21 Species Declared Extinct and Removed From Endangered List

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service declared 21 species extinct on Monday, nearly doubling the number of species delisted under the Endangered Species Act due to their eradication.

The list, which contains 10 species of birds, two fish species, eight species of mussels, and one mammal, contains a majority of organisms that were originally listed under the ESA in the 1970s and ‘80s. According to the agency, most of the species were in low numbers and were likely already extinct at the time of listing.

“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,” agency Director Martha Williams said in a statement. “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.” (Read more from “21 Species Declared Extinct and Removed From Endangered List” HERE)

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