Reward offered in search for vandal who damaged nests, stole eggs of threatened bird species
FAR ROCKAWAY, Queens (WABC) -- Federal investigators offered a $5,000 reward Tuesday for information in the search for the person who destroyed two piping plover nests in Queens.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, someone damaged protective wire fences around two nests in Far Rockaway sometime between 10:30 a.m. on Friday June 9 and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10.
Additionally, officials said four eggs were taken.
Piping plovers are considered a "threatened species," meaning they are at risk of becoming endangered.
The nests were part of conservation efforts meant to help increase the species' population.
"I do believe it's very deliberate...someone taking eggs of a protected species is a serious federal crime," said Chris Alllieri with NYC Plover Project.
Experts at U.S. Fish and Wildlife said piping plovers are a vital part of the ecosystem - but are more vulnerable than some other species because the chicks forage for themselves within hours of hatching.
"It takes them about 35 days before they can fly so they're very vulnerable at that point," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Steve Sinkevich.
The thieves face a $25,000 fine and six months in jail for each stolen egg.
Experts say there are only 6,000 to 8,000 piping plovers left in the world.
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