The US Fish and Wildlife Service hopes to delist the Western Snowy Plover by 2047. Their recovery plan details how they plan to do it.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has published a 274 page document that maps out a recovery plan for the Western Snowy Plover. Federally listed as endangered in 1993, the bird’s fortunes have not improved, and only about 1900 birds remain in the Pacific Coast population.
The "Recovery Plan for the Pacific Coast Population of the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus)" identifies the key factors responsible for the bird’s decline. Not surprisingly, humans factor significantly. We have dredged beaches and altered watercourses, build structures right on the beach, introduced non-native plants and animals, flocked to West Coast beaches in increasing numbers during the bird’s breeding season, and disturbed breeding and nesting birds in countless ways.
In order to save the Western Snowy Plover, we have to protect its habitat. The birds must have undisturbed beaches where they can safely nest and rear their young, and they must have safe places to spend the winter months. Recognizing that protection of the winter habitat is as vital as protecting nests, the recovery plan proposes international cooperation – many of the birds spend winters in Mexico. The plan also addresses the need to monitor the population, continue to study the bird to learn more about it, and educate the public.
Read the Recovery Plan for the Pacific Coast Population of the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus) on the Fish and Wildlife Service website.
Related articles:
The Piping Plover faces threats very similar to those of the Western Snowy Plover
The Action Plan for the Blue Chaffinch deals with many of the same issues.
