Number: 1980-43
WHEREAS, the California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) is classified by the Fish and Wildlife Service as an endangered species; and
WHEREAS, all persons interested in the condor agree that the current status of condor population is perilous, with estimates of 20 to 30 adult birds and 4 to 8 juveniles among these numbers; and
WHEREAS, differences of opinion exist as to whether or not a captive breeding program should be undertaken; and
WHEREAS, every effort, to date, has failed to stop the population decline, and the chances for survival are not good;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 20-23, 1980, in Miami Beach, Fla., hereby endorses a step-by-step captive breeding program of wild-caught condors, with every possible precaution to be taken; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization endorse, in full, the Condor recovery effort as outlined in the California Condor Recovery Team’s Contingency Plan.