The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced a final rule to protect three foreign species of birds as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The measure extends ESA protection to three species of petrels. Petrels are long-winged seabirds that often nest in dense colonies in coastal areas. The three petrel species are the Chatham petrel, the Fiji petrel, and the magenta petrel.
The three petrel populations have been declining as a result of nest and chick predation by introduced species such as rats, feral cats, and pigs. The decision by the Service was published in Monday’s Federal Register.
Addition of a foreign species to the federal list of threatened and endangered species places restrictions on the importation of either the animal or its parts. Listing also serves to heighten awareness of the importance of conserving these species among foreign governments, conservation organizations and the public.
Under a settlement agreement from a previous intent to sue from the Center for Biological Diversity, the Service had to submit to the Federal Register final determinations on the proposed listings of the Chatham petrel, Fiji petrel, and magenta petrel by September 30, 2009.
