21 Animals In The US Have Been Removed From The Endangered Species Protection List – Because They’re Now Extinct

• Thomas Nelson
• October 17, 2023
• Animals, Nature, News
• 0 Comments

In a somber revelation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced on October 16th that 21 species are now considered to be officially extinct and will be removed from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The move comes after in-depth scientific reviews confirmed the absence of these species, many of which were listed during the 1970s and 80s. Tragically, most were at critically low numbers or presumed extinct when they were initially listed.

Service Director Martha Williams stated, “It’s a grim reminder that federal protection, though valuable, can sometimes arrive too late. As we mark the 50th anniversary of the ESA, it’s vital to emphasize proactive conservation to prevent further losses.”

In 2021, there was a proposal to delist 23 species due to extinction. However, new discoveries related to the Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis, a Hawaiian herb from the mint family, led the Service to retract its delisting recommendation for that particular species. The fate of the ivory-billed woodpecker, another species in question, is still under review.

These 21 extinctions accentuate the critical role of the ESA. Human activities, such as habitat destruction, over-exploitation, and the introduction of invasive species and diseases, are significant contributors to the decline of these species.

This year marks the half-century milestone of the ESA. The Department of the Interior plans to commemorate the ESA’s achievements throughout the year. Notably, the ESA has successfully saved 99% of listed species from vanishing. Over 100 species have been delisted due to recovery efforts or reclassified owing to better conservation status. This success is credited to collaborative endeavors involving tribes, federal agencies, state and local governments, conservation groups, and private individuals.

The final directive to delist the 21 species will be published in the Federal Register on Oct. 17 and will take effect 30 days afterward.

A Snapshot of the Extinct Species:

• Mammals: Little Mariana fruit bat (Last seen: 1968, Listed: 1984)
• Birds: Bachman’s warbler, Bridled white-eye, among others.
• Fish: San Marcos gambusia, Scioto madtom.
• Mussels: Flat pigtoe, Southern acornshell, and more.

While the ESA has achieved commendable successes over its 50 years, the loss of these 21 species reminds us of the ever-present challenges and emphasizes the urgency of conservation efforts.