Its scientific name is Steerna antillarum . In recent decades, increasing destruction of nesting habitat caused their decline. The population now numbers 5,000 to 7,000 birds. Arkansas nesting habitat is threatened by manipulations of river flows. Reduced flows allow encroachment of woody vegetation, eliminating sandbars.
High flows wash away eggs and drown chicks.
The endangered pondberry is a featured species in our Keep the Wild Alive campaign - learn about this special plant that relies on the moist bottomlands and floodplains of the lower Mississippi River basin. All rights reserved.