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RALEIGH, N.C. (May 5, 2006) — The bald eagle, the peregrine falcon, the grizzly bear and the gray wolf. All of these species have one thing in common: their populations, at one time severely threatened, have recovered significantly, thanks in part to the protection they enjoy under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. On April 5, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution designating May 11 as “Endangered Species Day.” The purpose of this first-ever national celebration is to raise awareness about the threats other endangered species face as well as the many success stories in species recovery. San Diego resident David Robinson
started the idea to create a day dedicated to endangered species protection
and approached his senator, Dianne Feinstein
(D-CA), about the idea several months ago. “It is a great opportunity
for young and old alike to learn about our nation’s wildlife and
get involved in protecting endangered species and their habitat,” says
Robinson.
“Endangered Species Day” will provide an opportunity for schools,
libraries, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, agencies, businesses,
community groups and conservation organizations to educate the public
about the importance of protecting endangered species and highlight
the everyday actions that individuals and groups can take to help protect
our nation’s wildlife, fish and plants. With more than 1,800
species worldwide now listed as threatened and endangered, every
public education effort is greatly needed. In North Carolina, more than 220 terrestrial and aquatic species are either federally or state-listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern. The Northern saw-whet owl, the red-cockaded woodpecker, the shortnose sturgeon, the northern flying squirrel, the right whale, the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, the Carolina heelsplitter, the loggerhead seaturtle and the southern hognose snake are just a few North Carolina species that need special protection to help their populations return to healthy levels.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Fund uses private donations to support nongame and endangered species research and management and to generate matching money from federal grants. “We have a duty to ensure that future generations of North Carolinians have the opportunity to enjoy the rich natural resources and wonders of our states’ diverse wildlife and their habitats,” said Chris McGrath, the Commission’s Wildlife Diversity Coordinator. “Endangered species conservation efforts and laws to protect them are critical tools that the Wildlife Resources Commission uses to fulfill that obligation. We need all North Carolinians to appreciate endangered species as sentinels of the condition of our natural resources and work to ensure that our wildlife heritage continues to prosper.” For more information about the Endangered Species Day, visit the Endangered Species Coalition’s Web site, www.stopextinction.org. The coalition, a national network of hundreds of conservation, scientific, religious, sporting, business and community organizations across the country working to protect endangered species and habitat, works to defend and protect the Endangered Species Act.
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