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Endangered Species Day 2013: Articles and Blog Reports
Following is a selection of blogs and stories featured in various publications and on radio/TV broadcasts.
Missoula (MT) Downtown
May 13--In recognition of National Endangered Species Day, the Montana Natural History Center and the
Endangered Species Coalition will be hosting a native plant sale and Bull trout presentation.
WHO: Wade Fredenberg, Bull Trout Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
WHAT: A presentation entitled, “Bull Trout Recovery in the Clark Fork: From Boundary to Butte.”
A native plant information booth and sale to benefit Fort Missoula Native Plant Gardens will precede the
presentation.
WHEN: Thursday, May 16
5:30pm – Native plant sale and information booth;
7:00pm—Bull Trout presentation
WHERE: Montana Natural History Center, 120 Hickory St. Missoula.
Both events are free and open to the public.
For more information, please visit www.montananaturalist.org or www.endangeredspeciesday.org.
Endangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation’s commitment to protecting and recovering our nation’s
endangered species. Begun in 2006 by the U.S. Senate, Endangered Species Day occurs annually on the third Friday
of May.
This year we are also celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act – since 1973, our nation’s
safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction. Learn more at
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/ESA40/index.html
***
BAT International/5/13 Endangered Species Day
***
KCSG Television
St. George, Utah
May 14
Read more: KCSG Television - KCSG Television - The Window of Southern Utah!
- The 8th annual national Endangered Species Day will be celebrated on May 17, 2013, with special
events and other programs throughout the country to recognize conservation efforts underway across the
nation aimed at helping America’s imperiled species. This year also commemorates the 40th Anniversary
of the Endangered Species Act.
“America is doing an amazing thing. We’ve made a promise to keep species from going extinct,” said
Leda Huta, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition, primary sponsor of Endangered
Species Day. “We’ve been incredibly successful. Endangered Species Day is an ideal opportunity to
celebrate our nation’s success stories.”
“For 40 years, the Endangered Species Act has helped our nation protect the wild things and wild places,
ensuring that our children’s children and future generations can see such species as the bald eagle, the
black-footed ferret and the American alligator,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe.
“Endangered Species Day offers us an opportunity to recognize the Act’s good works and the work of all
those committed to it.”
Endangered Species Day honors the importance of protecting America’s threatened, endangered and atrisk species; highlights success stories of species recovery; and demonstrates everyday actions people can
take to protect our disappearing wildlife and last remaining open spaces. For more information, including
a list of events occurring throughout the country, visit www.endangeredspeciesday.org.
National wildlife refuges, parks, botanical gardens, schools, libraries, museums, community groups and
conservation organizations will hold tours, exhibits, restoration projects, children’s programs, field trips
and other activities on Endangered Species Day and throughout the month. Additionally, 100 Association
of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos and aquariums throughout the country will celebrate
Endangered Species Day by hosting special events ranging from the Kansas City Zoo’s “Learning Fest”
to an endangered species scavenger hunt at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
“AZA is pleased to be a partner in Endangered Species Day helping to raise awareness about the threats
that endangered species face in their natural range,” said AZA President & CEO Jim Maddy. “In addition
to providing exceptional care to the animals at their facilities, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums
support more than 2,640 conservation projects in 130 countries, contributing more than $160 million to
these wildlife conservation projects. As poaching, deforestation and other factors continue to threaten
these species, it is more important than ever for us to continue to collaboratively spread the message of
conservation through educational programs and events like Endangered Species Day to help make a
positive impact on the future of these species.”
Started in 2006 by the United States Senate, Endangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation’s
imperiled plants and wildlife and wild places, with an emphasis on success stories of species recovery.
The Endangered Species Act has prevented hundreds of listed species from going extinct. Coadministered by the Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the purpose of the
Act is to conserve imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.
***
Post-Gazette.com (Pittsburgh)
Endangered Species Act is vital to life
May 14, 2013
This is the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, which was passed with bipartisan
support, believe it or not! Friday, May 17, is Endangered Species Day.
We are in the midst of the greatest mass extinction in 65 million years, since the death of the
dinosaurs. More than 200 species go extinct every day, and extinction is forever.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, "The act is the best and possibly the last chance
Americans have of securing a future for diverse native wildlife and the natural environments that
wildlife depends on. To date, the act has helped the American bald eagle, black-footed ferret,
gray whale, peregrine falcon and spotted owl." These are among the hundreds for which the act
has helped improve their status.
We are part of the web of life and whatever happens to the web of life happens to man. The act
benefits all of creation by maintaining healthy natural systems that provide us with clean air and
water, food, medicines and other products that everyone needs to live a healthy life.
We benefit from the pollination of the honey bees of hundreds of our crops, and they are
experiencing colony collapse. Bats are dying because of white nose syndrome, and they digest
thousands of insects every night, important to farmers for healthy crop production.
Each of us can take action to contribute to a healthy ecosystem and be conscious of our
connection to the natural world. We can stop supporting corporations that exploit Mother Earth,
destroying our environment and plants and animals. Thomas Berry (ecotheologian) says, "We
are not a collection of objects, we are a communion of subjects."
***
Ammoland/ The Shooting Sports News source May 14
Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- The 8th annual national Endangered Species Day will be
celebrated on May 17, 2013, with special events and other programs throughout the country to
recognize conservation efforts underway across the nation aimed at helping America’s imperiled
species.
This year also commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.
“America is doing an amazing thing. We’ve made a promise to keep species from going extinct,”
said Leda Huta, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition, primary sponsor of
Endangered Species Day. “We’ve been incredibly successful. Endangered Species Day is an
ideal opportunity to celebrate our nation’s success stories.”
