u.s. fish and wildlife service u.s. fish & wildlife service recovery … · 2019. 12. 16. ·...

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Common NameIvory-billed Woodpecker

Scientific NameCampephilus principalis

Listing Status and DateEndangered: March 11, 1967(32 FR4001) and June 2, 1970 (35 FR 8495).

Lead Agency/RegionU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceSoutheast Region

Recovery Team LeaderJon Andrew, NWRSSoutheast Regional Office1875 Century BoulevardAtlanta, GA 30345404/679 [email protected]

Lead Field OfficesLafayette, Louisiana Ecological ServicesField Office646 Cajundome BoulevardSuite 400Lafayette, Louisiana 70506337/291 3124

Cache River National Wildlife Refuge26320 Highway 33 SouthAugusta, Arkansas 72006870/347 2614

White River National Wildlife RefugeP.O. Box 20557 South CC Camp RoadSt. Charles, Arkansas 72140870/282 8200

Photo: Bottomland hardwoods at CacheRiver NWR near Brinkley, Arkansas

Recovery Outline for theIvory-billed Woodpecker

Campephilus principalisSeptember, 2005


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Purpose of the Recovery OutlineThis document lays out a preliminarycourse of action for recovery of therecently rediscovered Ivory-billedWoodpecker. It is meant to provideinterim guidance to direct recoveryefforts and inform consultation andpermitting activities and will be replacedby a more comprehensive draft recoveryplan (once that draft has beencompleted). Recovery outlines areintended primarily for internal use bythe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;formal public participation will be invitedupon the release of the draft recoveryplan. However, we will consider any newinformation or comments that membersof the public may wish to offer inresponse to this outline during therecovery planning process. For moreinformation on recovery efforts for theIvory-billed Woodpecker, or to provideadditional comments, interested partiesmay contact Jon Andrew, at the aboveaddress, telephone number, or e-mail

Note on the Information Sourcesand Treatment of UncertaintiesThis recovery outline is based on the bestavailable scientific and commercial data,including the original listing decisions(1967 32 FR 4001 and 1970 35 FR 8495).Research needed to address informationgaps is described in this document andwill be part of the implementation tablein the recovery plan. For issues in whichthere is uncertainty associated with thespecies’ conservation needs, caution willbe exercised until such uncertainty canbe resolved.

Scope of Recovery andAvailable InformationOur intent is to recover the ivory-billedwoodpecker range-wide. Due to its largehistorical range throughout theSoutheastern United States the recoveryeffort will initially focus on areas inArkansas where the bird has been seen.Additionally, other areas where recent,credible reports have occurred, e.g.,Louisiana, will be carefully evaluated.Recovery efforts will be accomplishedwithin an ecosystem context andparticular consideration will initially begiven to habitats within the MississippiAlluvial Valley (MAV).

Following an absence of confirmedreports for more than 60 years, thisspecies was rediscovered in 2004 in theCache River Basin of Arkansas. Due toits extreme scarcity for much of theprevious century, there is very limited

information available on the naturalhistory and ecology of the Ivory-billedWoodpecker. Much of what weunderstand about the ecology andbiology of the species is derived from asingle study by James Tanner conductedin the late 1930s (Tanner 1942). Recentsightings, a poor but diagnostic videoclip, and sound recordings of “doubleraps” and “kent” calls are evidence thatthe species still exists. Information oncurrent status and distribution isotherwise limited to unsubstantiatedsight reports. There have been noconfirmed sightings of the specieselsewhere although several observationsby credible observers have been noted.The quantity, quality and reliability ofinformation on this species is poor.

Research and intensive surveys areanticipated to play a major role in theinitial steps taken toward recoverybecause it is not possible to design acomprehensive recovery strategywithout information on the status of thepopulation. Once such information isobtained, further development ofrecovery actions to include specifichabitat management or protectivemeasures can be developed. Therecovery program for the Ivory-billedWoodpecker requires additional researchon all aspects of the species ecology.

