Recent data has brought good news for the American Bald Eagle, the national bird of the United States since 1782. Removed from the endangered species list in 2007, the eagle’s population has seen consistent growth over the years, marking a significant achievement in wildlife conservation. According to a 2021 report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the number of wild bald eagles has increased fourfold since 2009.
Meet the American Bald Eagle
Known scientifically as Haliaeetus leucocephalus, the bald eagle is an intriguing creature with a life span of 20 to 30 years on average. The species is unique to North America, with a natural range that spans most of the continent, including Canada, the entire continental US, and the northern regions of Mexico.
Bald Eagle Characteristics
Bald eagles are known for their nesting habits. These majestic birds build their nests at the top of tall trees for safety, particularly while laying eggs. A noteworthy characteristic of these eagles is sexual dimorphism – female bald eagles tend to be slightly larger than the males.
Diet and Feeding Pattern
The bald eagle’s diet is primarily composed of live fish. However, they are not restricted solely to piscine prey. They also hunt other birds, small mammals, snakes, turtles, and crabs. Moreover, they are not averse to scavenging, often feeding on carrion — the decaying flesh of dead animals.
Conservation Success: The Bald Eagle’s Protection Status
Currently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes the bald eagle’s status as ‘Least Concern’ in terms of the potential extinction threat. This status indicates that the global community now does not consider the American bald eagle to be an endangered species anymore.
A crucial step toward the conservation of the bald eagle and its subsequent recovery was the banning of Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) in the United States in 1972. DDT, an agricultural insecticide, had detrimental effects on these birds along with other wildlife species. Even though some countries outside the US continue to use DDT to control malaria-spreading mosquitoes, the ban played a significant role in protecting and recovering the bald eagle population.
This resilient increase in the number of bald eagles in the wild is more than just good news for the species. It signifies the triumph of mindful conservation policies and measures, acting as a beacon of success that could help guide future efforts aimed at species preservation and habitat restoration.
