Climate change: United States declared 23 animal species extinct | Among them, the ivory-billed woodpecker

As a result of climate change and damage to its natural habitat, the United States government proposed on Wednesday declare 23 animal species extinct, including the ivory-billed woodpecker.

The announcement was made by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which ensures that these species must be removed from the endangered species list since they are already extinct.

“Each of these 23 species represents a permanent loss to our country’s natural heritage and to global biodiversity,” Bridget Fahey, who oversees species classification for the Fish and Wildlife Service, told the New York Times.

The ivory-billed woodpecker, perhaps the best known of the animals declared extinct, was found in the swamps of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.

Woodpecker and bats

According to historical research, the population of ivory-billed woodpeckers began to decline dramatically from the 19th century. They were hunted for sell them to companies who used their feathers to make hats.

They were also wiped out thanks to the logging industry, which swept away acres and acres of trees that made up their natural habitat.

Since the entry into force of the endangered species list in 1975, only 11 species have been declared extinct because they could not be found in the wild.

Among the missing species mentioned in the report are 10 types of birds and bats that can only be found in the Pacific Islands.

Also various types of mussels from the southeastern United States, eleven birds from Hawaii, and two small fish endemic to Ohio and Texas.

Climate change

“With him climate change and the loss of natural habitat as more and more species are on the verge of extinction, it is time to be more proactive and innovative in efforts to save American wildlifeHome Secretary Deb Haaland said in a statement.

These 23 animals were added to the list of protected species in the 1960s.

Agency scientists noted, however, that the protection efforts are effective, and recalled that since 1975 nearly fifty animals have left the list of protected species, including the bald eagle and the brown pelican.