In 2003, Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, located in the towns of Jefferson and Whitefield, New Hampshire, was designated as the state's first Important Bird Area--an international program which uses scientific criteria to identify habitat important to birds. In 1974, the refuge also was recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. National Park Service. Its complex ecosystem of bogs, ponds, streams and wetlands surrounded by spruce and fir boreal forests supports approximately 230 species of birds, of which 125 species have been confirmed as breeding. Following its designation as an important bird area, the refuge was expanded by 3,010 acres purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from Hancock Timber Resource Group.