New York Wildlife

Note that species listed as endangered in NY are not necessarily listed as endangered in the US.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) This bird was never really popular in the state, and is now considered extirpated (locally extinct) from NY. The reasons for this bird’s apparent dissappearance east of the Mississippi river are not well know, which hinders any reintroduction attempt.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) These falcons are actually found all over the world. DDT, a pesticide which travels up the food chain and gets magnified at the top, had a huge impact on Peregrine populations in the 60’s.  DDT causes the bird’s eggshells to crack when they sit on them.

DDT was banned in 1971.  Captive breeding and release programs have been very successful and have brought Peregrines back to NY. These programs were initiated by the Peregrine Fund.

Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) Another bird that has never been very common in the state, although this may be due more to how data is collected than actual numbers. This bird tends to live in rural areas where they may not be seen.

For a list of all of NY’s Endangered Animals go here: NYDEC

For all Federally listed vertebrates, go here: USFWS

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