Scientifically, it is very difficult to declare a species as extinct. In order to do so, researchers must observe the small population left, and based on how much evidence they collect, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will announce if the species is functionally extinct. Announcing extinctions, even if by some chance there is an unknown individual or small group out there, allows more resources to be put towards protecting other species on the endangered list.
As 2021 concluded, the largest group of animals and plants ever were moved from the endangered species list to the extinct species list under the 1973 Endangered Species Act. Twenty-two species of animals were declared as functionally extinct in September. Some of these animals were native to Florida, but many of them were rare species that we may never see again.
Ivory-billed woodpecker
This species of woodpecker received the most media attention in 2021 when it was declared extinct, as one ornithologist, Tim Gallagher, argued in Audobon magazine that it was too early to declare this bird species extinct. He claimed he spotted an ivory-billed woodpecker in an Arkansas swamp in 2004, but it flew away before he was able to take a picture. He argued that if the species was taken off the endangered species list and declared extinct, crucial habitat for the species might be lost to farm development. It caused a large debate amongst ornithologists and even in some news outlets who debated over whether or not a photograph was needed to potentially save the species from functional extinction.
Bachman’s warbler
The last sighting of Bachman’s warbler was in Florida in 1997, although this sighting was also unconfirmed as there was no photographic evidence. This songbird was once one of the rarest songbirds in the U.S., described as small, yellow-breasted birds, found only in the southeast portion of the nation in small numbers and declared endangered all the way back in 1967. However, their population was effectively destroyed by habitat loss and natural disasters that have plagued the southeast over the last few decades.
Kaua’i ‘o’o
The Kaua’i ‘o’o is a bird native to the Hawaiian Islands. Their unique song can now only be found online through recordings. The bird was listed as endangered in 1967 and the last confirmed sighting came in 1987. Bird species on the islands of Hawaii are particularly vulnerable to extinction due to their isolation, in addition to rising competition brought by invasive species.
