The San Clemente loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus mearnsi; SCLS) is endemic to San Clemente Island (SCI), California. Due to its localized range, critically low population numbers, consistently low productivity, intense predation pressure from non-native species and habitat degradation by feral goats (Capra hircus), this subspecies was listed as federally endangered in 1977 (USFWS 1977). Throughout the 1990s, the population size of wild SCLS remained extremely low with estimates ranging from 33 individuals in 1994 to only 14 individuals in January 1998 (Juola et al. 1997a, Mader et al. 2000).

Due to critically low numbers in the wild population, immediate efforts were necessary to decrease the threat of extinction of the wild population. IWS first became involved with the SCLS program in 1998 with our research program that focused on specific questions addressing both habitat and dietary requirements of the shrike. Since that time, our involvement with the recovery effort has grown. In 1999, we accepted the challenge of augmenting the wild population with captive-reared shrikes through the start up of our release program. Also beginning in 1999, we began our PREDATOR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT program, which focused on innovative methods to monitor native predators and protect SCLS nests from predation.

The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS) is proud to be a member of the recovery effort of this imperiled songbird, working cooperatively with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, PRBO Conservation Science, the Zoological Society of San Diego, and the Soil and Ecology Restoration Group of San Diego State University.