Protected Species

Commercial salt ponds are valued by biologists for the abundance of shorebirds and waterfowl that thrive in the salt pond habitat. Although no endangered species depend directly on these man-made features, two protected species may now be found foraging or nesting in and near the salt pond environment. Two other endangered species live and forage on the marshes that fringe the salt ponds.

Click on each thumbnail for a larger image.

	Snowy plover This small, wading bird is at home in and around the salt ponds, which provide an easy source of food and a habitat that allows the plover's natural coloring to serve as camouflage. The snowy plover lost its natural beach habitat to development and human overuse; fortunately, it has found a unique nesting opportunity on our salt pond levees.

	Least tern This is the smallest of America's terns, and can sometimes be spotted flying over low-salinity salt ponds in search of fish.

	California clapper rail These ground-dwelling birds live in nearby salt marshes.

	Salt marsh harvest mouse This little rodent lives in the salt marshes, which are anchored to our salt pond levees.

Environmental Values

The Salt Pond Ecosystem
Associated Habitat
Protected Species
Restoration Project
Starting the Process
A History of Cooperation

Public involvement in the transformation of the South Bay shoreline is welcome.
Learn how at the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project Web site.

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