Population decline: The California condor's decline probably began about 10,000 years ago. Fossils found in the Grand Canyon show condor remains next to those of many larger, now extinct animals. It appears that the ancient condor fed on the dead bodies of those animals. As its primary food source disappeared, the California condor began its own slow move toward extinction. If the San Diego breeding program succeeds, condor will no longer be seen only in captivity. Researches are trying to identify environmental factors that are crucial to condors survival in the wild.

Nature's Hand
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