Gov't says brown pelicans are endangered no longer

[XemaSab]

After nearly 40 years of struggling for survival, the brown pelican is coming off the endangered species list.

The bird now prevalent across Florida, the Gulf and Pacific coasts and the Caribbean was declared an endangered species in 1970, after its population was devastated by the use of the pesticide DDT. The pelican's recovery is largely due to a 1972 ban on the chemical, coupled with efforts by states and conservation groups to protect its nesting sites and monitor its population.

"After being hunted for its feathers, facing devastating effects from the pesticide DDT and suffering from widespread habitat loss, the pelican has made a remarkable recovery," Tom Strickland, assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks for the Interior Department says in a statement obtained in advance by The Associated Press. "We once again see healthy flocks of pelicans in the air over our shores."

Strickland, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and Fish and Wildlife Service director Sam Hamilton are set to make the announcement Wednesday afternoon, the AP has learned.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g4holGGL7iBH-NteQn0zEUXU96TgD9BTG53O3

[ZombieHorde]

1. Too bad. I saw The Pelican Brief, I know the evil pelicans cause. nt

[LoveIsNow]

2. I see them all the time

on the West coast of Florida. I would have assumed it was the white ones that were endangered since I rarely see them.

[Captain Hilts]

3. Really! I remember this being an issue when I lived in the Keys in '71. nt

[depakid]

4. Beat me to it

:)

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/us-takes-brown-pelican-off-endangered-species-list-20091112-iai3.html