“For 40 years, the Endangered Species Act has helped our nation protect the wild things and wild
places, ensuring that our children’s children and future generations can see species such as the
bald eagle, the black-footed ferret and the American alligator,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service Director Dan Ashe. “Endangered Species Day offers us an opportunity to recognize the
Act’s good works and the work of all those committed to it.”
Endangered Species Day honors the importance of protecting America’s threatened, endangered
and at-risk species; highlights success stories of species recovery; and demonstrates everyday
actions people can take to protect our disappearing wildlife and last remaining open spaces. For
more information, including a list of events occurring throughout the country, visit
www.endangeredspeciesday.org.**
National wildlife refuges, parks, botanical gardens, schools, libraries, museums, community
groups and conservation organizations will hold tours, exhibits, restoration projects, children’s
programs, field trips and other activities on Endangered Species Day and throughout the month.
Additionally, 100 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos and aquariums
throughout the country will celebrate Endangered Species Day by hosting special events ranging
from the Kansas City Zoo’s “Learning Fest” to an endangered species scavenger hunt at the
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.
“AZA is pleased to be a partner in Endangered Species Day helping to raise awareness about the
threats that endangered species face in their natural range,” said AZA President & CEO Jim
Maddy. “In addition to providing exceptional care to the animals at their facilities, AZAaccredited zoos and aquariums support more than 2,640 conservation projects in 130 countries,
contributing more than $160 million to these wildlife conservation projects. As poaching,
deforestation and other factors continue to threaten these species, it is more important than ever
for us to continue to collaboratively spread the message of conservation through educational
programs and events like Endangered Species Day to help make a positive impact on the future
of these species.”
Other notable events include the Endangered Species Day open house at the United States
Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., habitat restoration projects in San Diego and many other
special programs planned by the Service’s field and regional offices.
Started in 2006 by the United States Senate, Endangered Species Day is a celebration of our
nation’s imperiled plants and wildlife and wild places, with an emphasis on success stories of
species recovery. The Endangered Species Act has prevented hundreds of listed species from
going extinct. Co-administered by the Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the purpose of the Act is to conserve imperiled species and the ecosystems upon
which they depend.
To connect with the Endangered Species Program throughout the year via social media, please
join us on
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Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/USFWSEndangeredSpecies
Twitter: http://twitter.com/USFWSEndsp
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/collections/72157629000041201
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/usfws#p/c/7E8264DA432377C9
America’s fish, wildlife and plant resources belong to all of us, and ensuring the health of
imperiled species is a shared responsibility. Learn more about the Service’s Endangered Species
program, and explore what endangered species are near you, please visit
www.fws.gov/endangered.
*The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect
and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American
people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our
scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and
commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it
happen, visit www.fws.gov*
***
NoBo Magazine/Boston
Endangered Species Day at Stone Zoo on Sunday, May 18
May 15, 2013
STONEHAM – Many don’t realize the Stone Zoo is home to a number
of endangered species, including jaguars, Mexican gray wolves, Panamanian golden frogs, hyacinth macaws and others. In honor of Endangered
Species Day, visit the Stone Zoo on Saturday, May 18 to learn more about these incredible animals.
The Stone Zoo has partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Northeast Regional Office) to present an engaging day designed for visitors
of all ages to learn more about endangered species and ways that they can help protect these animals as well as their habitats.
Children will have the opportunity to dress up as a field biologist or wildland firefighter, see confiscated wildlife products and learn about piping
plovers, an endangered bird species that can be found in Massachusetts.
Throughout the day, there will also be opportunities to meet with the zookeepers and ask questions during scheduled zookeeper encounters.
When? May 18, 2013 from 10 AM – 3 PM
Where? Stone Zoo, 149 Pond Street, Stoneham, MA 02180
Cost? Adults $14.00, children (ages 2-12) $10.00, Seniors $12.00. Children under age 2 are free.
Visit www.stonezoo.org or call (617) 541-LION for more information about the zoo and its programs. “Like” the Stone Zoo
***
The Missoulian (Montana), May 15
Endangered Species Day with Bull Trout, Native Plants
The Montana Natural History Center and the Endangered Species Coalition will be hosting an event on Thursday, May 16, in
recognition of national Endangered Species Day.
At 7pm, Wade Fredenberg, Bull Trout Recovery Coordinator for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will give a presentation
entitled, “Bull Trout Recovery in the Clark Fork: From Boundary to Butte”
A native plant sale and educational event will precede the presentation and it will begin at 5:30.
Both events are free and open to the public.
Endangered Species Day is a recognition of our nation’s commitment to protecting and recovering our nation’s endangered
species. Begun in 2006 by the U.S. Senate, Endangered Species Day occurs annually on the third Friday of May.
***
225 Weekender/Baton Rouge, LA
Endangered Species Day at B.R. Zoo Saturday
Published May 15, 2013 at 11:00 am
The Baton Rouge Zoo will honor its endangered species Saturday. The day will be full of fun activities for the entire family.
Most importantly, visitors will learn why these species are in trouble and what we can do to help save them. Admission is
$8.25 for adults/teens, $7.25 for seniors, $5.25 for children ages 2-12, and free for children 1 and younger. Gates open at
9:30 a.m. For more information, visit brzoo.org.
