A fruit bat, 10 birds, two fish, and eight mussels have been removed from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to extinction, according to a news release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The delisting of these 21 species was announced on Oct. 16, marking a significant loss for biodiversity conservation efforts.
As the Endangered Species Act turns 50 this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service delisted 21 different species, several of which were listed in the 1970s and 1980s and had very small populations or were already extinct then, according to a news release from the USFWS. Service Director Martha Williams had this to say about the delisting: “Federal protection came too late to reverse these species’ decline, and it’s a wake-up call on the importance of conserving imperiled species before it’s too late. As we commemorate 50 years of the Endangered Species Act this year, we are reminded of the Act’s purpose to be a safety net that stops the journey toward extinction. The ultimate goal is to recover these species, so they no longer need the Act’s protection.” The de-listed mussels, fish, birds, and the single bat are outlined here: https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2023-10/21-species-delisted-endangered-species-act-due-extinction
Service Director Martha Williams emphasized the purpose of the ESA as a safety net to prevent species from journeying towards extinction. The ultimate goal is to recover these species so that they no longer require the Act's protection.
The delisted species include mussels, fish, birds, and a fruit bat. More information about these species can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's website.
The Endangered Species Act, enacted on Dec. 28, 1973, aims to protect threatened or endangered fish, wildlife, and plants. It allows for the preparation and implementation of recovery plans for endangered species and promotes cooperation between agencies and states to protect these species.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with various organizations and agencies to implement the regulations of the ESA. They utilize interagency consultations, grants, and incentives to landowners to protect species when necessary.
While the delisting of these 21 species is a significant loss, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service highlights the success of the ESA in preventing the extinction of over 99% of listed species. The Service's current workplan includes actions for potential downlisting or delisting of 60 species due to successful recovery efforts.
Collaborative efforts between federal agencies, states, tribes, and private landowners have also played a crucial role in avoiding the listing of numerous species under the ESA. The ESA serves as a catalyst for conservation efforts that protect imperiled species and their habitats.
As the ESA celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the delisting of these species serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in preserving biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation actions to prevent further extinctions.
