Deb Haaland U.S. Secretary of the Interior | Official Website
The Department of the Interior has announced a change in the status of the red-cockaded woodpecker, downlisting it from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. This shift follows fifty years of collaborative conservation efforts involving federal and state agencies, Tribes, private landowners, and other partners.
"The downlisting of the red-cockaded woodpecker marks a significant milestone in our nation's commitment to preserving biodiversity,” stated Secretary Deb Haaland. She emphasized that these efforts have helped prevent extinction and allowed for continued thriving of this species in its natural habitat.
Since being listed as endangered in 1973, various conservation strategies have been implemented to aid the recovery of this bird. Notably, Safe Harbor Agreements have involved 459 non-federal landowners covering about 2.5 million acres, leading to an increase in woodpecker clusters on private lands over thirty years.
Martha Williams, Service Director, highlighted the collaboration's impact: “Decades of committed recovery work and collaboration drove this remarkable story of recovery." She added that "The improved status of the red-cockaded woodpecker shows that when we give species a chance, they can thrive."
Historically abundant across several states from New Jersey to Texas and Missouri, by the 1960s their range had shrunk considerably due to habitat loss. The population hit a low point with an estimated 1,470 clusters in the late 1970s but has since grown to around 7,800 clusters across eleven states.
A finalized 4(d) rule accompanies this downlisting decision. It maintains existing prohibitions with some exceptions for law enforcement activities and habitat management while encouraging beneficial practices specific to red-cockaded woodpeckers' needs.
Despite improvements in their status, these birds remain threatened due to ongoing risks such as habitat loss and extreme weather events. Conservation efforts will continue focusing on ensuring long-term survival and moving towards full recovery.
Conservation benefit agreements are being used effectively as tools allowing landowners regulatory flexibility while ensuring baseline populations are maintained. These agreements promote activities like prescribed fires necessary for restoring suitable habitats for these birds.
Further details on this decision can be found on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website or by searching regulations.gov using docket number FWS–R4–ES–2019–0018. The final rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 24, 2024.