***
Jupiter, Fla. News Courier/May 16
Stop by Loggerhead MarineLife Center (14200 U.S. 1, Juno Beach) at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17 for Endangered Species Day. This
free event focuses on the plight of threatened and endangered species native to Florida. Enjoy family-friendly activities, crafts,
games and special programming. LMC’s sea turtle mascot, Fletch, will be there, too. For more information, visit MarineLife.org.
Endangered Species Day 2013: Volunteer Day & Festival | Stinson & San Mateo
Fun & Cheap/San Francisco
Join the effort to protect precious park wildlife by helping to heal
their critical and limited habitats by volunteering on 2013 Endangered Species Day on May 1819, 2013.
The 2013 Golden Gate National Parks’ “Species of the Year” is the California red-legged
frog.
Get hands-on with restoration projects to benefit the park’s imperiled species. The Golden Gate
National Parks are home to more federally protected species than any other unit of the National
Park System in the continental North America including the California red-legged frog, Coho
salmon, Mission Blue butterfly, Presidio clarkia, and many more.
2013 Endangered Species Day
May 18-19, 2013
All Over San Francisco Bay Area
FREE with RSVP
Age, Skills, and What to Bring:
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Volunteers ages 8 and up are welcome.
Bring your volunteer waiver (PDF). Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the
parent/guardian approval section signed.
Please wear clothes that can get dirty, long pants, closed-toe shoes, layers for changing weather,
and rain gear, if necessary. Also, bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen.
No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided. Fulfills community service
requirements.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday | Volunteer: Endangered Species Day 2013 | Bay Area
Habitat Restoration Team at Easkoot Creek, Stinson Beach
9:30 am-2:30 pm. Register >
Volunteers ages 10 and up are welcome (adult chaperones requested with youth under the age of
15).
Endangered & Threatened Species: Coho salmon and Steelhead trout.
Park Stewardship San Mateo – California Red-legged Frog Celebration
Noon-3 pm at Mori Point in Pacifica. No RSVP required.
Celebrate the California red-legged frog at Mori Point. They’ll have tours of the frog ponds, a
raffle, family games, classes, and booths staffed by organizations from around the Bay Area
who help protect these frogs.
All ages welcome; family-friendly event.
***
Endangered Species Day Tomorrow at Zoo
KDAL, Duluth, MN Thursday, May 16, 2013
lake superior zoo logo
DULUTH, MN (KDAL) - There will be no shortage of kids at the Lake Superior Zoo tomorrow
for Endangered Species Day. More than 600 kids are expected to head to the zoo between 10
a.m. and 2 p.m. to take part in "Earth Tracks 2013," a hands-on educational event that will
feature learning stations on everything from reusable bags and water pollution, to peregrine
falcons and how a lynx live-trap works. There will also be educational talks about owls, tigers,
Burmese pythons and others. More information is available at the zoo's website, lszoo.org
***
May 17: Endangered Species Day, Pack Rat Day, National Cherry Cobbler Day, National
Bike to Work Day
By Cherri Megasko | Yahoo! Contributor Network – Thu, May 16, 2013
Endangered Species Day
Not only is May 17 "Endangered Species Day," 2013 is the 40th anniversary of the Endangered
Species Act. The purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to "protect and recover imperiled
species and the ecosystems upon which they depend."
Endangered wildlife is that which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range. There are currently 447 endangered animals in the United States, including
69 mammals, 78 birds and 83 fishes.
You can celebrate this important day by letting your legislators know how you feel about
protecting the biodiversity of our planet. The National Wildlife Federation also suggests
changing your Facebook cover and profile pictures to your favorite endangered species.
***
Do Wood Storks Still Need Endangered Status
BY VALERIE ALKERJ,
?
WGCU RADIO//NPR/SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, MAY 16
Enlarge image
This year is the 40th anniversary of the legislation creating The Endangered Species Act.
This Friday is “Endangered Species Day” – a day wildlife officials mark successes and
challenges in preserving threatened and endangered species. Champions of the endangered Wood
Stork said the move to down-list it to threatened may be premature, though.
Wood storks once nested in abundance in the ancient bald cypress trees in the 13 thousand acre
Audubon Corkscrew Sanctuary in Collier County. But that’s changed. They’ve only nested there
once in the last seven years. Jason Lauritsen, the Sancutary Director said that’s because adjacent
wetlands, where the birds foraged, have been developed. He said the last time they did nest, in
2009, was after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Faye.
“The result on the ground was significant flood, farms, parking lots peoples yards, were swelling
with water and the fish were swarming throughout that connected hydrologic system,” he said.
“It was perfect for wood storks. They did great.”
Federal wildlife officials are considering down-listing wood storks because they’ve had some
success nesting in Georgia and South Carolina. But Lauritsen said how many those fledglings
live to add to the population has not been documented. In a South Florida survey, only one out of
95 birds tracked lived to reproduce.
***
Jersey Dog
Animal news and views in North Jersey (and beyond)
The Bergen County Zoo hosts annual Endangered Species Day
POSTED ON FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2013 9:40 AM
BY RAY EDEL
The Bergen County Zoological Park will be
celebrate the 8th annual national Endangered Species Day 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today (Fri., May
17) with special events and other programs.
“For 40 years, the Endangered Species Act has helped our nation protect the wild things and wild
places, ensuring that our children’s children and future generations can see such species as the
bald eagle, the black-footed ferret and the American alligator,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service director Dan Ashe in a statement. “Endangered Species Day offers us an opportunity to
recognize the Act’s good works and the work of all those committed to it.”
Endangered Species Day honors the importance of protecting America’s threatened, endangered
and at-risk species; highlights success stories of species recovery; and demonstrates everyday
actions people can take to protect our disappearing wildlife and last remaining open spaces.
