Full document / COSOC-W-86-002 - the National Sea Grant Library

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important means of preserving biological diversity, and
providing refuge for endangered species. The National Park
Service has led the way in the preservation of natural areas
and endangered species research and management in the United
States, and it has served as a model to developing nations
worldwide. Several projects to restore extirpated
populations are currently underway at Gulf Islands National
Seashore.
Bald Eagle relntroductlon program
A cooperative research project involving the State of
Florida and the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center
is underway at Gulf Islands to restore Bald Eagle
populations along the Gulf Coast. Bald Eagles once ranged
throughout the Southeast but populations have declined in
recent years to about 25% of their historic levels due to
the combined effects of pesticides, habitat loss and illegal
poaching. The project is employing the ancient falconer's
technique known as hacking in an attempt to reestablish a
breeding population of Bald Eagles on the wilderness barrier
islands of the Seashore. Young eagles hatched in the
laboratory from eggs collected in Florida are hand reared at
the Sutton Center for two months. They are then transferred
to an artificial nest atop a 30 foot high hack tower at Gulf
Islands and allowed to fledge naturally at about twelve
weeks of age. Those that survive the four to six years it
takes eagles to reach breeding age should return to the Gulf
Coast and help to reestablish the species in the region.
Endangered beach mouse conservation efforts
The endangered Perdido Key beach mouse [Peromyscus
pollonotus trlasvllepsis) was once fairly common on the
Perdido Key portion of Gulf Islands, but that population was
wiped out by Hurricane Frederick in 1979. The current total
population is estimated at less than 50 individuals, making
the mouse the rarest North American mammal. Pell-mell
condominium development along Perdido Key has destroyed much
suitable habitat, and relntroductlon into the Seashore has
been identified as the only remaining conservation option.
A research project is currently underway that will establish
a captive colony of the mice and begin their gradual
reintroduction in the Seashore.
Brown Pelican conservation
Endangered Brown Pelican populations have been increasing
steadily along the Gulf Coast after being virtually wiped
out by pesticides in the in the early 1960's. Up to 150
birds have been observed on a dredge spoil island between
Horn and Petit Bois Islands in recent years, and it is hoped
that a nesting colony will become established in the near
future. As part of an experimental project. Pelican decoys,
nesting material, and artificial nests have been provided in
hopes of attracting prospective nesters.