prescribed burning.
214. Monitor the status of caracaras on public lands. Federal
agencies should regularly monitor their lands for signs of
caracara feeding and nesting. Land managers should take
appropriate protective action if caracaras are found nesting
on any Federal lands. They should report caracara sightings
on public lands, particularly nestings, to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service or the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission.
22. Protect privately-owned, occupied lands wherever possible
Particular effort should be made to acquire lands on which
caracaras are currently nesting.
221. Encourage purchase. State, county, and local governments
and private organizations can purchase lands. The Fish and
Wildlife Service can consider purchase of land to protect
endangered or threatened species through its Land
Acquisition Planning System.
13
.222. Use conservation easements and other non fee-title
ownership options. Conservation easements, recognized
under both Federal and State law, may protect habitat while
allowing it to remain in private ownership. Non-binding
conservation agreements with landowners may also prove
useful.
223. Maintain and enhance habitat on acquired lands
Conduct prescribed burns or mechanically chop
vegetation at periodic intervals to maintain dry prairie
and pasture habitat and prevent forest encroachment.
Plant scattered cabbage palmettos, where needed, to
serve as nesting sites.
224. Monitor status of populations on acquired lands
23. When private lands cannot be acquired. encourage
landowners to maintain and enhance their habitat for the
benefit of caracaras. Most caracara populations occur on
privately-owned lands that Federal, State, or local
governments cannot acquire. In such cases, the private
landowner must be educated to the needs and value of
caracaras in order to obtain their cooperation in providing
protection. Fortunately, one of the most visible populations
of caracara is on the privately-owned Archbold Biological
Station in Highlands County. This population is fully
protected and intensively studied.
231. Inform landowners of the presence of caracaras on
their property. Appropriate State and Federal
authorities should inform landowners that their
property contains a resident population of caracaras.
232. U.S. Soil Conservation Service and U.S. Agricultural
Stabilization and Conservation Service should work
with private landowners on conservation efforts. The
Soil Conservation Service and the Agricultural
Stabilization and Conservation Service should help to
maintain existing populations and habitat on private
lands by providing informational and educational
brochures on caracaras, and by funding caracara
14
.protection programs for farmers, ranchers, and other
private landowners.
233. Encourage landowners to protect caracara nesting
sites by providing incentives (awards. credits for
mitigation. special recognition. etc.’). Inform
landowners of the amount of habitat needed around
each nest, and the level of privacy required by each
pair during nesting. Encourage landowners to adhere
to guidelines derived from item 132 above.
Encourage the media to focus on these land
protectors. Also, provide public recognition for
proper land management.
3. Create new habitat wherever possible. Habitat loss has occurred
throughout the range of the caracara, and has been the primary factor
threatening the survival of this bird.
31. Expand habitat in currently occupied areas, and restore (re-ET1 w182 457 m49
establish’) habitat in currently unoccupied areas. Wherever
possible, expand existing occupied habitat. Use prescribed burning
and chopping, or planting of cabbage palmettos to provide more
nesting and foraging habitat. Delineate areas which once
supported caracaras but have become so degraded that they no
longer support them. Wherever possible, improve and restore, or
reestablish, (through prescribed burning, chopping, etc.,) these
areas to a state where they may be acceptable to caracaras again.
311. Encourage caracaras to occupy expanded or restored areas
3111. Encourage wild poDulations to use expanded or
restored areas. Encourage caracaras to use expanded
or restored habitats by baiting the areas with freshly
killed animals and/or carrion. Restore unoccupied
habitats near presently occupied habitat first to
encourage natural expansion.
3112. Introduce rehabilitated birds into expanded or
restored areas whenever and wherever possible
When caracaras are taken into captivity for
rehabilitation purposes (see 5 below), they should
15
.be considered for release into expanded or
restored areas when they are ready.
312. Monitor to determine if caracaras successfully occupy or use
these expanded or restored areas. Monitor the status of
caracaras moving into expanded or restored areas to
determine if the birds benefit from creating additional
habitats. Monitor both nesting and feeding activities in
expanded or restored areas.
4. Develop public awareness and support for caracara protection. It is
important to secure the interest and support of the public in recovery
efforts for any species. In the case of such a unique and visible raptor as
the caracara, this should be a relatively simple task. Publish newspaper
and magazine articles, illustrated with photos of this strildng bird. Present
lectures to Florida birding groups and garden clubs. Broadcast short
radio and/or TV spots. Make every effort to secure public support for
the caracara recovery effort.
5. Establish rehabilitation center for injured or sick caracaras found in the
!ii~. Lyons (1984, 1985) had considerable success in rehabilitating sick
and injured caracaras in Texas. Traumatic injuries in Texas usually
involve leg or foot injuries (from leg-hold traps) and gunshot wounds.
