Why is the wood stork being removed from the endangered species list?

The wood stork is being delisted due to a significant increase in its population and nesting colonies, indicating a successful recovery.

What is the current population status of the wood stork?

The wood stork breeding population is now estimated at 10,000 to 14,000 nesting pairs spread across approximately 100 colony sites.

What measures are in place after the wood stork's delisting?

A 10-year post-delisting monitoring plan has been established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure the species' recovery is maintained.

Home / Environment / Wood Stork Freed: Endangered Species Recovery Success

Wood Stork Freed: Endangered Species Recovery Success

16 Feb

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Summary

Wood stork population has significantly increased since 1984.
The species breeds in the U.S. and has 10,000-14,000 nesting pairs.
A 10-year monitoring plan ensures the species' continued recovery.

Wood Stork Freed: Endangered Species Recovery Success

The wood stork is being removed from the federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife, marking a significant conservation success. This decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service comes after a substantial recovery in the bird's population and nesting colonies since it was first protected in 1984. Georgia is among the southern states where the wood stork is found.

The species, which is the only stork to breed in the United States, had faced near extinction, with its population declining by over 75% since the 1930s. Habitat loss, particularly in South Florida, was a primary cause of this decline. Today, an estimated 10,000 to 14,000 nesting pairs now thrive across about 100 colony sites, a dramatic increase from its protected status.