Wild Gains And Pains

Wildlife conservation

Five years after passage of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act in 1929, Congress approved sales of migratory bird stamps to raise funds for waterfowl conservation. Since 1934, revenues from the sales of “duck stamps” have totaled more than $500 million and have helped acquire 4.4 million acres of wetlands.

But that doesn’t appear to be enough to hold off the onslaught of development and human population.

For example, Idaho’s expanding population increases strains on nongame wildlife and their habitats, state Fish and Game Department officials say. In 1985, Idaho had listed 30 species of “special concern” in the state, indicating that those animals need special attention to ensure they do not slip into threatened or endangered status.

By 1990, the special concern list totaled 48 species.

, DataTimes