AMERICAN BALD EAGLE

1. Context

The American bald eagle was removed from the United States' list of endangered
species on June 28, 2007. Since then, the population of the bird has steadily risen. A 2021 report by the US Fish and Wildlife Service said that the number of bald eagles in the wild has quadrupled since 2009. However, just a few decades back, the bird was on the verge of extinction, facing multiple threats to its existence. In fact, many conservationists felt that the national symbol of the United States was on the path to becoming the dodo of the 20th century.

2. The Decline and Conservation of Bald Eagles in the United States

Abundant bald eagle populations existed in the United States when they became the national symbol in 1782.
By the early 1800s, their numbers started declining due to hunting and being perceived as a threat to livestock.
Counties offered bounties on bald eagles, further contributing to their decline.
Feather hunting for fashion in the late 19th century intensified the hunting pressure on bald eagles.
Populations continued to decline until the 1940s, prompting the passage of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act in 1940.
The act expanded protections and even prohibited the possession of eagle feathers.
Despite these protections, bald eagles faced new threats beyond hunting and habitat destruction.

Image Source: The Indian Express

3. DDT's Devastating Impact on Bald Eagles

DDT,(Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) an insecticide, was widely used in agriculture in the US starting from the mid to late 1940s.
The use of DDT led to the contamination of water bodies, and subsequently, the fish living in them.
Bald eagles ingested DDT through their diet of contaminated fish, leading to thin-shelled eggs and nesting failures.
By 1963, the continental US (excluding Alaska) had only 417 nesting pairs of bald eagles due to large-scale nesting failures caused by DDT.
Other bird species such as ospreys and peregrine falcons also experienced population declines due to DDT exposure.

4. Silent Spring, DDT Ban, and the Endangered Species Act

Rachel Carson's book, Silent Spring, published in 1962, shed light on the harmful effects of chemical pesticides, specifically DDT, on the environment and bald eagle populations.
Silent Spring became a catalyst for the environmental movement of the 1960s.
In 1972, a nationwide ban on the agricultural use of DDT was implemented.
The Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973, providing additional protections for endangered species and their habitats.
The bald eagle was among the original species listed for protection under the Endangered Species Act.

5. Captive Breeding Programs and Habitat Protections for Bald Eagles

Captive breeding programs initiated in the 1970s played a crucial role in the resurgence of bald eagles.
Programs led by the US Fish and Wildlife Service bald eagle colonies in captivity and released them into the wild, increasing survival rates.
Hacking, a controlled release method, simulated wild nesting environments and aided repopulation efforts.
Strict restrictions were imposed on human activities near eagle nests and nesting areas, such as prohibiting construction within approximately 100 meters.
Protection against hunting, banning of DDT, captive breeding, and habitat protections contributed to the steady growth of bald eagle populations.
In 1995, the bald eagle's status changed from "endangered" to "threatened," and in 2007, it was completely delisted.

6. Success and Lessons from Bald Eagle Conservation Efforts

Bald eagle population in the US: In 2007, there were approximately 9,789 known breeding pairs. By 2021, the number of nesting pairs increased to about 71,400, with an overall population of approximately 316,700.
Comprehensive approach: Conservation efforts involved multiple strategies, including the banning of DDT, habitat protections, and captive breeding programs.
Time and persistence: Conservation efforts spanned several decades, with lobbying for the ban on DDT and subsequent recovery taking years. It highlights the importance of patience and a long-term commitment to conservation.
Lessons learned: Conservation requires comprehensive policies that address various factors contributing to population decline. It also emphasizes the need for persistence and staying the course over time.
Resilience and stewardship: The success of bald eagle conservation reflects the shared resilience of the nation and the importance of responsible stewardship of lands and waters.
Important case study: The bald eagle's conservation serves as a case study on the significance of persisting with conservation efforts, especially in the face of climate change and novel risks to biodiversity.

For Prelims: Bald Eagle, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, DDT (an insecticide), Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Previous year Question

1. Dichlorodiphenyl Trichloro Ethane (DDT) is the first chlorinated organic insecticide for the discovery of its effectiveness as an insecticide Paul Muller was awarded Nobel Prize in Medicine and Physiology in 1948. (MPSC 2013)

(a) DDT is effective against mosquitos that spread malaria.

(b) DDT is effective against lice that carry typhus.

(d) DDT is not metabolized easily by animals.

Which of the above statements is correct?

A. (a) and (c)

B. (a) and (d)

C. (a), (c), and (d)

D. (a), (b), (c), and (d)

Answer: D

2. DDT adversely affects our environment because: (SSC CHSL 2021)

A. it can kill beneficial insects like honeybees

B. it can allow the growth of harmful insects

C. it can promote the growth of harmful insects

D. it can kill harmful insects

Answer: A

Source: The Indian Express

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