light-footed clapper rail

(Rallus longirostris levipes)

The light-footed clapper rail is a year-round resident (non-migratory). It inhabits coastal salt and freshwater marshes containing cordgrass, cattails or tules, and rushes. Its population declines were due to habitat loss of floodplain river areas and tidal estuaries. It was listed as federally Endangered in 1970, State Endangered in 1971. Clapper rails live in the lower Sweetwater River basin and tidal salt marsh at the confluence with San Diego Bay. Chances for rangewide recovery are minimal given limited remaining habitat and availability for habitat restoration.  Current management focused on sustaining remaining populations by maintaining and enhancing habitat and controlling predators.