The zoo is at 216 Forest Ave., Paramus.
***
Gorilla Doctors News/May 17
The Beacon (from Oceana)
It's Endangered Species Day!
Posted Fri, May 17, 2013 by Sara Young to bycatch, driftnets, endangered, endangered species act, law, loggerhead turtles, sea turtles, sperm whales, west coast
The Endangered Species Act protects endangered and critically endangered creatures like this
loggerhead sea turtle. Still, there is much work to be done.
May 17th is the day to show your love for endangered sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and all sorts
of marine creatures. Why? Because it’s Endangered Species Day! Today is the day to learn and
share information about your favorite endangered animals and rally support around the creatures
that need it most. This year is especially significant because 2013 is also the 40th anniversary of
the Endangered Species Act, the law ensuring that protections are in place for dwindling
species in the U.S.
Here are some of the ways Oceana has been helping out endangered and threatened marine
wildlife lately:
Sea turtles and fishing gear
Every species of sea turtle that migrates in and out of U.S. waters is listed as threatened or
endangered under the Endangered Species Act. However, thousands continue to die at the
hands of commercial and recreational fishermen every year. In the Gulf of Mexico, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Service authorizes over 50,000 sea turtle
mortalities as bycatch every year within the shrimp trawl fisheries. Under the Endangered
Species Act, the government is required to assess whether the impacts of human activities such
as fishing, coastal development, or dredging pose a threat to a species’ risk of going extinct in
the foreseeable future based on the number of sea turtles that would be harmed during the course
of those activities. However, in making this determination, the government often fails to
consider all of the harmful activities that may simultaneously impact a given population of
sea turtles (overlapping fisheries, for example). Oceana is working to require that the
government properly account for the number of sea turtle mortalities authorized to occur across
all fisheries operating along the Atlantic coast where turtles occur, thus ensuring that proper
conservation measures are in place to mitigate for these losses to the population.
Loggerhead turtle critical habitat
The loggerhead sea turtle is one of the most highly threatened species of marine turtle in U.S.
waters, and has been listed as a threatened species for 34 years. However, a settlement
agreement now requires that the government establish nesting beaches and ocean areas for
loggerhead sea turtles in the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by July 1, 2014. With shrinking
population numbers, loggerhead sea turtles are in need of extra protection throughout their lives -
- from the waters where they swim, to the beaches where they lay their eggs. Thanks to the
efforts of Oceana and other NGOs, a deadline has been set for this essential protection.
Hopefully, sea turtles won’t have long to wait before their habitat is protected.
Sperm whales and drift gillnets
Sperm whales living off the West Coast of the United States in Washington, Oregon, and
California are a highly endangered population. Sperm whales are incredibly unique -- their
head comprises one third of their body, and they can to dive to depths of 1000m to catch giant
squid.Hunted to the brink of extinction until commercial whaling became largely banned in
the late 1980s, Pacific sperm whales’ biggest threat now is the California drift
gillnet fishery. Sperm whales are fatally caught in this destructive fishing gear at a rate far
exceeding the number of mortalities allotted to fishermen. Oceana is working to ensure that this
fishery does not expand its reach and that enough observers are placed on board to document
bycatch events.
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, we should recognize that
despite these issues, the United States does a better job than many in protecting its
endangered species, as many countries do not have similar protections in place for threatened
wildlife populations. However, even in the United States, this Act is not always implemented
as it should be. Only one-third of the listed marine species have Recovery Plans outlining their
threats and the appropriate steps to take to aid in rebuilding populations, as required by law.
Despite ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and the habitat essential for their survival, the
development of strong conservation measures is often limited by political inaction, funding
limitations, and gaps in key information about species and the factors that threaten their
continued existence. Oceana will continue to advocate for scientific research and strong
conservation measures that will be vital to the recovery of many endangered species in the U.S.,
and will make each year's May 17th an Endangered Species Day with less and less futures to
worry about. Sara Young's blog
***
May 17 (Blog from Annamiticus, an educational nonprofit organization)
May 17, 2013, marks the 8th annual national Endangered Species Day, with special events and
other programs throughout the United States to recognize conservation efforts aimed at helping
the country’s imperiled species. This year also commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the
Endangered Species Act.
Endangered Species Day is celebrated on the third Friday in May. It honors the importance
of protecting America’s threatened, endangered and at-risk species; highlights success stories of
species recovery; and demonstrates everyday actions people can take to protect our disappearing
wildlife and last remaining open spaces. Endangered Species Day was started in 2006 by the
United States Senate and is a celebration of our nation’s imperiled plants and wildlife and wild
places, with an emphasis on success stories of species recovery.
To commemorate Endangered Species Day, national wildlife refuges, parks, botanical gardens,
schools, libraries, museums, community groups and conservation organizations are holding
tours, exhibits, restoration projects, children’s programs, field trips and other activities today and
throughout the month. In Washington, D.C., the Endangered Species Day open house takes place
at the United States Botanic Garden.
Learn more about Endangered Species Day and what you can do to help protect
endangered species:
 Visit stopextinction.org
 10 Easy Things You Can Do at Home to Protect Endangered Species
 ARKive is showcasing some of the less well known endangered species on Endangered
Species Day
 Report Lists 100 of the World’s Most Endangered Species (posted in 2012)
***
NOAA Fisheries News/May 17
Endangered
May 17, 2013
On May 17, 2013, NOAA celebrates "Endangered Species Day."
Held the 3rd Friday in May every year, Endangered Species Day recognizes and encourages national
conservation efforts to save our endangered species and their habitats.
