The Bay Citizen reported in the article, Off endangered list, California brown pelicans still need our help, on how Brown Pelicans have recovered from their endangered status yet still need help. In 1970 Brown Pelicans were listed as endangered due to a serious population decline related to the use of the pesticide DDT. DDT impacted the Pelicans calcium absorption which led to thin eggshells that cracked when the adults sat on them.
A local area of concern is the site of the former Alameda Naval Station on San Francisco Bay. When the station was active the Navy posted warning signs to not disturb the birds and enforced restrictions against boats landing on Breakwater Island. Since the base closed, there has been no enforcement of those regulations.
Least Tern Endangered Endangered And Also Need Help
The Alameda Naval Air Station is also an area of concern for the Least Terns. A V. A. project is planned for an area near where the California endangered Least Terns next. Although there have been significant improvements from the initial plan concerns remain. Read more in the Golden Gate Birder blog: Moving forward with the Alameda Wildlife Refuge
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