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In 1985, there were only nine California condors living in the wild. These majestic birds were at the very brink of extinction. Due to the efforts of zoologists and conservationists, these birds have managed a comeback. How many California condors were on the planet as of August '08?
The answer is 332. Half of them live in the wild. The current California condor population is descended from only 14 condors. Because the California condor gene pool is so shallow right now, their population has to be genetically managed by scientists.
California Condors are scavengers by nature. They often eat things and go places they shouldn?t. Some of the condors released into the wild have died from eating anti-freeze and getting electrocuted on power lines. Their scavenger tendencies are one of the reasons that their numbers are so low. In order to keep condors safe in the wild, the LA and San Diego zoos give the condors aversion training. Ironically enough, to keep condors off of power lines, scientists use a light electroshock therapy. The condors are also trained by condor-loving humans to fear humans. This training keeps the condors away from human settlements, antifreeze and other man made dangers.
Check out the Planet Green Schedule to catch this episode of Green Your Brain.
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