How Do I...?
*Find Events in My Area
*Help Protect Endangered Species: 10 Easy Steps
*Learn about Endangered and Threatened Species in My State
*Learn Why to Save Endangered Species(podcast)
*Read More about the Endangered Species Act
-------------
KPcatello, Idaho
Pocatello Zoo: Endangered Animals Day
Published: 5/18 10:33 pm
Share
Updated: 5/18 10:49 pm
The Pocatello zoo admitted all comers today (free of charge) for their endangered animals day. This gave
zoo goers the chance to not only see interesting animals, but to learn more about them. One zoo curator
feels this is a great chance to increase your knowledge of certain species
Curator Cory Coffman noted that, “Today we are celebrating endangered species day its to raise
awareness about species in north American who are threatened, endangered or need protecting its also to
celebrate success stories such as the bald eagle.”
These two black bears may look like they are in a smaller space than a bear in the wild, however cory
reminded me that wild animals are always moving and trying to survive, while zoo animals have a habitat
and food provided for them.
Coffman added that, “They come to us because they can’t live in the wild for one reason or another so
were also a sanctuary too.”
The Pocatello zoo primarily houses animals that are native to North America. This gives them the chance
to live in their
natural habitat dealing with summer or winter seasons.
Curator Coffman said that, “Our zoo is very special because we deal with animals that are native to North
America and thus (kids) can see animals that could be in their backyard that they wouldn’t see in the wild.
It helps them to understand these animals and helps them to want to help with conservation of these
animals.”
The pinnacle of the Pocatello zoo experience to be the over 1 million dollar Grizzly Bear exhibit. It gives
zoo goers the chance to see one of the largest and most majestic mammals in North America up-close.
This bear particularly enjoys playing in her pond and shaking her head. Perhaps she’s wondering, when
the sunshine will return.
***
Endangered Species DayPosted on May 17, 2013 by Wolf Haven International blog
Today, Wolf Haven International joins thousands of people and organizations in celebration of
Endangered Species Day. It is the 40th anniversary of the momentous occasion when the Endangered
Species Act was put into place, recognizing the imperiled status of far too many creatures, and creating
federal protections for them.
For our part, Wolf Haven is an active player in two different Species Survival Plan programs for critically
endangered types of wolves. Since we were selected to participate in the Mexican gray wolf SSP program
in 1994, five litters of these pups have been born here and two packs (11 wolves total) released into their
historic range in the southwest.
In 2003, Wolf Haven began participating in the Red Wolf SSP plan. Both the Red wolf and the Mexican
gray are indigenous to this continent, and not found in the wild anywhere else in the world. We currently
house 11 Mexican gray and 4 red wolves, a few of which may be seen during a guided walking tour of
our sanctuary.
There are still far too many species threatened with extinction due to critical habitat loss, poaching, and
misunderstanding. Although Endangered Species Day is officially celebrated today, all of us must keep
them in the forefront of our minds and hearts everyday – and do what we can to prevent the loss of even
ONE more threatened species.
***
Endangered Species Day!
Published May 17, 2013 National Aquarium Blog
Today is Endangered Species Day (ESD), a day established to raise awareness of the issues – both human
and ecological – that face endangered species and their habitats. Here at the National Aquarium, our
mission is to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. We hope that by connecting with
guests and our online community, others will be inspired to join us in protecting our disappearing
wildlife.
Threats such as habitat loss, climate change and species exploitation have seriously degraded once richly
bio-diverse ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef and Amazon Rain Forest.
In the United States, more than 1,300 species of plants and animals are listed by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service as either threatened or endangered – and an estimated 500 species have gone extinct
since the 1600s.
Here in the National Aquarium, we represent 16 species that are threatened or endangered, including the
following two species, which can be found in our Upland Tropical Rain Forest exhibit:
Considered by locals to be a symbol of good fortune and luck, this species has seemingly run out of both.
Once abundantly found in the tropical forests of Panama, the golden frog is now considered extinct in the
wild. An infectious disease affecting amphibians, chytridiomycosis, has virtually wiped out the frogs in
Panama (and an estimated one-third of amphibian species worldwide). Additionally, deforestation and
collection for the pet trade have also contributed to the decline of Panamanian golden frogs.
Zoos and Aquariums throughout North America have been participating in breeding programs to try and
reintroduce these animals into their native habitat.
Golden Lion Tamarin
Endangered
Native to the coastal rain forests of Brazil, there were fewer than 200 golden lion tamarins reported in
the wild in 1970.
Habitat loss and fragmentation, capture for the pet trade and hunting have caused a serious decline of
populations of these animals. Although many of these threats have been reduced, the number of golden
lion tamarins is still low with limited possibilities for growth due to their restricted range.
Currently, only about 1,500 golden lion tamarins can be found in the wild. Approximately 30 percent of
those animals were either relocated from depleted areas or released as part of a reintroduction program.
The tamarins at the Aquarium are part of a group managed by the Golden Lion Tamarin Conservation
Program, headquartered at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. This group oversees the management of both
the wild population of golden lion tamarins in Brazil and the captive population worldwide.
Here are a few things YOU can do to help protect endangered species:
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Learn more about the endangered species of plants and animals found in your area.
Transform your backyard into a certified habitat for native wildlife!
Volunteer at a local conservation and/or habitat restoration project. Click here to check out the
National Aquarium’s conservation events!
Do not purchase items made from endangered species.