OverviewSpecies Description and Life HistoryThe Ivory-billed Woodpecker belongs toa group of 11 species of largewoodpeckers of the genus Campephilus,inhabiting the Western Hemisphere-primarily Central and South America.Two subspecies are recognized(American Ornithologists’ Union 1998):the Northern Ivory-billed Woodpecker(Campephilus p. principalis) and theCuban Ivory-billed Woodpecker(Campephilus p. bairdii).*

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker has longbeen noted for its striking black andwhite plumage pattern, large white bill,lemon yellow eye and striking crest offeathers – red in males and black infemales (Figure 1). Morphological datafrom recently collected birds are lacking.The best estimates are from specimenrecords which indicate an overall lengthof approximately 48-53 cm, an estimatedwingspan of 76-80 cm and a weight of450-570 g (del Hoyo et al 2002 andJackson 2002). In comparison, thePileated Woodpecker (Dryocopuspileatus) has an overall length of

approximately 40-48 cm and aweight of 250-340 g.

Vocalizations arecomprised of a horn like

“kent” call resemblingthe sound of a toy

trumpet whichfunctions as acontact and

distress call and anasal “yent-yent-

yent” at the nest andduring displays. These

calls are represented in recordings from1935 by A.A. Allen and P. Kellog. There isalso a far carrying call described as“kient-kient-kient” of which no recordingexists. This call is often used among groupmembers, in chorus, prior to a longdistance flight, and reportedly is theloudest contact call of the Ivory-billedWoodpecker, carrying up to a quarter mile(Tanner 1942). Non-vocalizations include arapid, loud knocking which ischaracteristic of most members of thegenus. Rapping is often described as a“double rap” since it consists of two rapidknocks. Raps may also occur singly. TheIvory-billed is also known to have noisywingbeats in flight and a relatively rapidwing-beat frequency.

* The status of Campephilus p. bairdiiin Cuba is uncertain.

All IBW illustrations: ©David Allen Sibley

All photos (except photo above):U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/Larry Richardson

James Tanner on the Singer Tract in the1930s. Photo from Tanner’s collection.


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The Ivory-bill is known to fly distances ofat least several kilometers each daybetween favored roost sites and feedingareas. Information on daily movements isvery limited however.With the exceptionof these daily, relatively short distancemovements in response to food supply orto meet other life history requirementsthe Ivory-billed does not exhibit typicalmigratory behavior (Allen and Kellog1937). However, Tanner (1942) suspectedthat the species might be nomadicdepending on habitat conditions andpopulation density.

Diet is poorly understood and based onanecdotal observations and theexamination of the stomach contents ofsix collected birds. Beetle larvae appearto be an important component of the diet,which are obtained by stripping barkfrom recently dead or dying tree trunksand branches and by excavating rottedwood. Members of the long-hornedbeetle family, Cerambycidae, were notedin several instances but several otherspecies of wood boring beetle larvae havealso been documented. The diet may attimes include various nuts (pecans andacorns) and fruits (hackberry,persimmon, and grapes and poison ivyand possibly tupelo).

Breeding phenology is poorly known.Generally, it is thought that breedingoccurs between January and April.Cavities selected are in a dead or dyingportion of a live tree although in somecases a dead tree may be used. Cavitiesrange from 4.6 m to over 21 m in heightwith nests rarely being excavated below9 m. Nest openings are characteristicallyoval in shape, with an irregularly shapedrim, being somewhat taller than wideranging from 10.2 to 14.6 cm wide and15.2 to 17.1 cm tall. Diameter of thecavity ranges from 17.8 to 26.7 cm incheswith a depth of 44.4 to 63.5 cm. Outsidediameter of the limb supporting thecavity ranged form 33 to 55.9 cm (Tanner1942, Allen and Kellog 1937).

Cavities similar in appearance to nestcavities are used as roost cavities. Roostcavities are used by single individuals,but paired birds or group members oftenroost in trees within a few hundredmeters of each other. The Ivory-billedWoodpecker is reported to be a late riserthat leaves its roost after sunrise.Individuals are faithful to one and thesame roost cavity for extended periods ofup to at least a year and a half. Nestcavities are often constructed in favoredroosting areas and may later become

roost cavities. Thus, in several respectsthe roosting area is the center of activityin an Ivory-billed Woodpecker homerange.

