Bald Eagle removed from Florida "Imperiled Species" List

"Florida wildlife officials have removed the bald eagle from the state's imperiled species list. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bird from its endangered list last summer.

Robin Boughton is the bald eagle management plan leader for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Boughton says the comeback of the bird has been impressive across the United States, but even more so in Florida.

More than 1,100 active eagle nests were counted last year in Florida, compared with just 88 in 1973. And the state continues with its land and habitat plans designed to protect the bald eagle."

From the Sun Sentinel

That is definitely good news, and shows that the eagle has made a real comeback all over the country. Interestingly, many seem to think that this is a step closer to lessening penalties for killing bald eagles. What this means is that less wildlife department resources will be directed specifically towards this bird, and more can be funneled to programs to protect other endangered species. The bald eagle will likely always remain a protected species.

In many respects, the bald eagle can be considered a "flagship species" meaning that they are (1) an easily recognizable national symbol, and (2) the healthier their species, the healthier are other species that live in their habitat.