The United States has declared 23 animal species extinct, including one type of woodpecker

The US government proposed this Wednesday declare 23 animal species extinct, including the ivory-billed woodpecker, of which blamed climate change and the loss of their natural habitats.

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.

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

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 private collectors and use 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.

“With climate change and the loss of natural habitat more and more species are on the verge of extinctionIt’s time to be more proactive and innovative in efforts to save America’s wildlife, ”Home 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.

With information from the EFE agency