Brown pelican no longer endangered, officials say

It’s a victory for at least one species that was on the brink of extinction.

The brown pelican has been taken off the endangered species list after an almost four-decade fight, according to an announcement from Interior Department officials Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The Associated Press reported that the bird has been declared endangered since 1970 after its population was devastated by the use of the pesticide DDT.

“Today we can say the brown pelican is back,” said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar in the Associated Press story. “Once again, we see healthy flocks of these graceful birds flying over our shores. The brown pelican is endangered no longer.”

Brown pelicans no longer endangered

The bird, prevalent in Florida and the Gulf and Pacific coasts, is still in danger from rising seas and erosion, but officials from fish and wildlife said the bird’s presence was strong enough to be taken off the endangered list.

However, the new does not remove all protections for the brown pelican. It will still be protected by other laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which, among other measures, makes it illegal to take migratory birds, their eggs feathers or nests.

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