Clutches range from 1-5 eggs but moretypically consist of 2 to 4. Incubation isby both sexes and takes about 20 days.Both adults feed the young for a periodof about 35 days until fledging and theyoung may be fed by the parents for anadditional two months, and forage withand roost near the parents into the nextbreeding season.

Historically the Ivory-billed was valuedfor its ivory colored bill as an ornamentused by Native Americans. Later, therarity of the species made it desirable toprivate egg and specimen collectors andmuseum curators. Natural predators arefew but it is suspected that raccoons orrat snakes may be predators of nestlingsor eggs. Great Horned Owls, Red-shouldered Hawks or Barred Owls maypredate recently fledged birds. Birdsmay also accidentally die as a result ofdamage to nest or roost trees.

Historical and Current Population StatusThe Ivory-bill was once an inhabitant offorested habitats throughout theSoutheastern United States and Cuba(Figure 2). Although there is littlespecific population data available, it islikely that with European settlement andthe clearing of the forest the speciesprobably began a decline which

accelerated in the latter half of the 19thcentury. By the mid-20th century thespecies was reduced to a very smallpopulation. The best studied of thesebirds were those observed by ArthurAllen and James Tanner along the TensasRiver in Louisiana in the late 1930s onwhat was then known as the “SingerTract.” A portion of their study site isnow a part of the Tensas NationalWildlife Refuge. The last widely acceptedsightings were made in the Tensas areaby Don Eckleberry in 1944. Since thattime numerous unconfirmed sightingshave been reported throughout thehistoric range of the species. Many ofthese sightings seemed highly crediblebut hard evidence has been lacking.

In February of 2004, Cornell Laboratoryof Ornithology biologists became awareof credible sight reports of the Ivory-billed in a portion of Bayou DeViewwhich is located on Cache River NationalWildlife Refuge in east-central Arkansas.Subsequently, Cornell biologists andtheir partners documented the presenceof at least one Ivory-billed Woodpeckerin that area (Fitzpatrick et al. 2005).

Credible reports continue to be receivedsporadically elsewhere within the historicrange of the species but confirmingevidence has been lacking.

Habitat Description and LandownershipThe Ivory-billed Woodpecker is a denizenof large, contiguous forests withnumerous large trees. A significantportion of the forest must also be in somestage of decay providing a continuoussupply of food (Jackson 2002).

Bottomland hardwood forests arefrequently noted as important. It isunclear if this view is biased by the scantinformation on habitat use having beengathered near the end of a long period ofpopulation decline. Habitats occupied atthe time most of the studies occurredmay not have been typical or preferredby the species. Rather the habitat mayhave been occupied simply because it wasthe last suitable habitat available. InFlorida, bald cypress (Taxodium spp.)was noted as an important component ofthe forest used by Ivory-billedWoodpeckers, especially in conjunctionwith an adjacent pine forest containingrelatively faster growing softwoodspecies. In the Tensas region, Tannerdocumented use in “upland” sitesinfrequently flooded and forestedprimarily with species such as NuttallOak (Quercus nuttalli), Sweetgum

Ivory-billed Woodpecker habitat at CacheRiver NWR


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(Liquidambar styraciflua) and GreenAsh (Fraxinus pennsylvanicus). Tanneralso observed that habitat used by Ivory-billed Woodpeckers was also highlyfavored by other species of woodpeckers,a high density of other woodpeckerspecies being indicative of good Ivory-billed Woodpecker habitat.

Density estimates provided by Tanner(1942) indicate a highest recordeddensity of one pair/6.25 square miles orsome 4,000 acres of forest habitat inFlorida, and a density of one pair/17square miles or some 11,000 acres of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest atthe Singer Tract in Louisiana. Habitatrequirements likely vary seasonally andwith habitat conditions, populationdensity, food resources and other factors.None of these influencing factors areunderstood for this species. It is clearhowever that the Ivory-bill requireslarge tracts of forest habitat for survival.

