What is being done to save the ivory-billed woodpecker from extinction?

Answer 1

On the chance that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker still exists, people can do a few things to help.

First of all, if you see one or think you see one, get a picture of it. If that's not possible, make a very, very detailed description of it, without looking at any pictures or guides. Report it to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which spearheaded the search for the species. They are still looking for a substantiated report of one, as undeniable proof that there is still a living bird of this species. Without this, protection for the species is limited.

Second, look into any old-growth forests in the South where the Ivory-bill once lived. Help to preserve any remaining tracks of pristine or nearly-pristine mature swampland. Without the habitat it requires, there is no chance for it to survive.

Finally, spread the word. Due to the fact that there is a very low chance of finding what few birds may still be alive, and partially due to the fact that very little of the original funding remains, active searching by the official ornithological community has stopped, although individual ornithologists and bird enthusiasts still continue to look for it. If the story of the Ivory-bill fades into obscurity, then we may lose the chance to save it forever.

As another note, even if this magnificent bird is gone from the world forever, its story can be used to symbolize the danger species are in within the United States. Too often, endangered species are "over there" - the panda, the elephant, the jaguar. The Ivory-bill was in our own backyard, and we still managed to turn a blind eye as it vanished.

Many areas in the south are protecting old growth forests, which is good for what few ivory billed woodpeckers may exist. Also, the jaguar is not considered endangered, but near threatened.

Answer 2

The Nature Conservancy and other groups have purchased thousands of acres of bottomland forest to help this critically endangered species, and Auburn and Cornell continue their research projects.

Answer 3

The red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) is endangered due to habitat loss and degradation. They evolved in the fire-maintained open pine forest that dominated the south before humans nearly wiped out the natural forest. RCW require old pine trees to roost and nest in and will abandon the cavity if the forest around the tree is too dense. Their cavities are in living pine trees and may take years to create. All of this adds up to the fact that RCW need a very specific type of fire-maintained, open, pine forest with large enough pine trees for cavities.

On large properties, such as military bases and national forests, the natural forest is being recreated by frequent prescribed fires to keep the forest open and open up forests that have been over grown by hardwoods due to the lack of fire for the last few decades. Pine trees are being allowed to grow large enough for the RCW to create cavities. Humans also create cavities by drilling cavities or inserting a nest box into large pine trees.

As new area of land become suitable for RCW, and cavities are supplied by managers, RCW populations respond moving into the new areas and therefore creating more and more breeding groups. Biologists also move individual birds from large populations to smaller ones that need a little extra boost.

Short of writing a novel on the subject, that about explains it. There is an excellent book about RCW surviving in a fire maintained ecosystem if you want more information.

Answer 4

Preserving habitat in their former haunts. The Nature Conservancy recently purchased 50,000 acres in North Carolina's Green Swamp after reliable reports of ivorybills came from the area. Also, land has been set aside in Louisiana, Arkansas, South Carolina and Florida.

Answer 5

red cocked wood pecker is saved by growing pine trees and not cutting pine trees.

Answer 6

Preserve southern riverine forests, the home of the ivory bill.

Answer 7

By protecting not only the few remaining birds, but the riverine habitats where they reside.

Answer 8

Vast areas of pine forests are being preserved across the south.

Answer 9

They are fully protected, and several agencies are buying land in several states to protect their habitat.