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New National Audubon Society Report Lists America's 10 Most Endangered Birds

 

March 28, 2006 — By National Audubon Society

 

WASHINGTON, DC — The gravest threat facing endangered bird species in the U.S.

today is proposed Congressional action to weaken the protections of the

Endangered Species Act, according to a report released by the National Audubon

Society. " America's Top Ten Most Endangered Birds " notes that development

pressures, invasive species, and global warming are threatening these bird

species with extinction. The Endangered Species Act is described as " the

strongest federal safeguard against the extinction of bird species in the U.S. "

 

" Congress needs to do everything possible to save these imperiled birds before

it is too late, " said Betsy Loyless, Audubon's Senior Vice President for Public

Policy. " Unfortunately all the effort in Congress is focused on cutting holes in

the Endangered Species Act. "

 

The report is expected to attract strong attention from conservation-minded

Americans, including 46 million bird-watchers in the U.S.

 

Top 10 Endangered Birds & their Habitats

 

The birds named in the report are: Ivory-billed Woodpecker; California Condor;

Whooping Crane; Gunnison Sage-Grouse; Kirtland's Warbler; Piping Plover; Florida

Scrub-Jay; Ashy Storm-Petrel; Golden-cheeked Warbler; Kittlitz's Murrelet; and

ten island birds of Hawaii. Their habitats span the entire East Coast and are

dotted across the nation, in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California,

Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi,

Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and

Wisconsin.

 

Endangered Species Act Under Attack

 

Since its enactment more than 30 years ago, the Endangered Species Act has been

profoundly successful in protecting species, including our national symbol, the

Bald Eagle. The Endangered Species Act is a safety net that has saved dozens of

species from becoming extinct. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

the act has prevented the extinction of 99 percent of the species listed as

endangered or threatened. In addition, 68 percent of listed species are stable

or improving. The longer a species is listed under the Act, the more likely it

is to be improving.

 

Audubon released the report as the Senate actively considers legislation that,

if passed, would undermine the vital protections provided to endangered birds by

the Endangered Species Act. In September 2005, the House passed HR 3824,

sponsored by Congressman Richard Pombo (R-CA). This bill, euphemistically called

" The Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act, " eliminates protection for

critical habitat; creates loopholes allowing projects to proceed regardless of

impacts on endangered birds and wildlife; provides highly controversial payments

to landowners as compensation for complying with the law; and includes special

exemptions for pesticide manufacturers.

 

Ninety bird species are listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service. The National Audubon Society report focuses on the most imperiled birds

nationwide and appeals for efforts to ensure their survival.

 

Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that

supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and

chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas

sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and

backgrounds in conservation.

 

Contact Info:

 

Sally Montgomery

Audubon, Media Relations Manager

E-mail : smontgomery

Tel : 212-979-3027

 

Erica Barton

Audubon, Media Relations Manager

E-mail : ebarton

Tel : 212-979-3197

 

Website : National Audubon Society

 

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