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| Mission
Statement
The Endangered Species Problem
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Although not yet an endangered species throughout its wide range, Great
Blue Herons in San Diego County have experienced an outbreak of a mysterious
disease called steatitis (Yellow Fat Disease). This often fatal malady
has the potential to wipe out the species in much of Southern California.
Mary F. Platter-Rieger of the U.S. Navy's Space Warfare Systems Center,
located on the military base (Point Loma) where the herons have their largest
nesting colony in the region, has dedicated much of her efforts to identifying
the source of this disease in hopes of preventing its spread. In 1999 she
contracted with the ESRC and Hubbs Sea World Research Institute to bring
high technology to assist in answering several questions. ESRC members
Bill Everett, Dr. Brent Stewart, and Dr. Pam Yochem initiated a multidisciplinary
program to find out the source and mechanisms of the disease.
Both adult and juvenile birds were captured and marked with yellow wing tags for future identification, and nearly 30 birds also received satellite or standard VHF transmitters to allow our scientists to follow their movements and see where they went, and more importantly, where they are feeding (their food being the suspected source of the disease). This project is still underway and is already yielding fascinating information. Stay tuned to this web site for updates on our progress. With luck and hard work, we may prevent this species from becoming listed as endangered. |
© 2000 Endangered Species Recovery Council. All rights reserved.
