Fish and Wildlife Service Delists 21 Species from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Oct 16, 2023 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has taken the decision to delist 21 species from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to their unfortunate extinction. After meticulous evaluations grounded in the best available scientific data, the Service concluded that these species are indeed extinct and should therefore no longer remain under the protection of the ESA. It is notable that most of these species were originally added to the ESA during the 1970s and 1980s when their numbers were already alarmingly low or when they were presumed to be extinct.

This move underscores the fact that federal protection, when implemented too late, cannot reverse the trajectory of a species in decline. The Service Director, Martha Williams, described this as a stark reminder of the critical importance of conserving endangered species before it becomes too late. She emphasized that the ultimate goal of the ESA is to facilitate the recovery of species, so they no longer require the Act's protection.

In September 2021, the Service had proposed the delisting of 23 species from the ESA due to extinction. Following a period of public input, the Service has chosen to withdraw the delisting proposal for one species, Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis, a Hawaiian perennial herb. This decision came about after new surveys identified potential new habitats for the species. While the delisting proposal initially included the ivory-billed woodpecker, the Service will continue to analyze and assess the relevant information before making a final decision on its delisting.

The final rule to delist these 21 species from the ESA due to extinction will be published in the Federal Register on Oct. 17 and will take effect 30 days after publication. Further information on the final rule can be found at http://www.regulations.gov/ by searching under the docket number provided.

Species being delisted due to extinction:

MAMMALS

Little Mariana fruit bat (GU, Guam) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1968

BIRDS

Bachman’s warbler (FL, SC) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1980s
Bridled white-eye (GU, Guam) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1983
Kauai akialoa (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1960s
Kauai nukupuu (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1899
Kauaʻi ʻōʻō (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1987
Large Kauai thrush (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1987
Maui ākepa (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1988
Maui nukupuʻu (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1996
Molokai creeper (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1963
Po`ouli (HI) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 2004

FISH

San Marcos gambusia (TX) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1983
Scioto madtom (OH) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1957

MUSSELS

Flat pigtoe (AL, MS) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1984
Southern acornshell (AL, GA, TN) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1973
Stirrupshell (AL, MS) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1986
Upland combshell (AL, GA, TN) - Last Confirmed Sighting: Mid-1980s
Green-blossom pearly mussel (TN, VA) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1982
Tubercled-blossom pearly mussel (AL, IL, IN, KY, TN, MI, OH, WV) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1969
Turgid-blossom pearly mussel (AL, AR, TN) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1972
Yellow-blossom pearly mussel (AL, TN) - Last Confirmed Sighting: 1966

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues its collaboration with various stakeholders to protect and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the long-term benefit of the American people.

Sources

Fish and Wildlife Service Delists 21 Species from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Notes

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