The Piping Plover
An Endangered Species
WHERE ARE THEY?
Piping plovers (scientifically known as charadrius melodus) can be found nesting on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, along the shorelines of the Great Lakes, and river sandbars and wetlands in the North Carolina Great Plains region.
Image source: http://www.birdsbyjohn.com/MassCoast/04_tug%20of%20worm_piping%20plover_van%20de%20graaff-hadley%20fws%202009_std.jpg
WHY ARE THEY ENDANGERED?
These birds are endangered due to habitat modification and destruction and human disturbances. Things like dune stabilization, recreational development, and commercial development are putting them at risk. Damming and channelization of rivers is causing piping plovers to die off as well in the Great Plains.
HOW ARE WE PROTECTING THEM?
The piping plover is being protected and repopulated in many ways, one of which being through recovery plans. Research is also being conducted on the piping plover, and scientists are watching population changes, breeding habits, and determining habitat locations. The area in which these birds reside is now limited or unavailable for human access, and nests, eggs, and young birds are being protected from predators. The final step being taken is telling the public about this issue so we can be aware and helpful.