Last year, the federal government removed nearly two dozen species from the endangered list – because they went extinct. This highlights the ongoing struggle environmentalists face in getting species recognized as endangered and taking action to save them. While being added to the list is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t always guarantee the necessary research and efforts to restore a species to sustainable population levels.
In 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that 21 species had been delisted due to extinction. This somber news included one mammal, two species of freshwater fish, 9 shellfish, and 10 species of birds, predominantly from Hawaii.
For those interested in a comprehensive history of the Endangered Species Act, Earth911 recommends The Codex of the Endangered Species Act, Volume One (The First 50 Years) and Volume Two (The Next 50 Years).
Struck From The List
The 21 delisted species were:
Mammals
- Little Mariana fruit bat (Guam)
Birds
- Various bird species from Hawaii
Fish
- San Marcos gambusia (Texas)
- Scioto madtom (Ohio)
Mussels
- Several shellfish species from different states
The Fish and Wildlife Service mentioned that protection efforts came too late for these species, with numbers already too low for recovery when listed. Majority were listed as endangered shortly after the ESA was established, showing the challenges faced by these species even before any protection measures.
Endangered Species Act
The Endangered Species Act is crucial for preventing species extinction in the U.S., despite its imperfections. Over the years, the ESA has helped recover numerous species, while many others still remain under threat.
Despite challenges, 99% of listed species still have a chance for survival, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to protect endangered wildlife.
Citizens play a vital role in advocating for the Endangered Species Act and participating in conservation efforts. Staying informed about changes to the Act and supporting strong conservation measures are essential in safeguarding wildlife for future generations.
Individuals can also get involved in species protection through various means, such as engaging in local conservation efforts, supporting pesticide regulations, and making eco-friendly choices in daily life to help protect wildlife habitats.
