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U of M contributes to the successful recovery of the bald eagle~ U.S. Secretary of the Interior announces the removal of the bald eagle from the endangered species list ~
The bald eagle has been removed from the list of threatened and endangered species. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced the removal today saying the conservation efforts have helped the bald eagle move from a lower, 48-state population of 400 nesting pairs in 1963 to roughly 10,000 pairs today. The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine made significant contributions to that recovery and preservation effort. Officials at the Raptor Center have played a key role in restoration programs, investigated the effects of lead poisoning, studied the incidence of chemical contamination in nestling eagles and contributed to habitat preservation. The Raptor Center has treated more than 1,600 eagles during its 30-year history and its work has been critical in providing disease surveillance in the raptor population. "The bald eagle is one of The Raptor Center's most common patients," said Juli Ponder, executive director of the Raptor Center. "Our current focus is to ensure the safety and health of this bird after its removal from the endangered species list. We will continue to make every effort to ensure that bald eagles continue to thrive and have a healthy environment in which to live." Established in 1974, the Raptor Center treats approximately 800 eagles, hawks, owls and falcons a year, reaches thousands of people every year through public education and events, provides training in surgery and avian medicine to veterinarians, and identifies emerging issues related to raptor health and populations. "I feel that we have certainly accomplished our objective and we are pleased that the bald eagle will be taken off the endangered species list," said Pat Redig, cofounder of The Raptor Center and leader of the university's efforts to restore the bald eagle. "Our promise is to continue to protect and preserve the eagle in any way we can." The bald eagle will continue to be protected by federal law, and the public will continue to have a critical role in keeping the population healthy by maintaining habitats and protecting the water and environment from contaminants such as lead and mercury. ---------- |
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