This is especially harmful for peregrines and humans as they are both at the top of the food chain. Additionally, DDT dissolves in fat so it is stored in the animals' fatty tissues. DDT has been banned in North America since 1970 but it is still being used in South American countries. Peregrines were listed as an endangered species and a nationwide recovery programs was launched in North America. Captive breeding facilities were established and the young falcons were released through hacking programs.
Food is provided for the bird in a hack box until it is able to hunt by itself.
The hack box also provides protection for the young birds from predators and adverse weather conditions. Most of the Ontario peregrines have been banded by the Ministry of Natural Resources before their flight feathers fully develop, which is when the chicks are about 3 or 4 weeks old. Bird-banding makes it easier to identify the birds without having to recapture them and provides information on how the birds live, thier migratory routes and even the genetic structure of the population. Recently, radio transponders are used to locate, record and map the flight and behavioral patterns of the falcons that have been released from the Richmond Hill site. The transponder is attached to the back of the birds and then they are released.