Land ownership in the Cache-WhiteRiver Basin is comprised of about326,000 acres in public ownership asNational Wildlife Refuge, State NaturalHeritage or State Wildlife Managementareas. In addition, private conservationinterests, primarily The NatureConservancy of Arkansas and DucksUnlimited hold in fee or easement nearly15,000 acres. In addition to feeownership, the Wetland ReserveProgram (WRP) easements,

administered by the Department ofAgriculture, Natural ResourceConservation Service, totalapproximately 52,882 acres. Togetherthese lands total approximately 394,120acres of current and future habitat that isbeing managed and conserved in thevicinity of the rediscovery.

Summary Biological AssessmentThe recovery potential of the Ivory-billedWoodpecker is uncertain. This is largelydue to the lack of any definitiveinformation on the status of the speciesand its biology and ecology. This lack ofinformation precludes any assessment ofpopulation trend or status and frustratesconclusions on the viability of recoveryefforts. The status of Ivory-billed habitatand its ability to support a recoveringpopulation are also poorly known.

The Ivory-billed has a relatively lowreproductive potential, breeding once peryear and producing 1-3 fledged youngper nest attempt under favorableconditions. Under ideal breeding andhabitat conditions, recovery of thepopulation will take many years.

It is widely believed that the Southernforest that was the principal habitat ofthe Ivory-billed is improving in terms ofits ability to support a viable populationof this species. The worst forestconditions for this species probablyoccurred many decades ago-perhaps asmany as 60-70 years ago. Conservationefforts at the beginning of the 20thcentury coupled with forest growth andimproved management of forest habitatshas led to a much improved habitatcondition for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers.The increased age of the forest and thusthe size and number of trees is believedto provide better foraging conditions.Indeed, it is suggested that therediscovery of the species is related tothe overall recovery of the forestedhabitat within the former range of thespecies.

It is clear that the current status of thisspecies is bleak, but there is realisticreason to hope that recovery to a selfsustaining population is achievable.However, any successful attempt atrecovery will be dependent on the abilityto find additional surviving individuals,learn more about the species, identifylimiting factors, potential habitatrestoration and managementopportunities and quickly applying thisinformation on the ground.

Listing Factors/Primary Threatsto the SpeciesThe final rule (32 FR 4001 and 35 FR8495) did not contain an assessment ofthe primary threats to the Ivory-billedWoodpecker. A description of each ofthese threats is presented below; each isclassified according to the five listing/delisting factors identified in section 4 ofthe Endangered Species Act (“Act”; 16USC 1531 et seq.)

Habitat Loss and Degradation (Factor A)The primary reason for the decrease inIvory-billed numbers throughout itsrange appears to be a reduction insuitable habitat (and indirect destructionof their food source) due to large scaleconversion of forest habitats. Essentialfeatures of Ivory-billed Woodpeckerhabitat include: extensive, continuousforest areas, very large trees, and agentsof tree mortality resulting in acontinuous supply of recently dead treesor large dead branches in mature trees(Jackson 2002). According to Tanner(1942), “In many cases their [Ivory-billedWoodpeckers] disappearance almostcoincided with logging operations. Inothers, there was no close correlation,but there are no records of Ivory-billedinhabiting areas for any length of timeafter those have been cut over.” NoelSnyder (in prep) argues that the closecorrelation between timber harvestingactivities and the decline of the Ivory-billmay reflect an increased exposure topoaching and collecting rather than foodlimitation in logged over forests. Inaddition, specific to the Singer Tract,before large scale logging hadcommenced, Tanner (1942) alsocommented that the reduced occurrenceof recently dead and dying wood wasprobably responsible for declines ofwoodpeckers there.

Habitat loss has probably affected Ivory-billed Woodpeckers since the originalcutting of virgin forest; with some lossesbeing gradual and others occurring veryrapidly. Jackson (1989) estimated that bythe 1930’s only isolated remnants of theoriginal southern forest remained.Forest loss continued with anotherperiod of accelerated clearing andconversion to agriculture of bottomlandhardwood forests of the LowerMississippi Valley during the 1960’s and1970’s. The combined effect of thoselosses has resulted in reduction andfragmentation of the remaining forestedlands. The conversion rate of forest toagricultural lands has reversed in the

Cache River NWR


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past few years. Currently, many publicand private agencies are working toprotect and restore forest habitat.Nevertheless, until more is learned aboutthe Ivory-bill’s habitat requirements, theextensive habitat loss and fragmentationand the lack of information on specifichabitat requirements remain a threat tothis species.

