Seven Brazilian Bird Species Receive Endangered Species Act Protection
Washington, DC –-(Ammoland.com)- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today a final rule to list the black-hooded antwren, Brazilian merganser, cherry-throated tanager, fringe-backed fire-eye, Kaempfer’s tody-tyrant, Margaretta’s hermit, and southeastern rufous-vented ground-cuckoo as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
This rule implements the Federal protections provided by the ESA for these seven foreign bird species.
These species are found in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biome in Brazil. All seven species face immediate and significant threats primarily from the threatened destruction and modification of their habitats from conversion of agricultural fields (e.g., soybeans, sugarcane, and corn), plantations (e.g., eucalyptus, pine, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and bananas), livestock pastures, centers of human habitation, and industrial developments (e.g., charcoal production, steel plants, and hydropower reservoirs).
Although there is limited information on the specific nature of potential impacts from climate change to the species included in this final rule, we are concerned about projected climate change, particularly the effect of rising temperatures in combination with the potential loss of genetic diversity, and population isolation; and cumulative effects including El Niño events. Furthermore, we have determined that the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms is a contributory risk factor that endangers each of these species’ continued existence.
Granting protection under the ESA for these seven species prohibits the import or export of the species, or their parts or products, as well as their sale in interstate or foreign commerce. The only exceptions are for scientific purposes and to assist in efforts aimed at enhancing the propagation or survival of these species. The final rule will publish in the Federal Register on December 28, 2010.
The ESA provides a critical safety net for native fish, wildlife and plants and to date has prevented the extinction of hundreds of imperiled species across the nation, as well as promoting the recovery of many others. The Service is actively engaged with conservation partners and the public in the search for improved and innovative ways to conserve and recover imperiled species. To learn more about the Service’s implementation of the ESA, go to http://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.