In one of the most remarkable conservation success stories ever, the American bald eagle population has quadrupled since 2009.
A report released by the United States Fish and Wildlife service confirmed that there are an estimated 316,700 individual bald eagles and more than 71,400 breeding pairs in the lower 48 states. This is astounding considering that these birds were on the brink of extinction and there were a mere 72,000 in 2009.
In 1963, however, the number of these birds was at an all-time low, when there were a mere 417 known nesting pairs. But, stringent steps that included prohibition of the pesticide DDT and placing the national bird on the endangered species list helped revive its population.
“The bald eagle has always been considered a sacred species to American Indian people, and similarly it’s sacred to our nation as America’s national symbol,” said Haaland, a member of New Mexico’s Laguna Pueblo and the first Native American Cabinet secretary.
“The strong return of this treasured bird reminds us of our nation’s shared resilience and the importance of being responsible stewards of our lands and waters that bind us together,″ Haaland added.
Martha Williams, the principal deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, added that the “recovery of the bald eagle is one of the most well-known conservation success stories of all time.”
Williams also confirmed that her organization will collaborate with various state and federal agencies, tribes, private landowners and other stakeholders to ensure that the bald eagle population continues to thrive.
Isn’t this a great win for the world? What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
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