Brown Pelicans Officially Preserved

After nearly 40 years on the endangered species list, the brown pelican has officially been removed from that classification, according to the Wall Street Journal. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the change on November 11, though the birds will continue to be protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty. Coastal areas with heavy concentrations of brown pelicans will be regularly monitored for toxic pesticides and other activities that could threaten these and other wild birds.

The brown pelican's recovery from the brink of extinction caused by high susceptibility to DDT poisoning is a major success for the Endangered Species Act, which is often criticized for ineffectiveness. From a low of fewer than 10,000 wild birds, there are now more than 600,000 brown pelicans in the wild thanks to conservation efforts and breeding programs.

Is the brown pelican on your life list? Share your sightings in the comments!

Brown Pelicans
Photo © Stig Nygaard