Fifty years ago, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law as a
framework to prevent the loss and harm of endangered and threatened species.
The law currently protects 1,662 U.S. species and 638 foreign species,
including fish, plants and other forms of wildlife. Since its signing on
December 28, 1973, the ESA has been credited with saving 99% of the species
it protects and is largely considered one of the most effective wildlife
conservation laws.

In honor of the ESA’s 50th anniversary, this week the Meadowlands Research and Restoration Institute (MRRI) will be sharing some examples of threatened or endangered species that we have the opportunity to
work alongside!

Our second species of the week, the Black-crowned night heron, is an abundant but seldom-seen wading bird species found year-round in the Meadowlands. They are most abundant in the summer due to the high number of young born in colonies throughout the region.

Given that Black-crowned night herons are found in fresh and saltwater aquatic habitats, their largest threats are wetland loss and water pollution. While they are not listed as endangered or threatened species nationally, they are listed as State-endangered in Pennsylvania and Illinois. Look for these birds skulking through the marsh in search of food mostly around dawn and dusk.