Plants and Animals Species of Concern - Common Name: Bald eagle
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus - Range: Statewide -
Classification: Secure - To learn more about endangered species:
explore the links listed below. Missouri got great news in
September when the Conservation Commission removed the bald
eagle from Missouri’s endangered species list. Less than 30
years ago, the species was on the ropes due to habitat loss,
pesticide poisoning and illegal shooting. From 1962 to 1981,
Missouri did not have a single known successful eagle nest.
Public outrage and aggressive enforcement of laws protecting
eagles dramatically reduced shooting, and a national ban on the
pesticide DDT in 1972 gave the nation’s symbol a fighting chance
at raising young. From 1981 to 1991, the Conservation
Department, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Dickerson
Park Zoo brought 74 wild-hatched eaglets from states with
thriving populations to Missouri. These birds were placed in
artificial nests, where they matured and took