Overutilization for commercial,recreational, scientific, or educationalpurposes (Factor B)Historicalrecordsindicate thatIvory-billedWoodpeckers(bills and theplumage) werecollected andused for variouspurposes bynative andcolonialAmericans.Collectionof ivory-bills forscientificpurposes has been documented since the1800’s. Jackson (2002) presented dataindicating that such collecting resulted inthe taking of over 400 specimens, mostlybetween 1880 and 1910. By itself,overutilization may not have caused thewidespread decline of Ivory-billnumbers. However collecting incombination with the concurrent habitatloss likely hastened the decline of thespecies. It is possible that localpopulations could have been extirpatedby collecting. For example, Ivory-billedare believed to have been reduced byexcessive collecting, rather than as aresult of the conversion of forest habitatsin a small area of the Suwanee Riverregion of Florida. In addition, Tanner(1942) indicated that many Ivory-billswere killed merely to satisfy curiosity.

Small Population Size andLimited Distribution (Factor E)Ivory-billed Woodpecker populationsappear to have been in a state ofcontinuous fragmentation and declinesince the early 1800’s (Jackson 2002,Tanner 1942). Early accounts gave noaccurate or definite estimates ofabundance, but populations wereprobably never large and were limited tohabitats subject to high tree mortality,e.g., areas that were regularly flooded orburned (Jackson 2002). The smallpopulation size and limited distribution ofthe Ivory-billed Woodpecker place thisspecies (previously thought to be extinct)

at risk from naturally occurring eventsand environmental factors. The Ivory-billis currently known to occur in only onearea in southeastern Arkansas. While asubstantial amount of habitat isprotected in the area in which the specieswas rediscovered, threats exist fromnormal environmental stochasticity. Forexample, sporadic natural events such astornados or ice storms could destroy theonly remaining nest or roost trees orsevere weather conditions could result innesting or fledging failures. Additionally,the exact number and genetic health ofremaining birds is unknown. Ivory-billsin small populations are at risk fromgenetic and demographic stochasticevents (such as normal variations insurvival and mortality, genetic drift,inbreeding, etc.).

Summary Threats AssessmentThe primary threats contributingto the listing of the Ivory-billedWoodpecker are habitat loss anddegradation, collection and thesmall size of the remainingpopulation. The number and

location of Ivory-billed Woodpeckerswhich may still remain is not known.Therefore another significant threat inthe short term is our lack of knowledgeof the status of the species, its ecologyand what constitutes suitable habitat.

Lacking additional information on thisspecies it is difficult to determine otherkey factors which may currently bethreatening or hampering recovery. Theproper management and where possible,expansion, of large blocks of contiguousforest represent one of the most valuableconservation measures that could betaken as it is widely believed that loss ofsuch habitats was the principal factorleading to the decline of the species. Ingeneral, forest conditions for this species,especially on public lands, continue toimprove as forest management has beenenhanced, the forest has aged, andtimber volume has increased.

Conservation EffortsCurrent conservation efforts havefocused primarily on learning more aboutthe status and distribution of the speciesin the Cache and White River drainagesof Arkansas. Cornell University and TheNature Conservancy of Arkansas incoordination with the Fish and WildlifeService and the State of Arkansasconducted extensive surveys beginningin the winter of 2004 in an attempt toconfirm the presence of Ivory-billedWoodpeckers. These surveys have

proven to be extremely arduous and haveresulted in a meager number ofsightings. Survey efforts are expected tobe enhanced and refined for the 2005-2006 survey season.

Key areas on Cache River NWR wherethe Ivory-billed Woodpecker has beenrecently observed have been placedunder special management with accesslimited and closely managed to avoidpossible impacts on the nesting, roostingor feeding birds. These managementactions will continue but will be modifieddepending on the level of public use and adetermination of the degree to which thepublic use may have an impact.

