Saving the Endangered Brown Pelican
The Brown Pelican is a beautiful bird distinguished by its long bill and large pouch that can hold up to three gallons of water. They are among the largest birds in North America.
Classified as endangered species, their population declined in the 1960s due to the widespread use of DDT, a toxic chemical used in pesticides that led to the disruption of the birds’ ability to reproduce. Fortunately, strong conservation programs have enabled this species to make an incredible recovery.
In this article, we will discuss the recovery of the Brown Pelican, their physical and breeding behavior, as well as the threats that continue to endanger the species’ survival.
Recovery under ESA and EPA
The Brown Pelican has a compelling story of conservation success. The bird was declared endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and was included in the list of species to be protected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970.
After DDT was banned in the United States in 1972, there was a gradual increase in the Brown Pelican’s population. Conservation efforts began, with programs in place to reduce habitat destruction.
Protection zones were established to expand the territories in which the birds could nest and recover. Since their declaration as endangered species, the Brown Pelican has made remarkable strides in the numbers of the population.
The bird was removed from the list of endangered and threatened species by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2009, representing the successful outcome of the protection programs. This decision was an exciting moment for environmentalists, marking a successful story of conservation under the ESA and EPA.
Physical characteristics and feeding behavior
Brown Pelicans are fish-eaters that feed predominantly in shallow coastal waters and estuaries near their nesting habitats. They hunt by plunge-diving from the air, using the force of their weight to dive into the water and fill their pouch with fish they catch.
The pelican’s pouch can hold 2-3 gallons of water. They press down on their pouch, forcing the water out and swallowing everything remaining, including the fish.
They are found all over the world, primarily located in warmer coastal regions but can also be seen in shallow harbors.
Breeding and nesting behavior
Brown Pelicans are social birds that breed in colonies. Large Comprising of hundreds of pairs, Brown Pelicans can nest in a variety of locations, including ground nests or treetop nests in trees or bushes near to the water’s edge.
This species is cooperative in breeding as pairs take turns incubating the eggs, and both sexes help raise the chicks.
Threats to Brown Pelican
Despite the significant conservation achievements, the Brown Pelican still faces numerous threats. Habitat loss is a crucial factor in the decline of the species population.
Development in the coastal region leads to the destruction of the birds’ habitat. The pelicans need sheltered beachfront environments with adequate feeding grounds.
Pollution from oil spills, primarily from tankers or ruptured offshore drilling platforms, poses a significant threat. Brown Pelicans are particularly vulnerable to oil spills because their feathers lack an oil protective exterior that protects them.
Moreover, it becomes difficult for them to fly and swim when their feathers are dirty with oil. The oil can also be toxic when ingested through feeding.
Ingestion can lead to digestive problems, toxicity, and death. The decline of sardines, the primary food source for Brown Pelican, is also a threat to their survival as they rely heavily on these fish for their diet.
Another threat to the Brown Pelican is fishing gear. Fishing lines and hooks often lead to entanglement and injuries that can interfere with their ability to feed or fly.
The loss of habitats and prey make recovery from these forms of injury more challenging. Rolling back regulations aimed at protecting the environment and the wildlife also poses a threat to the Brown Pelican’s survival.
Some lawmakers have proposed repealing the ESA and EPA, which would undoubtedly jeopardize the ongoing conservation efforts.
Conclusion
The Brown Pelican’s recovery story is one of successful conservation efforts. However, this species still faces multiple threats.
It is essential to continue implementing conservation programs that protect habitats and reduce pollution. The efforts of concerned citizens and conservation organizations to raise awareness and advocate for ESA and EPA and ensure that proposals that will roll back their protections are strongly opposed will be crucial for Brown Pelicans’ continued survival.
The future of the Brown Pelican is in the hands of humanity to preserve the natural environment. In conclusion, the Brown Pelican’s conservation and recovery are a testament to successful efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.
However, the threats they face still loom. We must prioritize conservation programs and advocate for protection regulations to keep the bird’s population growing and thriving.
Below are some frequently asked questions to help readers understand better the threats and conservation efforts surrounding Brown Pelicans. FAQs:
1.
What are the threats to Brown Pelican, and what is being done to protect them? Ans: Habitat loss, oil spills, decline in food fish, and injuries from fishing gear pose threats to Brown Pelican, and conservation programs, protection zones, and advocacy for maintaining the ESA and EPA regulations are being implemented to safeguard the species.
2. What is the significance of Brown Pelican’s recovery under ESA and EPA?
Ans: Brown Pelican’s successful recovery under ESA and EPA regulations highlights the importance of conservation programs and regulatory agencies to protect endangered species and their habitats. 3.
What are the distinctive physical and breeding behavior characteristics of Brown Pelicans? Ans: Brown Pelicans are fish-eating birds that feed by plunge-diving and have a large pouch that can hold up to three gallons of water.
They breed in large colonies and are cooperative in raising chicks, with both sexes participating in incubation. 4.
How can human activities impact Brown Pelicans? Ans: Development in coastal regions, oil spills, and fishing gear such as lines and hooks can lead to habitat destruction, injuries, and deaths and threaten the survival of Brown Pelican populations.