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Current Status:

The San Clemente loggerhead shrike was listed as endangered in 1977 primarily because of extensive habitat loss and degradation from decades of overgrazing by introduced feral goats, pigs, and deer. The deer have been eliminated, and feral goats and pigs are on the verge of eradication. However, predation on shrike eggs, nestlings, and juveniles by a variety of nonnative species, especially feral cats, continues to threaten this species.

Achievements:

Although the shrike population remains precipitously low (fewer than 20 pairs), the effort to remove feral animals has resulted in habitat recovery throughout the island. Additionally, birds from a captive breeding program have successfully supplemented the nesting success of this subspecies.

Current Recovery Needs:

Recovery of the San Clemente loggerhead shrike will require continued population monitoring, captive propagation and release, additional removal of feral herbivores, predator management, and habitat conservation.

Section 6 Funding and Activities:

In FY 1992, the California Department of Fish and Game received $60,000 for captive propagation of the shrike. These funds were authorized for carryover into FY 1993.

Partnerships

Department of the Navy: Since the late 1970s, the Navy has made a concerted effort to eradicate feral herbivores from San Clemente Island. This program has resulted in the elimination of over 30,000 animals.

Department of Agriculture's Animal Damage Control Division: This Federal agency's Animal Damage Control personnel are funded by the Navy to complete the elimination of feral herbivores and to manage feral cats and other predators.

California Department of Fish and Game: This State agency has been involved in facilitating the captive propagation of the San Clemente loggerhead shrike.

University of California at Berkeley: The University's on-going collaboration with the Navy has increased understanding of the shrike's status and ecology and is contributing to the success of the captive propagation and release effort.

Zoological Society of San Diego, Center for the Reproduction of Endangered Species: In collaboration with the Navy, staff from the Center are conducting a captive propagation and release effort initiated in 1991.

Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology: This private foundation is collaborating with the Navy to increase understanding of the shrike's status and ecology, and is contributing to the success of the captive propagation and release effort.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 1/26/84.