Forest management on Cache River andWhite River National Wildlife Refugeshas been suspended while additionalinformation is gathered and the forestmanagement plan is reviewed todetermine if any changes are necessaryto ensure that adverse impacts on Ivory-billed Woodpeckers will not occur.Educational efforts are underway toinform the general public, hunters andanglers of the possible presence of Ivory-billed Woodpeckers in the area and howto report possible sightings. Someexperimentation with methods forenhancing food supply has begun. Such“morticulture” experiments are anattempt to determine the most effectivetechniques for creating habitat for larvalstages of various insects, most notablythe beetles of the family Cerambycidae.

Bottomland hardwoods at Cache River NWR


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There have been no confirmed sightingson the adjacent State lands at Dagmar orBlack Swamp Wildlife ManagementAreas but managers of those areas havealso established a moratorium on timberharvest, are managing public access byproviding viewing points and arefacilitating the ongoing search effort. Inshort, management has beenimplemented under the assumption thatsome birds may still be present.

An active land acquisition program isunderway at Cache River NWR incooperation with The NatureConservancy of Arkansas as therefuge has long been a regionalpriority for land protection in therefuge program. This priority wasprimarily driven by NorthAmerican Waterfowl ManagementPlan objectives for winteringhabitat for the mid-continentmallard population. Since 1995 theFish and Wildlife Service has purchased23,456 acres as additions to Cache RiverNWR. Lands were purchased primarily(74%) using revenue from the MigratoryBird Conservation Fund also known asthe Duck Stamp Fund. The remaininglands were purchased withappropriations under the Land andWater Conservation Fund.

A quantitative delineation of potentialIvory-billed habitat to be used in supportof decision making on any potentialhabitat management actions is being

developed under the umbrella of therecovery effort.

In May of 2005 a series of three “TownHall” meetings were held in thecommunities of Brinkley, Stuttgart andAugusta to provide information on therediscovery and the first steps which areexpected to be taken towards recovery.Concerns over potential land acquisitionplans, impacts on public use andquestions about the natural history of thespecies were answered. Similar meetingsare planned for the fall/winter of 2005-2006. Other outreach efforts includeinterpretive materials on how to identifyan Ivory-billed Woodpecker, where toreport sightings, informational signageand interpretive programs.

Summary Conservation EffortsConservation efforts to date have beendirected toward confirming the existenceof the species and learning more about it.Nevertheless, very little is known aboutthe status of the species in Arkansas orelsewhere in its historic range.

The principal conservation actions to betaken include improving and expandingthe survey effort in Arkansas as well asother formerly occupied locations anddescribing the habitat of the speciessufficiently so that the most likelylocations for other extant populations maybe identified and searched. Additionalefforts include evaluating currentmanagement practices and their effects onIvory-bills and conducting public outreachand education.

Conservationefforts for thisspecies arecontinuing inearnest as aresult of therediscovery andthe formation ofthe recoveryteam. The

rediscovery has ignited significantinterest on the part of the general publicand conservation organizationsnationally and internationally. Strongsupport exists for taking the neededsteps to assess population status,delineate habitat and determine theproper management actions which mightbe needed. Such efforts are planned tobe undertaken immediately with lateractions adapted once additionalinformation on the species is obtained.

Summary Assessment of Recovery StatusThe overall status of the species isunknown and remains the key aspect ofthe recovery effort most in need ofattention. Therefore, extensive surveywork, refinement of survey methods,research and development of a habitatmodel are the most immediate recoveryactions needed.

In theinterim,forest habitatbelieved tosupport anyremainingIvory-billedWoodpeckersshould bemanagedunder theassumptionthat thespecies ispresent. Thiswould notnecessarilyrequiresignificant changes in some aspects ofmanagement. Traditional public useactivities have occurred for manydecades with no apparent or documentedimpact. Indeed, if a population still existsit has done so amidst intensive publicuse, including duck hunting and othertypes of hunting and fishing. Forestmanagement plans will need to bereevaluated to determine what, if any,changes may be needed to provide forenhanced habitat for the Ivory-billedWoodpecker.

