In the realm of conservation, the delisting of species due to extinction is a poignant reminder of the irreversible impact of human activities on our planet’s biodiversity. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has recently taken steps to delist several species, marking their official recognition of extinction. Let’s delve into some of these species and reflect on their stories:
MAMMALS
Little Mariana fruit bat
Found: Guam
Listed: 1984
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1968
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
BIRDS
Bachman’s warbler
Found: FL, SC
Listed: 1967
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1980s
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0110
Bridled white-eye
Found: Guam
Listed: 1984
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1983
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Kauai akialoa
Found: HI
Listed: 1967
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1960s
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Kauai nukupuu
Found: HI
Listed: 1970
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1899
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Kauaʻi ʻōʻō
Found: HI
Listed: 1967
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1987
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Large Kauai thrush
Found: HI
Listed: 1970
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1987
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Maui ākepa
Found: HI
Listed: 1970
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1988
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Maui nukupuʻu
Found: HI
Listed: 1970
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1996
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Molokai creeper
Found: HI
Listed: 1970
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1963
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
Po`ouli
Found: HI
Listed: 1975
Last Confirmed Sighting: 2004
Docket Number: FWS–R1–ES–2020–0104
FISH
San Marcos gambusia
Found: TX
Listed: 1980
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1983
Docket Number: FWS–R2–ES–2020–0105
Scioto madtom
Found: OH
Listed: 1975
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1957
Docket Number: FWS–R3–ES–2020–0106
MUSSELS
Flat pigtoe
Found: AL, MS
Listed: 1987
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1984
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0107
Southern acornshell
Found: AL, GA, TN
Listed: 1993
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1973
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0107
Stirrupshell
Found: AL, MS
Listed: 1987
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1986
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0107
Upland combshell
Found: AL, GA, TN
Listed: 1993
Last Confirmed Sighting: mid-1980s
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0107
Green-blossom pearly mussel
Found: TN, VA
Listed: 1984
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1982
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0108
Tubercled-blossom pearly mussel
Found: AL, IL, IN, KY, TN, MI, OH, WV
Listed: 1976
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1969
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0108
Turgid-blossom pearly mussel
Found: AL, AR, TN
Listed: 1976
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1972
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0108
Yellow-blossom pearly mussel
Found: AL, TN
Listed: 1985
Last Confirmed Sighting: 1966
Docket Number: FWS–R4–ES–2020–0108
Each of these species represents a unique story of ecological decline and human impact. The efforts to document and officially delist them serve as a sobering call to action for conservationists worldwide. While these species are lost, their plight underscores the critical importance of proactive conservation measures and habitat preservation to protect endangered species that still have a chance. As stewards of our planet, it is our collective responsibility to learn from these losses and strive towards a future where biodiversity thrives.
Join us at EcoServants in our mission to promote awareness and action towards sustainable conservation practices. Together, we can make a difference for the species that still share our planet with us.