Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/terns-removed-from-endangered-species-list/
The interior least tern is a bird that was classified on the Endangered Species list. They are the smallest bird of the tern family, weighing only two ounces.
The species suffered from many different threats. Back in the 19th century, they were hunted down for their feathers which were used in hat making.
In addition to that, their nesting habitat along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers were virtually destroyed with dam and levee construction. But as of the 12th of January, there is exciting news. These birds are now able to leave the list after their population has increased 900% in the last 35 years.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director, Aurelia Skipwith, was happy to announce that the species of bird has made a return to 18 states across the Great Plains and the Lower Mississippi Valley and has about 480 colonies spanning across 2,800 miles of riverways.
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Skipwith further added that the efforts paid off thanks to the cooperation of many “states, federal agencies, tribes, businesses, and conservation groups” over the past three decades.
Skipwith further added that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers played a major role in helping the terns in their recovery since the corps helped to alter the management strategies of the rivers. They also helped to dredge the rivers for materials that they could use to rebuilt their habitats along the banks.
Major General Diana Holland, Commander of the Mississippi Valley Division of the Corps, said in the US Fish and Wildlife announcement, “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is absolutely honored to play a role in a partnership that serves as a model for the potential delisting of other species in the future.”
She added that the corps spent more than 30 years partnered to help conserve the species and she believes that the collaboration shows how working together pays off when it comes to conservation and recovery of an endangered species.
While the removal of an animal species from the Endangered Species is always met with skepticism or apprehension, the removal of the tern was accepted by conservation groups as the tern population was deemed healthy. However, the species will still be protected under the Migratory Bird Act. And that is always wonderful to hear – we love a good comeback story. What do you think of the tern removal from the endangered species list? Let us know!
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
