Brown Pelicans at Breton NWR: The Pelican Web
Brown pelicans (Pelicanus occidentalis) are an endangered species throughout their range in California/West Coast, Caribbean and Latin America. All remaining populations of brown pelican (U.S. Atlantic Coast, Florida, Alabama) have been delisted as endangered species, with the exception of the Louisiana population which is currently proposed for delisting.
A critical part of their habitat are nesting grounds on the Louisiana coastal islands of Breton National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has implemented programs and projects to study and conserve the pelican and this critical habitat. The programs include banding and satellite tracking of pelicans and habitat restoration programs on the islands.
Regardless of de-listing, we will continue to support conservation efforts and further scientific research on the brown pelican. Most critically, we are responding to serious damage done to the refuge by Hurricane Katrina.
To learn more about the pelicans, their habitat and conservation programs, see the pages shown in the (graphic) menu below.
Graphic and Photo Credit USFWS
Last Updated on
December 8, 2008