***
Celebrate Endangered Species Day
EcoStudent Blog (May 14)
Have you ever had the chance to visit a national park or a zoo? Think about what it would be like if you
couldn’t visit these places because there were no more animals and plants or if you no longer had the
opportunity to see the grizzly bear, pacific salmon, sea otters, and other endangered species because they
didn’t exist anymore.
When I was growing up, I was lucky enough to travel to different areas of the country on family
vacations. We went to places like Yosemite National Park in California, the Bronx Zoo (which was a few
hours from my hometown in upstate New York), Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky and many
more, learning more about different animals and plants. As an adult, I learned about the Endangered
Species Act which protects the plant and animal species that are at risk of becoming extinct. Because of
this Act, we are given the opportunity to experience the rich variety of native species that define our
nation. I recently learned that there is a special day, May 17th that is designated to celebrating endangered
species.
Visit the Endangered Species Day website to learn about what you can do to celebrate on May 17th. You
can find educational resources and learn about endangered species near you. You can even find ways to
help protect endangered species by doing small things in your neighborhood like planting native
vegetation to provide habitat for wildlife, discuss the importance of biodiversity and species preservation
with your friends and participate in an Endangered Species Day Event.
Shelby Egan is a student volunteer in the EPA’s Air and Radiation Division in Region 5, and is currently
obtaining her Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She
has a passion for protecting natural resources, cities she’s never been to and cooking any recipe by The
Pioneer Woman.
***
Carlsbad's Living Desert Zoo hosts Endangered Species Day
By Stella Davis
[email protected]
Posted: 05/18/2013 09:04:33 AM MDT
The Living Desert Zoo s endangered species efforts include a breeding program for the Bolson tortoise,
shown here. The park acquired four rare Bolson tortoises in 2007 and has had great success in breeding
them. (Current-Argus file photo)
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park's accreditation with the national Association of Zoos and
Aquariums is a huge feather in the park's hat. But another one should be added. The small zoo is home to
three endangered species.
Mexican gray wolves, Bolson tortoises and the newly acquired thick-billed parrots all make their home at
the zoo and are popular with visitors. On Saturday, the park will host an Endangered Species Day,
offering educational opportunities to learn more about the endangered species that make their home in the
park, and other species found elsewhere. There will also be fun activities throughout the day for children.
Kathryn Law, park interpretative ranger, said Endangered Species Day is an annual event the AZA has
supported for many years. Law said since Endangered Species Day is generally held in the month of May,
the park was unable to host the event because of its commitment for the past 27 year to host the annual
Mescal Roast, which took a lot of planning on the part of park staff.
However, this year the park chose not so host the event, which was picked up by Guadalupe Mountains
National Park.
"Now that we don't have the Mescal Roast in May, we can actually do something like the Endangered
Species Day event," Law said. Saturday's events kick off with PowerPoint programs for visitors of all
ages, with the first presentation on the Mexican gray wolf starting at 10 a.m.
At 11 a.m., those wanting to know more about the Bolson tortoise will have the opportunity to view the
PowerPoint and ask questions. Then, at 1 p.m., a presentation will be given about the colorful thick-billed
parrots.
Law said from noon to 3 p.m., crafts and face painting will be offered to children. "Children coming in
the morning will receive booklets that talk about the endangered species and some that are on the road to
recovery," Law said. "These booklets are great for the children to take out into the park to view our
endangered species and read about them."
While the activities inside the Visitors Center will be free, a trip into the park will require the normal
entrance fee to be paid. For more information call park staff at (575) 887-5516.
***
WIBW News, Topeka KS, 5/16
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Topeka Zoo Hosts World Endangered Species Day
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW)-There are many endangered species and the Topeka Zoo is helping people stay
informed about these animals.
Stay Connected Anywhere
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The Topeka Zoo hosted its World Endangered Species Day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event consisted of special keeper presentations, and education stations focusing specifically on
endangered species in Kansas.
Golden lion tamarins, lemurs and elephants are a few of Topeka Zoo's animals that are listed as
endangered.
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Rapid City Journal, 5/16
Wolves, butterflies focus of Endangered Species Day gathering
Speakers on wolves and rare butterflies will be featured tonight during an Endangered Species Day
celebration at the community room of the city-school administration building at 300 6th St. in downtown
Rapid City.
Jason Rylander, a lawyer for Defenders of Wildlife, will discuss via Skype the wolf and controversial
decisions to remove certain populations of the species from federal threatened and endangered status.
Also coming to the meeting through Skype will be Phil Delphey, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
biologist who will discuss the Dakota skipper and poweshiek skipperling butterflies.
The event will begin with conversation and snacks from 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Presentations will follow.
Access to the community room will be by the southeast entrance.
The event, which is being sponsored by a variety of environmental and wildlife groups, is open to the
public.
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High Country News, May 17
Today, the third Friday in May, is Endangered Species Day. Passed by a unanimously-supported Senate
resolution several years ago, the holiday is intended to encourage us “…to become educated about and
aware of threats to species, success stories in species recovery and the opportunity to promote species
conservation worldwide.”
The Endangered Species Act (ESA), which is used to protect and to recover vulnerable floras and faunas,
was the first comprehensive federal law passed to protect wildlife and habitat and it marks its
40th anniversary this year. When President Nixon signed it into law (after near-unanimous congressional
support) he remarked, “"Nothing is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of
animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars,
scientists and nature lovers alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans.”
Spotted owl, by Endangered Species Day 2013 Youth Art Contest Semi-finalist, Ann C. Sonu.
Since then the ESA has grown into the toughest federal environmental law on the books. It has prevented
the extinction of 99 percent of the species listed since its inception and today watches over over 1,400
U.S. species. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) which, along with the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, administers the ESA, 68 percent of listed species whose
conditions are known, are stable or improving.