A substantial outreach and educationprogram is needed. The perceivedabsence of the Ivory-billed Woodpeckerfor such a long period has resulted in ageneral lack of understanding of theecology of the species, its uniqueness andthe need to conserve it for futuregenerations. A successful conservationprogram for the species is contingentupon public support, especially those inlocal communities in close proximity tothe rediscovery. It is fortunate that thelocal community has such a strongconnection with the natural environment.Alienation of this important constituencyshould be avoided. Rather, a proactiveapproach is required to keep the localpublic informed on developments inmanagement and recovery. Success inthis effort will play a major role inimproving the chances for successfulrecovery.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker habitat at CacheRiver NWR

Once thought extinct, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker was rediscoveredin the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas in 2004. Sightings, video andaudio recordings from Cache River National Wildlife Refuge andaudio recordings from White River National Wildlife Refuge give newhope that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has survived.

You can help■ Learn to identify the bird and report all sightings. For information

or to report a sighting log on to www.birds.cornell.edu/ivory or callthe Game and Fish Commission at 1/800 364 4263.

■ Stay informed about the Recovery Program. Landowners andcitizens can get the latest information about the Ivory-billedWoodpecker Recovery Plan at www.fws.gov/ivorybill.

Ivory-billedWoodpecker

Ivory-billedWoodpecker

PileatedWoodpecker

PileatedWoodpecker

Ivory-billed WoodpeckerBe on the lookout

Illustrations: ©David Allen Sibley

The Ivory-billed Woodpecker resembles the Pileated Woodpecker.Please be aware of each bird’s characteristics.

2005-06 Federal Duck Stamp


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Preliminary Recovery StrategyRecovery Priority NumberThe Ivory-billed Woodpecker is assigneda recovery priority number of 18 on ascale of 1C (highest) to 18 (lowest; the“C” indicates the potential for conflictwith human economic activities)(USFWS 1983a,b).

This priority system is designed to directour efforts toward the plants and animalsin greatest need. In this priority system,the degree or magnitude of threat is thehighest criterion, followed by theimmediacy of the threat and thetaxonomic distinctiveness of the species(monotypic genus, then species, thensubspecies, variety or vertebratepopulation). As we obtain more data andknowledge regarding this species, itshabitat requirements, and potentialthreats, the Ivory-billed Woodpecker’srecovery number will very likely change.

Recovery Goal and ObjectivesRecovery to the point that protections ofthe ESA are no longer necessary – inother words delisting – is the goal ofevery recovery plan. However, in thecase of this species, where there islimited available information on thethreats it faces, down-listing fromendangered to threatened will be theinterim objective of the recovery plan.

It is difficult to determine the extent ofrecovery which could be possible for thisspecies. We know very little about thenumbers and distribution of Ivory-billsneeded to sustain a viable population.The range of the species has changedsignificantly since European settlement.Habitat conditions for the species havechanged dramatically in the 60 yearssince it was last confirmed. With theexception of increased forest loss in the1960s and 1970s the overall condition ofthe historic habitats of the Ivory-bill arethought to have improved from thedeclines of the late 19th and the first halfof the 20th centuries. Today a substantialamount of forest remains and is reachingan age and structure thought to be moresuitable to support Ivory-billedWoodpeckers. At this time it is at leastpossible to assume that viablepopulations could be sustained in ahandful of areas such as the Cache andWhite River Basins in Arkansas, theAtchafalaya and Pearl River areas ofLouisiana, the Lower Suwannee,Appalachicola and Chipola River areas ofFlorida or perhaps the Santee Riverdrainage of South Carolina. Specific

delineation of what might constituterecovery awaits more thorough analysisof the habitat which remains and what aminimum viable population mightrequire. However, a substantial andsustained increase in numbers will berequired before downlisting could occur.

Recovery will likely require moreintensive, careful management andassemblage of larger block sizes ofhabitat through acquisition in fee orconservation easement. This is somewhatconsistent with current approaches toforest management on public lands in theLower Mississippi Valley region andwould not require a major shift inconservation planning.

An assessment of threats to the speciesbeyond the simple lack of knowledgeregarding population viability andhabitat quantity or quality will need to bemade. Other sources of mortality orthreats to population viability are notclearly known at this time.

Initial Action PlanListed below are the initial actionsbelieved to be necessary for the recoveryof the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. All or apart of these actions are expected to beimplemented prior to completion of thefull recovery plan scheduled for thespring of 2007. The tasks listed will alsobe incorporated, as appropriate, into thedraft recovery plan as it is developed.

