Collaborative Efforts in Safeguarding an Endangered Avian Species
The Eastern black rail, a secretive marsh bird threatened under the Endangered Species Act, finds sanctuary in South Carolina’s historic wetlands. The Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center, once a rice plantation, now shelters these birds amidst challenges like flooding and erosion. A partnership between the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Coastal Program aims to preserve their habitat, replacing aging structures and mitigating erosion. Despite ongoing construction, black rails have already returned to sing in the restored wetlands, signaling hope for their survival. This collaborative effort promises a brighter future for the elusive black rail population in South Carolina.
