Washington, DC (June 5, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Department of Interior has awarded a $268,571 grant to The Peregrine Fund of West and Southwest Texas to help restore wild populations of the Northern Aplomado Falcon.

         •   Northern Aplomado Falcon Restoration, $268,571 – The Northern Aplomado Falcon is the only falcon species remaining on

              the Endangered Species List.  This project will be funded to assist The Peregrine Fund to re-establish viable wild populations of

              the Northern Aplomado Falcon in the southwester United States and northern Mexico through release of young captive-bred

              falcons and ultimately see the species removed from the Endangered Species List. 

“The natural resources in our country are some of the most ecologically rich and diverse in the world,” said Hinojosa.  “Protecting those resources for future generations should be a priority, and these funds are part of an overall step in the right direction.”