Success: Protection Extended For Threatened Birds

Target: Aurelia Skipwith, Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Goal: Praise decision to keep the western yellow-billed cuckoo protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Populations of the yellow-billed cuckoo have been granted a much-needed reprieve by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which recently denied a petition to de-list the bird from the Endangered Species Act. The yellow-billed cuckoo, also known as the storm crow, has declined in population by more than half since 1966 due to decades of human expansion into the forests it calls home. The decision to protect the birds in Arizona is an encouraging victory for friends of the environment and those who signed petitions like this one.

Sign the petition below to thank USFWS Director Skipwith for the sound judgement and compassion displayed in the decision to protect this vulnerable species.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Director Skipwith,

The decision not to shrink the western yellow-billed cuckoo’s habitat in Arizona represents a significant step in the effort to protect this essential species. Despite active attempts to strip these birds of their vital legal protection, conservationists have argued for years to preserve the cuckoos’ habitats in the face of human expansion. Thank you for your decision to continue protecting this species in spite of pressure from powerful groups.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren