FWC Hopes to Protect Imperiled Beach-Nesting Birds

The snowy plover, American oystercatcher, black skimmer and least tern have been added to a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission action plan that aims to project imperiled beach-nesting birds.  

“The dynamic nature of Florida beaches, from natural changes caused by storms and erosion to the presence of beachgoers and the loss of habitat, poses significant challenges to the survival of beach-nesting birds,” said Claire Sunquist Blunden of the FWC in a news release. 

According to the FWC, the loss and degradation of habitat are major threats to the shorebirds’ survival, with their colonies and nesting areas becoming fewer and more fragmented.

Because of their declining numbers in Florida and habitat loss, these beach-nesting birds qualify for listing as state-threatened species, according to a news release.

The just-released draft action plan for imperiled beach-nesting birds is among the second group of draft species action plans covering 60 species that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is unveiling in 2013.

The alligator snapping turtle, Florida bonneted bat, white-crowned pigeon and Florida tree snail also have newly drafted species action plans.

The public is invited to review and comment on the plans at http://share1.myfwc.com/ISMP/default.aspx now through April 23, a FWC news release said

Earlier this year, the FWC released the first group of draft species action plans that included 23 species.

The FWC said it will roll out the remaining plans later this spring and summer.

For a full list of species and to review all of the draft species action plans, visit our website at MyFWC.com/WildlifeHabitats and select Imperiled Species.

The draft action plan for imperiled beach-nesting birds spells out steps to conserve these four species with the ultimate goal that they no longer will be listed as threatened.

According to a news release, the FWC’s draft plan outlines commonly shared conservation measures that will benefit the snowy plovers, American oystercatchers, black skimmers and least terns throughout Florida.

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