View source for Headlines:Fish and Wildlife Service Delists 21 Species from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction

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=== Fish and Wildlife Service Delists 21 Species from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction ===
[[File:Guam flying fox.gif|alt=Fish and Wildlife Service Delists 21 Species from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction|thumb|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 <nowiki>http://www.regulations.gov/</nowiki> 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 ==

* [https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2023-10/21-species-delisted-endangered-species-act-due-extinction Fish and Wildlife Service Delists 21 Species from the Endangered Species Act due to Extinction]  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
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