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The bald eagle and osprey have been removed from New Jersey's endangered species list, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife determined that the populations of these birds have recovered to a point where their survival is no longer in jeopardy. Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced the change on Monday (January 6).
The bald eagle's status has shifted from endangered to special concern, while the osprey is now considered stable. This decision reflects over 40 years of dedicated work to restore these species, including monitoring nests and educating the public about their protection. "This action is indeed a significant milestone in the history of endangered species conservation and recovery in New Jersey," LaTourette stated.
The recovery efforts began in the early 1980s, following the detrimental effects of DDT, a synthetic insecticide banned in 1972. The bald eagle population, which once had only one nest in the state, has grown to 293 nesting pairs as of 2024. Similarly, the osprey population has reached a record 800 occupied nests.
Despite this success, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will continue to monitor and protect these birds to ensure their ongoing recovery. The DEP's Bald Eagle Project, in collaboration with the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, has played a crucial role in this achievement.