Endangered Birds Re-Introduced to the Wild at San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Editor's Note: The following news release is from the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy

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Seven endangered Light-footed Clapper Rails (Rallus longirostris levipes) were released into the wild on Thursday, August 16 in San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. The juvenile Clapper Rails joined a successful Clapper Rail colony already thriving in the reserve.
 
The seven secretive salt marsh birds, named for their loud, clapping calls, were introduced to San Elijo Lagoon in a program overseen by San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy biologists. The birds were hatched in human care at both San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Living Coast Discovery Center. These centers are part of Team Clapper Rail - a breeding and reintroduction partnership including SeaWorld San Diego, along with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and California Department of Fish and Game.
 
“These seven new Clapper Rails will be joining 31 breeding pairs in San Elijo Lagoon,” said Doug Gibson, executive director and principal scientist of San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. “This is the largest number of observed breeding pairs we’ve ever seen here. We’ve had great success in reintroducing Rails into the lagoon, which means we are succeeding at improving the natural salt marsh habitat.”
 
The additional birds add to the endemic fauna of this pristine 915-acre reserve. The coastal lagoon is bordered by Cardiff-by-the-Sea to the north, Solana Beach to the south, and Rancho Santa Fe to the east. San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy, San Diego County, and California Department of Fish and Game jointly manage the reserve.
 
Clapper Rails are listed as endangered in their native wetlands because of habitat loss over time. More than 90% of Southern California’s estuaries are gone; developed or forever altered. This is partly what makes San Elijo Lagoon so special: It is one of San Diego’s largest coastal wetlands.
 
While elusive, Clapper Rails can be visible in the early mornings throughout the reserve. Trail maps are available inside San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (county owned and operated from 9-5 daily) and online at www.SanElijo.org.
 
The Clapper Rail is one of many featured animals in San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy’s new Animal Guide, online at http://www.sanelijo.org/animal-guide. The timid birds live in coastal salt marshes year-round. They are an indicator species. Hearing their unique call is a clear indication of a healthy wetland.
 
Just this year, San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy acquired the Gateway property, a 3.44-acre coastal parcel at the southern end of the lagoon. Adding lands to San Elijo Lagoon provides a buffer for sensitive or endangered plants and animals. This latest land acquisition provides additional habitat for wildlife in San Elijo Lagoon and protects irreplaceable view corridors for future generations.
 
Acquisition of the Gateway Property was just the first step. A campaign is under way to raise funds to secure Gateway Park in perpetuity. Without additional lands, such as Gateway Park, species like the Light-footed Clapper Rail cannot flourish.
 
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is a community-spirited nonprofit land trust dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. The headquarters are based in Encinitas, California. This year is the Conservancy’s 25th Anniversary. For more information, visit the Conservancy’s website at www.SanElijo.org, or call (760) 436-3944.

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