Like any highly effective piece of legislation, the ESA has led a politically polarized existence. No more
so than in the West, where grazing, logging, population growth and energy development (including oil
and gas, solar and wind) compete with wildlife for public and private land. Opponents to the ESA like to
say the law prioritizes the survival of creatures other than humans but it’s the balance between the two
which makes it such a dynamic piece of legislation. Through the many phases of listing,
including establishing critical habitat, the ESA specifically requires that human economic needs be
considered alongside the survival requirements of other species. Infringements imposed on private
industry are exceedingly rare.
Regardless, some Western species, including bison, woodland caribou, jaguar, northern spotted owl and
grizzly bear, still engender intense debate. Grizzlies, which were on the very first list of species to
protect with the ESA, are the latest in the spotlight. The Northern Continental Divide population of
grizzlies, numbering roughly 1,000 and including those in Glacier National Park, may be de-listed before
long. The FWS is currently taking public comments on a draft conservation strategy which would lead
management of that population when struck from the ESA list. This plan does not include the estimated
500-700 grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which have their own, epic de-listing effort currently awaiting resolution.
Grizzly bear cubs. Courtesy of the NPS.
Some conservationists feel de-listing the grizzly, like the gray wolf, is coming too soon. Last year
management of the entire Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment of gray wolves
was declared “recovered” and reverted to state authority in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming; in a small part
of north central Utah; and in the eastern one-third of Washington and Oregon. Only time will tell if that
population can stand on its own.
Without the ESA we’d likely have no grizzlies or gray wolves, or bald eagles, gray whales, American
alligators, California condors, brown pelicans or peregrine falcons, which have all recovered under its
protective wing. But the legislation only works if species have dedicated recovery plans in place, in time,
to give them a fighting chance at survival.
Once the FWS has seen the science on a species, and green lights it for protection, most then enter a
purgatory called“warranted but precluded,” which means there are “higher priority” species in line ahead
of them competing for those extremely limited protection efforts and funds. These “candidate species”
(which now number 182) once lingered in limbo for a decade or more, and dozens went extinct while
waiting.
But an agreement between the FWS and two environmental groups in 2011 forced the feds to step on the
gas in making determinations, in exchange for those groups easing up on perpetual petitions and lawsuits.
In its first couple of years, the FWS picked mostly the low hanging fruit of species to advance; those
plants and animals that were the least politically contentious.
Oahu tree snails by Endangered Species Day 2013 Youth Art Contest Semi-finalist, Sophia Cleek.
But, more recently, it made a controversial determination on the dunes sagebrush lizard, which dwells in
the oak dunes of southeastern New Mexico and West Texas, where drilling and ranching is also in
residence. In light of what the agency calls “unprecedented commitments to voluntary conservation
agreements” in both states FWS decided not to list the lizard.
It’s this type of deal opponents of the federal protection of thelesser prairie chicken and North American
wolverine (both proposed threatened species), and greater sage-grouse andCanada lynx (both candidate
species) hope to strike. In recent years, as land use competition has intensified, recovery of vulnerable
species has become as much about what’s done to keep a species from landing on the list
(including conservation easements on private land) as what measures are taken if a species is designated
threatened or endangered. Again, only time will tell if this across-the-board approach will achieve the
same recovery goals that have marked the ESA’s success up to this time.
While it seems like the ESA stands sentinel to protect wildlife, the law is holistic in that it also recognizes
all species—from giants like the blue whale and polar bear, to the diminutive Mission Blue butterfly and
desert pupfish—are beneficial to humans on innumerable levels. The benefits of biological diversity are
many and varied including balanced ecosystems which support clean water, food supplies and life-saving
drugs. Well-rounded ecosystems protect our investments (by mitigating floods) are economic drivers and
enrich our lives aesthetically and spiritually.
However important keeping the ESA strong is, the efforts of the FWS and NOAA are chronically
underfunded. Spending on species listing and conservation amounted to .008 percent of the 2011 federal
budget. That proportion has not changed significantly for the past three years of spending. Less than one
dollar per year per U.S. resident is spent on endangered species conservation.
Mission Blue butterfly. Courtesy of the FWS.
Another uphill battle for the ESA is the blind eye the Obama administration has turned to land conservation. On only two occasions in history, since the Wilderness
Act of 1964 was passed, has Congress adjourned without protecting wilderness—one of those was the
recent 112th Congress, despite more than two dozen or more bills proposed to do so. The 113th Congress is
doing only marginally better. In the first quarter of this year almost 280,000 acres of the West have been
leased for energy development. During the same time, just over 256,000 acres have earned permanent
federal protection.
“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson in
the 19thcentury. That’s an overly romantic idea, perhaps, and the weed a symbol for wildness and freedom
that is lost to us in the 21st century. But for what we know to be the value of endangered species, and for
that we have yet to realize, our celebration of Endangered Species Day should be tempered with the
acknowledgement that we can do better.
*******
Endangered Species Day 2013
National Socio-environmental Synthesis Center blog
by JUDY CHE-CASTALDO
Postdoctoral Fellow
In 2006, the U.S. Senate designated the third Friday of May as Endangered Species Day to raise
awareness about imperiled species and the successes in species recovery due to protections by
the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the
passage of the ESA.
