Proposed Delisting of Interior Least Tern Shows Value of Endangered Species Act

WASHINGTON (October 23, 2019) – Today, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to delist the Interior Least Tern as a result of its increased population. In response to this conservation victory, the National Audubon Society has issued the following statement:

“The Endangered Species Act works, and now the Interior Least Tern could join the Bald Eagle, Brown Pelican and Peregrine Falcon as birds to have recovered thanks to that law’s protections,” said Kristal Stoner, executive director of Audubon Nebraska.

“While the Interior Least Tern’s recovery is a cause for celebration, we must remain vigilant that the gains it has made in population, range, and habitat continue. Audubon is committed to working with all partners as well as state and federal agencies to continue protecting this bird and the places it needs, today and tomorrow.”

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The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at www.audubon.org and @audubonsociety.

Media Contacts:

Matt Smelser, matt.smelser@audubon.org, 202.516.5593

Allison Christenson (Audubon Nebraska), allison.christenson@audubon.org, 701.446.7502