Lyons found that caracaras quickly adapt to captive conditions, and
respond well to medical treatment. By establishing a center in Florida,
sick or injured caracaras could be rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
This could also be accomplished by developing agreements with a local
veterinarian, bird rehab center or university.
51. Develop emergency program for removing injured or sick caracaras
from the wild including a hotline number for notification of
responsible individuals. When a sick or injured caracara is located,
it may be necessary to place the bird into a rehabilitation center
where it can receive proper medical treatment. A rehabilitation
center(s) should consider such factors as housing, equipment,
veterinary expertise, proximity to the present core distribution of
caracaras, etc. Appoint key individuals to pick up sick or injured
birds and transport them to the rehabilitation center(s). Provide
the phone numbers of these individuals to all wildlife officers
within the core range of the caracara.
52. Establish a caracara rehabilitation team, made up of rehabilitation
experts. raptor biologists, veterinarians. etc
16
.53. Maintain accurate and detailed records
54. Determine where recovered birds should be released into the wild
When sick or injured birds have recovered to the point where they
can return to the wild, they should be released in expanded or
restored habitat areas as outlined above in 3112.
55. Monitor health and status of introduced birds. Monitor
rehabilitated birds through radio tagging or some other suitable
means to determine whether they survive. If the introduction of
rehabilitated caracaras is successful, and later conditions warrant,
develop a captive breeding program for more widespread
reintroductions.
17
.Literature Cited
American Ornithologist’s Union. 1957. Checklist of North American birds. 5th edition.
Lord Baltimore Press, Baltimore. 691 pp.
American Ornithologist’s Union. 1983. Checklist of North American birds. 6th
edition. Washington, D.C. 877 pp.
Audubon, J.J. 1834. Ornithological biography. Vol. 1. Adam and Charles Black,
Edinburgh. 664 pp.
Batten, L 1969. Common caracara. Birds of the World 2(2):575-577.
Bent, A.C. 1938. Life histories of North American birds of prey, part 2. U.S. Nat.
Mus. Bull. 170, Washington, D.C. 482 pp.
Brown, L, and D. Amadon. 1968. Eagles, hawks, and falcons of the world.
McGraw-Hill, New York, 2 vols. 945 pp.
Evans, D.L. 1982. Status report on twelve raptors. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -
Special Sci. Rept. 238, Washington, D.C. 68 pp.
Everett, M. 1978. Birds of prey. G.E Putnam’s Sons, New York. 128 pp.
Funderberg, J.F., and G. Heinzman. 1967. Status of the caracara in Florida. Florida
Nat. 40(4):250-151.
Grossman, M.L, and J. Hamlet. 1964. Birds of prey of the world. C.N. Potter, Inc.,
New York. 496 pp.
Haverschmidt, F. 1947. The black vulture and the caracara as vegetarians. Condor
49(5):210.
Heizman, G. 1970. The caracara survey: a four year report. Florida Nat. 43(4):149.
Howell, NH. 1932. florida bird life. Florida Department of Game and Fresh Water
Fish, Tallahassee. 579 pp.
Kale, H.W, II (editor). 1978. Birds, Vol. 2. Rare and endangered biota of Florida.
Univ. Presses of Florida, Gainesville. 121 pp.
Layne, J.N. 1985. Audubon’s caracara. Florida Wildlife 39:40-42.
18Lyons, J. 1984. Caracaras in captivity. Wildlife Rehabilitation, Vol. 2. Exposition
Press, Inc., Smithtown, New York. pp. 69-77.
Lyons, J. 1985. Caracaras in captivity (revised). Unpublished manuscript, Austin
Nature Center, Austin, Texas. 15 pp.
Oberholser, H.C. 1974. The bird life of Texas (Vol. 1). University of Texas Press,
Austin. 530 pp.
Sprunt, N, Jr. 1954. Florida bird life. Coward-McCann, Inc., New York. 527 pp.
Stevenson, H.M. 1975. Report to the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission on
avian forms of special concern in Florida. In Florida Game and Fresh Water
Fish Commission W-41-22 Job Prog. Rept., July 1974-30 June.
Strecker, J.K., Jr. 1894. The breeding habits of Audubon’s caracara. Nidiologist 2:6.
Terres, J.K. 1980. The Audubon Society encyclopedia of North American birds.
Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
Thacker, R. 1971. Estimations relative to birds of prey in captivity in the United
States of America. Raptor Research 5(4):108-122.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1987. Threatened status for the Florida population of
Audubon’s crested caracara. Federal Register 52( 128):25229-25232.
