The ivory-billed woodpecker was once common in the forests of the southeastern United States, but it has not been definitively seen since 1944. There have been several reported sightings since then, but none have been confirmed by experts.
The videos that have recently surfaced show a bird that closely resembles the ivory-billed woodpecker. However, experts say that the videos are not clear enough to make a definitive identification. The USFWS is currently working with experts to analyze the videos and determine if they provide enough evidence to declare the bird extinct.
If the USFWS does decide to declare the ivory-billed woodpecker extinct, it would be a significant loss for biodiversity. The bird is an iconic symbol of the American wilderness, and its extinction would be a reminder of the threats facing many other species.
However, the USFWS is also aware of the importance of not making a premature decision. If the bird is still alive, declaring it extinct could hinder conservation efforts. For this reason, the agency is taking a cautious approach and is carefully considering all of the evidence before making a decision.
The USFWS is expected to make a decision on whether to declare the ivory-billed woodpecker extinct by the end of 2023.
