Game Commission Proposes Black Rail As Threatened Species

The Game Commission published notice in the November 4 PA Bulletin inviting comments on the proposed classification of the Black Rail as a threatened bird due to its federally protected status and small, sporadic population in Pennsylvania.

Black Rails are the smallest rail species in North America and the most secretive in behavior and habitat. 

Although this species is considered uncommon in this Commonwealth, compelling evidence indicates territories have been established and nesting may have been attempted. 

In 2020, the US Fish and Wildlife Service classified the Eastern Black Rail subspecies Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act indicating between 0 to 5 breeding pairs currently occur in this Commonwealth. 

Read the entire PA Bulletin notice for more information.  Questions should be directed to Jason L. DeCoskey, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, (717) 783-6526.

NewsClip:

-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: Black Rail Shorebird Could Soon Be Threatened Species In PA

[Posted: November 3, 2023]  PA Environment Digest