Endangered species recovery is a socio-environmental issue because species conservation
involves not only the species of concern, but also the human populations that interact with the
species. For example, people may depend upon the use of resources, such as timber in an
endangered species’ habitat, and protection of that habitat may change or even eliminate that
resource’s availability. Wildlife managers must balance these social and economic
considerations with the species’ ecological requirements when creating recovery plans to
conserve species.
Because each species has a unique combination of specific biological needs, threats, and social
context, management actions and recovery goals can vary tremendously among species.
However, that does not necessarily mean that recovery plans are inconsistent or not based on the
best available science. As a postdoc at SESYNC, my research aims to understand to what extent
the recovery targets for endangered species are based on species’ needs, which are relatively
transparent, compared to social, political, or economic factors, which are often not explicitly
stated in the recovery plans. One of the goals of this work is to encourage more transparency in
the managers’ decision-making process. This research would also quantify relationships between
recovery targets and various species attributes, which may be used to establish targets for species
with too little biological data to set species-specific targets. There are many such species,
including the majority of the 338 Hawaiian plant species that are listed under the ESA.
Celebrate this year’s Endangered Species Day by learning about the endangered and threatened
plant and animal species in your area, or listening to the success stories about species that have
improved their status on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website. To find out more about
Endangered Species Day, including events in your area and podcasts by the Endangered Species
Coalition, visit www.stopextinction.org/esd.html. If you are in the Washington, D.C., area,
consider attending the Endangered Species Day events at the U.S. Botanic Garden on May 17.
***
Americans Celebrate Endangered Species Day
eNews ,CBD, Park Forest, Ore.
Bald Eagles, Gray Whales, Wolves Among Hundreds of Success Stories
PORTLAND, Ore.--(ENEWSPF)--May 17 - From Hawaii to Washington D.C., Americans today
are celebrating the sixth annual Endangered Species Day and the 40th anniversary of the
Endangered Species Act. The Act is one of the world’s most successful environmental laws,
preventing extinction for 99 percent of the animals and plants under its care and putting hundreds
on the road to recovery.
“The Endangered Species Act has successfully saved many of America’s most beloved species,
including bald eagles, gray whales and wolves,” said Noah Greenwald, endangered species
director with the Center for Biological Diversity. “In my view, every day is endangered species
day, but I’m glad that there’s at least one day set aside by Congress for all the country to
recognize both the plight of imperiled wildlife and the unparalleled success of the Act.”
To date, of the more than 1,400 plants and animals placed under the care of the Act over the past
four decades, only 10 species have been declared extinct, and eight of them were very likely
already extinct when granted protection.
Meanwhile, the Act is recovering hundreds of species. A recent Center study of more than 100
protected species across all 50 states found that 90 percent are meeting or exceeding federal
recovery guidelines and moving toward eventual removal of protected status. You can learn
more at www.ESAsuccess.org.
Just this week the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that a unique Arkansas snail, the
Magazine Mountain shagreen, has recovered and is being removed from the federal list of
endangered species. The snail, found only in Arkansas, was protected in 1989 due to threats to its
habitat. Protection under the Endangered Species Act successfully prevented loss of the snail’s
mountain habitat, and the Service has determined that it is no longer in danger of extinction.
With such a successful record, the Act continues to command strong public support: A national
poll commissioned by the Center earlier this year found that two out of three Americans want the
Endangered Species Act strengthened or left alone, but not weakened.
More information on Endangered Species Act stories from around the country can be found by
clicking on our interactive map. You can also find a free Droid mobile phone app that lets you
find endangered species where you are or wherever you travel. We also have free endangered
species ringtones that have been downloaded more than 600,000 times in 179 countries.
The Center has photos of endangered species that are ready and available for online, print and
broadcast media use. Find them here.
At the Center for Biological Diversity, we believe that the welfare of human beings is deeply
linked to nature - to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants.
Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to
secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so
through science, law, and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters, and
climate that species need to survive.
Recovered Arkansas Snail Removed from Endangered Species List
Saturday, May 18, 2013 :: Staff infoZine
Magazine Mountain Shagreen Is an Endangered Species Act Success Story
Little Rock, AR - infoZine - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that a unique Arkansas snail,
the Magazine Mountain shagreen, is recovered and being removed from the federal list of endangered
species. The snail, found only in Arkansas, was protected in 1989 due to threats to its habitat. Protection
under the Endangered Species Act successfully prevented loss of the snail’s mountain habitat, and the
Service has determined that it is no longer in danger of extinction. It is the first invertebrate ever to be
declared recovered under the Act.
“The recovery of the Magazine Mountain shagreen is another great example of the power of the
Endangered Species Act, which has prevented the extinction of hundreds of plants and animals across the
country,” said Tierra Curry, a biologist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Without federal protection
this little Arkansas snail would have been lost forever.”
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The shagreen is a small, brown land snail with a shell one-third of an inch tall and half an inch wide. It
lives nowhere on Earth but the loose rock slopes high on Magazine Mountain in Logan County.
Threatened by proposed military training activities and by construction related to state park development,
it was protected in 1989, and the Fish and Wildlife Service approved a recovery plan outlining the steps to
save it in 1994.
In 2005 the Service signed an agreement with the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest and the Arkansas
Department of Parks and Tourism to protect the snail’s mountain habitat. The Service has also developed
a monitoring plan to make sure the snail remains safe from habitat loss and other threats.
“Arkansas is a beautiful state that’s home to all kinds of rare plants and animals found nowhere else in the
world. It’s great that the Magazine Mountain shagreen, a special piece of the state’s natural heritage, will
be around for generations to come,” said Curry.
This year is the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Endangered Species Act. On Friday celebrations
will be held across the country for Endangered Species Day.
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