Bald Eagles: Conservation Success and Legal Protections in 2019

As of 2019, the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is no longer listed as an endangered species. However, it remains protected by several federal laws and continues to benefit from special legislation designed to safeguard its population. This article explores the current status of bald eagles, their conservation history, and the legal protections in place to ensure their continued survival.

Conservation History and Success

The bald eagle, the US national bird of prey, was once on the brink of extinction in the 1960s. By 1963, there were fewer than 400 nesting pairs in North America, primarily due to the use of the pesticide DDT. DDT caused a problem through biomagnification, where the eagles' prey, contaminated by the chemical, consumed the pesticide. This resulted in thinner eggshells that were prone to breaking before the eggs could hatch, drastically increasing infant mortality rates.

Despite these challenges, the passage of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in 1962, which extended protection to golden eagles, along with the eventual ban of DDT in 1972, initiated a remarkable recovery. By 1995, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) reported that the population had grown to over 9800 nesting pairs across the USA. Today, the estimated population stands at approximately 150,000 bald eagles, more than twice the number of golden eagles.

Current Status and Legal Protections

While the bald eagle is no longer classified as endangered, it is still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA). The MBTA prohibits the take, possession, sale, barter, or transportation of migratory birds, their parts, nests, or eggs, while the BGEPA makes it illegal to harm, harass, capture, or kill bald and golden eagles. Violations can result in fines of up to $250,000 and two years in federal prison.

Governments and conservation organizations continue to monitor and protect bald eagle populations. In certain regions, such as the desert southwest, specific conservation efforts are in place to address the challenges posed by drought and agricultural overdrafts of water. However, by 2019, no significant efforts had been successful in relisting the desert population of bald eagles.

The 'Last Concern' Status

Scientists often categorize species based on their conservation status using terms like 'threatened' or 'endangered.' The bald eagle has been reclassified as a 'Last Concern' status, which indicates that their population is stable and continually increasing. This status reflects the significant recovery the species has experienced since the 1960s, highlighting the success of conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The bald eagle is a symbol of successful conservation efforts in the United States. While they are no longer classified as endangered, their continued protection through legislative means ensures their survival and thriving population. The bald eagle serves as an important indicator of the health of our natural environment and a testament to the effectiveness of conservation strategies.

Keywords: bald eagles, endangered species, wildlife protection

Photo Credit:

Brittanica