Endangered Species Act to Lose 21 Species, but Not the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

Endangered Species Act to Lose 21 Species, but Not the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker - The New York Times

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When Is a Species Extinct? U.S. Is Close to Naming 21, but Not This Woodpecker

Officials held off on making a decision about the elusive bird, saying they still need to examine the evidence, including grainy video.

Government officials said Monday that they plan to remove 21 species from the Endangered Species Act for the saddest of reasons: because they are extinct.

But remaining on the list, at least for a bit longer? The ivory-billed woodpecker, a majestic bird whose continued existence has been debated by scientists and birders for decades.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s delisting proposal, put forward in 2021 for 23 species, included ivory bills. Those who believe the birds still live pushed back. Now the agency said it will continue to analyze and review available information before making a decision.

One particularly dramatic piece of new evidence was a peer-reviewed study, complete with video, published earlier this year.

The other species that gained a reprieve, at least, is a Hawaiian plant. Surveys have identified new places that the herb, which is in the mint family, might exist.

The final rule will publish in the Federal Register on Tuesday and is effective 30 days after publication.

Catrin Einhorn reports on biodiversity for the Climate and Environment desk. She has also worked on the Investigations desk, where she was part of the Times team that received the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its reporting on sexual harassment. More about Catrin Einhorn

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