Main Menu
-
5 users online.
The Rise And Fall Of The Bald Eagle
Most experts expected the bald eagle to become extinct during the 20th century, but this American symbol has since reversed its decline and begun to recover. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was passed in 1940 to keep the bird from being hunted after the bald eagle was found to be endangered. DDT offered another threat to the survival of the bald eagle, and continued to feed the decline in numbers after the birds were no longer hunted. The number of breeding pairs in the U.S. dipped to a low of 417 in 1963, leading to inclusion in 1973 on the endangered species list.
Instead of extinction, the bald eagle has dramatically reversed its declining numbers. There are almost 10,000 breeding pairs today- enough for the species to be removed from the endangered species list. But, the species will not be left entirely alone by the experts. For at least the next five years experts will be tracking number numbers of breeding pairs. The monitoring will enable the research community to be aware of any changes in numbers, and for inclusion into the endangered species list if necessary.
Even off the endangered species list, there are other protections in place, such as the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 has offers still more protection to the bald eagle. A few other countries, as well as the U.S., were obligated to protect the bald eagle and other migratory birds from being hunted thanks to the act. For eagles that make their way into Canada or Mexico, the treaty is in effect in those countries to stop the trade of eagle feathers, eggs and other parts that could make the hunting of eagles lucrative.
Bald eagles have been further protected by the 1972 federal ban on DDT. The toxic chemical penetrated the entire food chain, resulting in the deaths of eagles as well as many other bird species. This chemical eventually made its way from the waterways and into the eagles. Bald eagles ate fish caught from the contaminated waters. Eagles that were contaminated could not produce the strong eggshells needed to sustain eagle embryos. Mother eagles contaminated with DDT then cracked the thin eggshells while trying to incubate them, leading to a severe decline in successful reproduction. With DDT now gone, the number of bald eagles can continue to grow.
Article Source: MxGet Article Directory
Author's Bio
For more bald eagle facts, bald eagle statues, and other bald eagle information visit www.OodlesOnBaldEagles.com.
Total views: 5 Word Count: 434
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote