The van Rossem's gull-billed tern does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Courtesy photo (Courtesy Photo) |
A bird that makes its habitat near the Salton Sea is not an endangered species, announced the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Monday.
The van Rossem’s gull-billed tern, a medium-sized migratory bird, does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The service made the finding after a review involving the scientific and commercial information dealing with the status of and threats to the species, according to a press release from the service.
The van Rossem’s gull-billed tern has a heavy black bill and pale, pearly gray upper parts, wings and tail, according to the press release. During the breeding season, the bird develops a black cap extending from the region between eyes and bill, including the eyes, to the nape.
There are two locations the bird is known to nest in the United States: southern San Diego Bay and the Salton Sea.
The service chose to review the protection status after a petition asked for the bird to be included in the endangered species list, according to the press release. Petitioners cited several reasons the bird should be on the list, including loss of nesting habitat, a decline in the species range and overutilization for commercial purposes.
Based on a review of information and data available, the service determined the magnitude, imminence and intensity of threats do not indicate van Rossem’s gull-billed tern is in danger of extinction or likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future, according to the service.
A copy of the service’s findings can be viewed online at the Federal Register.
The van Rossem’s gull-billed tern, a medium-sized migratory bird, does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service. The service made the finding after a review involving the scientific and commercial information dealing with the status of and threats to the species, according to a press release from the service.
The van Rossem’s gull-billed tern has a heavy black bill and pale, pearly gray upper parts, wings and tail, according to the press release. During the breeding season, the bird develops a black cap extending from the region between eyes and bill, including the eyes, to the nape.
There are two locations the bird is known to nest in the United States: southern San Diego Bay and the Salton Sea.
The service chose to review the protection status after a petition asked for the bird to be included in the endangered species list, according to the press release. Petitioners cited several reasons the bird should be on the list, including loss of nesting habitat, a decline in the species range and overutilization for commercial purposes.
Based on a review of information and data available, the service determined the magnitude, imminence and intensity of threats do not indicate van Rossem’s gull-billed tern is in danger of extinction or likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future, according to the service.
A copy of the service’s findings can be viewed online at the Federal Register.
