Why is the California condor considered to be endangered?

          California condors are among the largest flying birds in the world that are native to North America. They were once seen in many parts of the continent, from California and other Pacific states to Texas, Florida, and New York. But today, the species is critically endangered in existence.

          Physically, the condors are just magnificent. While flying, their wings spread more than 2.7 metres from one tip to the other. It is said that these birds can fly above 4000 metres, and glide for hours without even beating their wings. Like all other vultures, these wild birds too, feed on dead animal meat.

          However, the population of California condors has been under threat for years. During the 20th century, it declined steadily, till a point where only 22 individuals remained in the world. Subsequently, they were taken into captivity towards the end of the 1980s in order to save the species. It is said that there were no California condors in the wild between 1988 and 1991. In the following years, birds were reintroduced to their natural habitats. This process helped, and as of now, there are around 435 individuals in the world.

Picture credit: google