19m. IMPLEMENTATION SChEDULE
Priorities in Column 4 of the following Implementation Schedule are assigned as
follows:
Priority I - An action that must be taken to prevent extinction or to prevent
the species from declining irreversibly in the foreseeable future.
Priority 2 - An action that must be taken to prevent a significant decline in
species population/habitat quality or some other significant negative
impact short of extinction.
Priority 3 - All other actions necessary to provide for full recovery of the
species.
NOTE: Each task in the Implementation Schedule is given one of the above described
priority numbers. While these numbers reflect the importance of the activity, they do
not relate to the order in which tasks will be accomplished. For example, while a task
may be identified as a priority 2, or one which must be taken to prevent a significant
decline in the population, it may be one of the first actions that the agencies will
undertake.
20GENERAL CATEGORIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULES
Information Gathering - I or Research - R Acquisition A -
1. Population status 1. Lease
2. Habitat status 2. Easement
3. Habitat requirements 3. Management agreement
4. Management techniques 4. Exchange
5. Taxonomic studies 5. Withdrawal
6. Demographic studies 6. Fee title
7. Propagation 7. Other
8. Migration
9. Predation
10. Competition
11. Disease
12. Environmental contaminant
13. Reintroduction
14. Other information
Management - M Other - 0
1. Propagation 1. Information and education
2. Reintroduction 2. Law enforcement
3. Habitat maintenance and manipulation 3. Regulations
4. Predator and competitor control 4. Administration
5. Depredation control
6. Disease control
7. Other management
ABBREVIATIONS
AS~S U.S. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
FDNR Florida Department of Natural Resources
FGFWFC Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
USAF U.S. Air Force (Avon Park AFR)
NPS National Park Service
USSCS U.S. Soil Conservation Service
21flPID4E2~TATI0N Sc2IELIJIE
Responsible Agencies Estimat~i FY Costs
General Task Task FWS Catrnents/
Cat~orv Plan Task Number Priority airation R~*ion Other FY 1 FY 2 FY 3 Notes
R—3,4,6, Gather data on 1 2 ongoing 4 FThR, RFWFC, 10 10 10
13 biology NPS
M-3 Protect and enhance 21 1 ongong 4 Ftt~R, F~3FWFC, 10 10 10
habitat USAF, NF~
M-3 conduct Section 7 211 2 ongorq 4 NPS, USAF
consultations
R-1 Monitor status 214 2 ongoing 4 FT1~R, F~FWFC, 5 5 5
NPS,USAF
Acquire private
A-7 22 2 5 years 4 FEt4R, F~3FWFC costs
lands un)ux~~n
A-2 Obtain easements 222 2 5 years 4 AS~, usscs costs
un~c,~m
0—1 Inform and work 231, 3 ongoing 4 AScS, usscs 1 .5 .5
with private 232,
larKIc~ners 233
M-3 create new habitat 3 3 ongoing 4 F~R, F~FWFt 5 5 5
0—1 Develop public 4 3 ongoing 4 F~R, F~3FWF~ 1 .5 .5
interest
M—6, 7 Establish rehabil- 5 3 1 year 4 5 5 5
itation center
M—6, 7 Establish rehabil- 52 3 1 year 4 FEliR, FGFWFC
itation teamAPPENDIX
RECOVERY PLAN REVIEWERS
Dr. WD. Klimstra, Director
Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory
Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
Mr. Don Wood
Endangered Species Coordinator
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
620 South Meridian Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600
Mr. James N Stevenson, Chief
Division of Recreation and Parks
Florida Department of Natural Resources
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
Dr. Tom J. Cade
The Peregrine Fund, Inc.
Laboratory of Ornithology
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York 14850
Dr. James N. Layne
Senior Research Biologist
Archbold Biological Station
P.O. Box 2057
Lake Placid, Florida 33852
Dr. Bernard J. Yokel, President
Florida Audubon Society
1101 Audubon Way
Maitland, Florida 32751
Ms. Jane Lyons
Regional Representative
National Audubon Society
Southwest Regional Office
225 Wallingwood, Suite 1505
Austin, Texas 78746
23Field Supervisor
Vero Beach Field Office
Fish and Wildlife Enhancement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 2676
Vero Beach, florida 32960
Environmental Protection Agency
Hazard Evaluation Division EEB (T5769C)
-
401 M. Street, S.W
Washington, D.C. 20460
Mr. Mark Schaffer
Office of International Affairs
(IA, Mail Stop 2058 MIB)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
18th and C. Streets, NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
Division of Endangered Species and Habitat Conservation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1000 N. Glebe Road, Suite 500
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Office of Public Affairs (PA, 3240 Mffi)
Division of Refuges (RF 524 Matomic)
Office of Research Support (RD-8/ORS, 527 Matomic)
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