CR

Gymnogyps californianus

Increasing

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The California Condor faces severe threats from lead poisoning when scavenging carcasses shot with lead ammunition, which remains the primary cause of mortality in wild populations. Microtrash ingestion, particularly bottle caps and plastic fragments mistaken for bone chips, causes fatal intestinal blockages. Power line collisions and electrocutions pose significant risks to these large soaring birds, while habitat loss from urban development continues to fragment their remaining range.

Threat summary

Habitat

California Condors inhabit mountainous regions, coastal ranges, and oak savannas across California and adjacent areas of Arizona and Utah. They require large territories with suitable roosting sites on cliffs or tall trees, open areas for foraging on carrion, and minimal human disturbance.

Forest· majorSavanna· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislation

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Gymnogyps californianus classified as Critically Endangered?
Gymnogyps californianus is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The California Condor faces severe threats from lead poisoning when scavenging carcasses shot with lead ammunition, which remains the primary cause of mortality in wild populations. Microtrash ingestion, particularly bottle caps and plastic fragments mistaken for bone chips, causes fatal intestinal blockages. Power line collisions and electrocutions pose significant risks to these large soaring birds, while habitat loss from urban development continues to fragment their remaining range.
Where does Gymnogyps californianus live?
Gymnogyps californianus occurs in Mexico, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Gymnogyps californianus?
The main threats to Gymnogyps californianus are 8.2, 9.3, ai-1, and ai-2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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