US wildlife officials said Wednesday that the ivory-billed woodpecker, along with 22 other birds, fish, mussels, and other animal species, will be declared extinct and removed from the endangered species list. “The (Endangered Species Act) safeguards arrived too late for the species requested for delisting today, with most either extinct, functionally extinct, or in serious decline at the time of listing,” the US Fish and Wildlife Service stated. The Bachman’s warbler, two freshwater fish species, eight varieties of Southeastern freshwater mussels, and 11 varieties from Hawaii and the Pacific Islands are on the schedule to be delisted.
“Each event also shows how human action can add to species deterioration and extinction by causing habitat loss, overuse, and the introduction of exotic species and disease. According to the wildlife agency, climate change’s rising effects are expected to intensify these dangers and their interactions “According to the wildlife agency.
While a variety of specific facets added to each species’ extinction, “the story arc is practically similar. Humans altered their habitat in a significant way, and we couldn’t or didn’t do enough to change the trajectory before it was too late ultimately,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
However, the demise of these species may serve as a “wake-up call” for humanity to take action to prevent extinction and maintain biodiversity, according to the interior secretary. “With global warming and natural area loss pushing more species to the edge of extinction, now is the moment to step up proactive, collaborative, and inventive efforts to rescue America’s wildlife,” Haaland stated in a report on Wednesday. “The Endangered Species Act has been remarkably efficient in limiting species from becoming extinct, as well as inspiring action to conserve at-risk species and their habitat before they become endangered or threatened.”
“We’ll keep working to make sure that states, tribes, private landowners, and federal agencies have the things they need to protect America’s biodiversity and natural heritage.” The monarch butterfly, as well as other species, are on a waiting list.
Experts were not surprised to learn that the species placed on the extinction list had not been sighted in decades.
Tierra Curry, a senior expert with the Center for Biological Diversity, said that species on the wildlife agency’s waiting list are alarming. She stated that the monarch butterfly is of great importance. However, in December, it was not listed on the federal endangered species list, and its status will not be reviewed again until 2024.
“Without protection, the population might plummet,” Curry said, stressing that climate change, rising temperatures, and pesticide use all pose threats to the butterfly’s travel pattern and food supplies. “It’s well-liked; it was once familiar.” According to Curry, climate change is making already challenging conditions for some disappearing species much more difficult.
Curry stated, “Climate change poses a hazard to life on Earth.” “At the same time, we must combat climate change and biodiversity loss. Although climate change receives far more attention than extinction, extinction is a serious problem.” According to the agency, the plan to remove the 23 species revealed on Wednesday will be accepted through the end of December.
During the comment time, Fitzpatrick and other ornithologists will petition the wildlife agency to remove the bird from the endangered species list, he added. “I’m wishing they’ll look at it again and say we can push this back another decade or two,” Fitzpatrick added. “We continue to believe it’s worthwhile to look for this bird.”
