1. INTRODUCTION

The peregrine falcon is a species that has been revered throughout the world for centuries, mainly for falconry. A worldwide decline in peregrine numbers as a result of poisoning from an accumulative build up of pesticides has led to an increased interest and concern for the species. The use of DDT in agriculture has led to the poisoning of the peregrine falcon through their prey . The breeding success of the peregrine has diminished due to egg shell thinning - a result of DDT. In addition to DDT, new pesticides may in time prove a problem to peregrine falcons and other birds and their breeding success.

Given the relatively close proximity of Kosciuszko National Park (KNP) to agricultural areas the possibility of pesticide effects on the peregrine falcon in KNP, and in other areas in Australia, should be considered. Other potential sources of poisoning of peregrines in KNP through the taking of poisoned prey, could include migratory birds, from parts of Australia and overseas, carrying high levels of pesticides and other chemicals. The use of insecticides by homing pigeon fanciers could be another possible source of poisoning. Because of these potential threats to the peregrine, base line data needs to be collected and long term monitoring of the peregrines undertaken.

Generally, research on peregrine falcons worldwide is extensive. Data on some aspects of the peregrines’ ecology in the United States of America and England (Ratcliff, 1980) have been recorded over a hundred years. This information has led to huge amounts of statistical information on a whole range of the peregrine ecology. Increased interest and research in the peregrine falcon has enabled the introduction of captive breeding programs to reintroduce falcons to areas where they have become extinct. There has also been the development of cross breeding for falconry.

Whilst poisoning is of concern, there are also a number of natural factors impacting on breeding success.

The purpose of this study is to assess a range of potential impacts on breeding success of the peregrine falcon in KNP. In particular this study aims to:

• Determine the prey species of breeding peregrines in a natural environment and determine the level of exposure to prey species which have the potential to be contaminated by migratory birds. Many studies of peregrine falcons are undertaken in unnatural environments where there has been agricultural land clearing and the subsequent introduction of non-native species of birds. In its more remote locations, it is considered that KNP has no major disturbances and provides a more natural selection of native birds as potential prey for peregrine falcons.
• Determine the effect of nest elevation on breeding success. Kosciuszko is the highest mountain range in Australia so this is an important research location. In particular this study aims to determine breeding success in Australia’s high country and elevation cut-outs for breeding. Australian alpine areas have peregrines nesting at altitudes higher than in Great Britain for instance. This higher altitude breeding may be due to Australia’s warmer climate.
• Determine the population density of breeding peregrines in KNP and Ulandra Nature Reserve.

It should be noted that whilst the study was undertaken in KNP, some data was also collected from Ulandra Nature Reserve and included in the results.