Yellow-billed Loon Recognized in Need of Listing under the Endangered Species Act

In 2004, the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the United States Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), asking that the Yellow-billed Loon be formally listed as an endangered species. Factors cited in their petition were the small population in Alaska, low reproductive rates, and the threats posed by oil and gas development, climate change, gill-net bycatch, and subsistence harvest.

After a year-long review, and following public comments, the USFWS issued a “warranted but precluded” finding. This means the Service agrees that available evidence would support a formal listing for the bird, but that such action is currently precluded by other pending listing actions that have higher priority.  Kittlitz’s Murrelet has a similar status.

In the interim, a number of conservation actions are being taken under an interagency cooperative conservation agreement signed in 2006. Additional research and an annual update on the loon’s status are planned.

Yellow-billed Loon Facts:

Ÿ   There are 16,000-32,000 Yellow-billed Loons world-wide.

Ÿ   It is the largest loon in the loon family. With a wingspan of five feet.

Ÿ   An estimated 4,000-5,000 Yellow-billed Loons breed in Alaska.

Ÿ   Breeding loons require large, clear-water lakes with abundant fish populations.

Ÿ    It breeds with the same mate, and on the same lake, throughout its lifetime.

Ÿ    Because their legs are located far to the rear of their bodies, Yellow-billed Loons cannot walk on, or take off on land.

Ÿ    Annually, up to 20 Yellow-billed Loons are authorized for incidental take in gill-nets; the feathers and bills may be used for regalia.

Ÿ    Yellow-billed Loons are taken by subsistence hunters.

For more information visit the USFWS website: http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/endangered/yellow_billed_loon.htm