Brown Pelican

Rien Fertel's book explores the complex and often brutal relationship between humanity and the brown pelican over the past century, highlighting its significance as a living fossil and a symbol of our connection with the environment. Conservation efforts have saved the bird from extinction, but it is now under threat due to land loss and rising seas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2022
Publisher: Louisiana State University Press

In this captivating book, Rien Fertel delves into the intricate and often brutal relationship between humanity and the brown pelican over the past century. This beloved bird, renowned for its mythically bottomless belly and remarkable pouch, has been hailed as a living fossil and the most dinosaur-like creature alive. The pelican adorns the Louisiana state flag, serves as a religious icon of sacrifice, and makes a memorable appearance in the famous parting shot of Jurassic Park. However, its significance extends far beyond its cinematic fame. The brown pelican serves as a poignant reminder of our fragile connection with the environment in which it thrives—the coastal United States. In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt initiated the establishment of the first national wildlife refuge at Pelican Island, Florida, with the primary objective of rescuing the brown pelican and other endangered species from the plume trade. Despite these protective measures, the widespread use of synthetic agents of death, particularly DDT, in the mid-twentieth century led to the decline of the brown pelican. By the mid-1960s, not a single viable pelican nest remained in the entirety of Louisiana. Consequently, authorities declared the state bird locally extinct. Yet, the story of the brown pelican is one of remarkable resilience and conservation success. Through dedicated efforts, including an audacious but well-executed birdnapping, conservationists were able to save the brown pelican from extinction. This achievement is considered one of the greatest triumphs in animal preservation history. However, the brown pelican faces new threats, particularly along Louisiana's coast, due to land loss and rising seas. Throughout centuries, artists and writers have portrayed the pelican as a bird that pierces its breast to feed its young, symbolizing saintly piety. Today, the brown pelican continues to selflessly sacrifice for and alongside the environment, serving as a bellwether bird—an indicator species that foreshadows potential disasters that lie ahead. Brown Pelican seamlessly blends history and first-person narrative to delve into the complexities of our relationship with the brown pelican. Through vivid storytelling, Fertel unravels the historical, ecological, and cultural significance of this iconic bird, shedding light on the challenges it faces and the efforts undertaken to protect it. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in nature, conservation, and the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.

Dimension: 178 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807178461