Saving the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

Posted by Rosemary Drisdelle Sep 8, 2007

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker was thought to be extinct until 2004, when one was apparently spotted in central Arkansas. Since that time, investigators have gathered more credible sightings, a piece of disputed video footage, and sound recordings of calls, while a large team of ornithologists and volunteers have repeatedly combed the woods in both Arkansas and Florida. Conclusive, indisputable evidence—clear unambiguous photographs or video, feathers, or egg fragments—is lacking. Nonetheless, the US Fish and Wildlife Service believe that the bird is out there and they’re intent on launching a recovery effort to save it from extinction.

The entire cost of the recovery is estimated at almost 28 million dollars, ending in 2075—presumably with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker thriving in sustainable numbers by that time. The FWS admits, however, that the recovery potential for the species, even if it does still exist, is low. The "Draft Recovery Plan for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker" is available on the internet and anyone can make comments on it until Oct 22, 2007.

It seems a little crazy to be launching a recovery plan for a bird we can’t even prove exists. On the other hand, without the recovery plan, the bird’s presumed extinction will surely become a self-fulfilled prophesy. Luckily, we can all be thankful that any plan to save the dwindling habitat of the Ivory-billed Woodpecker will also protect the habitat of countless other species, so it can’t be entirely in vain. I’d love to see this bird turn up alive.

BirdLife International has included the Ivory-billed Woodpecker on its list of 189 critically endangered birds to be saved from extinction.

The Bermuda Petrel was believed extinct by 1921—until one collided with a lighthouse in 1935.

What do you think of the FWS's proposal to spend more than 27 million dollars to save a bird that many believe is already extinct? Start a discussion.