WASHINGTON (October 23, 2019) – Today, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to delist the Interior Least Tern as a result of its increased population. In response to this conservation victory, the National Audubon Society has issued the following statement:
“The Endangered Species Act works, and now the Interior Least Tern could join the Bald Eagle, Brown Pelican and Peregrine Falcon as birds to have recovered thanks to that law’s protections,” said Kristal Stoner, executive director of Audubon Nebraska.
Working to successfully restore one species means “recognizing how the environment has changed and working to improve habitat.” This habitat work through the ESA to elevate the Interior Least Tern “resulted in benefits to thousands of other birds, animals and plants along the Platte River and Missouri River.”
“While the Interior Least Tern’s recovery is a cause for celebration, we must remain vigilant that the gains it has made in population, range, and habitat continue. Audubon is committed to working with all partners as well as state and federal agencies to continue protecting this bird and the places it needs, today and tomorrow.”
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About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
About Audubon Nebraska
Audubon Nebraska works statewide on working grasslands, rivers and in communities through two nature centers and wildlife sanctuaries, Spring Creek Prairie and Iain Nicolson Audubon Center at Rowe Sanctuary, to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Learn more at ne.audubon.org and on Facebook and Twitter @AudubonNebraska.
Media Contact:
Allison Christenson, allison.christenson@audubon.org, (701) 446-7502