1.0 Decision-based Population andHabitat MonitoringNeedAdditional Ivory-billed survey workfocused primarily in the Cache and WhiteRiver Basins is considered the highestpriority short term action. Additionalsurvey work is needed in other parts ofthe historical range where habitat andsighting information indicates potentialfor presence of the species. Accordingly,there exists a need for survey protocoldevelopment, training of surveyors and arepository or data base for all sightingsreceived by the Recovery Teamaccompanied by a management plan(validation methods, prioritization ofvalidity of reports etc.) for thatinformation.

PurposeTo coordinate the design andimplementation of a multi-scalemonitoring program that explicitlyaddresses biological planning andprogrammatic decision-makingprocesses.

Population MonitoringTask 1.1: Develop protocols/proceduresfor recording, classifying, andresponding to reported Ivory-billedWoodpecker sightings.

Task 1.2: Develop and implement winter2005/2006 search plan for the Cache/Lower White River basin.

Old-growth bottomland hardwood forest at Cache River NWR


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Task 1.3: Develop adaptive-based surveydesign to facilitate (expanded) searchefforts based on ancillary data (e.g.,previous sightings, output from biologicalmodels, spatial data on distribution ofstressed/dying trees).

Task 1.4: Develop teams which could bedeployed to rapidly assess the veracity ofsightings in other areas.

Task 1.5: Identify a team of Fish andWildlife Service field biologists who couldbe deployed to assist with ongoingsurvey efforts in Arkansas and elsewherebased on the outcomes from habitatmodeling and any promising reports ofsightings that may be received.

Habitat MonitoringTask 1.6: Develop protocols/proceduresfor coordinated, ground-based forestinventory/monitoring program designedto identify characteristics important toIvory-billed Woodpeckers.

Task 1.7: Develop web-based, forestinventory geodatabase to consolidate andarchive data.

Task 1.8: Pursuenew remotesensingtechnologies anddata (e.g.,LiDAR, ASTER)to augmentground-basedinventory/monitoringactivities.

Task 1.9:Characterize andassess theadequacy offoraging habitatas determined byforest inventory/monitoringprograms andassess theefficiency andeffectiveness offorestmanagementprescriptionsintended toincrease foraginghabitat.

2.0 Population/Habitat ModelsNeedIn order tofacilitate survey

efforts identified above in Section 1.0 andto inform potential management actionsin the future there is a need to delineatequantitatively the relationship betweenIvory-billed Woodpecker populations andhabitat.

PurposeDevelop population/habitat relationshipmodels that guide and informconservation planning, assessment, andmanagement at multiple spatial scales(site-scale, Cache/Lower White Riverbasin; Mississippi Alluvial Valley eco-region; historic range across thesoutheastern United States).

Task 2.1: Express Tanner’s Ivory-billedWoodpecker study conclusions for theSinger Tract population as an energeticforaging model.

Task 2.2: Develop Cache/Lower WhiteRiver basin Ivory-billed Woodpeckerpopulation/habitat model to guide thedevelopment of forest inventory/monitoring programs, as well as tofacilitate landscape characterizations andassessments.

Task 2.3: Where appropriate, refineCache/Lower White River basin Ivory-billed Woodpecker model to develop aMississippi Alluvial Valley Ivory-billedWoodpecker population/habitat model toguide the development of forestinventory/monitoring programs, as wellas to facilitate landscapecharacterizations and assessments.

Task 2.4: Develop range-wide potentialoccupancy model based on outputs fromTask 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 to facilitate searchefforts across the southeastern portion ofthe United States.

Task 2.5: Conduct forest inventories onWhite and Cache River National Wildlife

Refuges and other locations as deemedappropriate to better define the existingforest stand, its ability to support Ivory-billed Woodpeckers and determine whatforest management might be needed toreach a desired future forest condition.

Task 2.6: Develop estimates of thepossible existing population using LifeTable methodology and information onavailable habitat and territory size.

Models will address landscape qualityand site quality factors presumed to limitIvory-billed Woodpecker populations.Model assumptions and risks ofuncertainty will be documented astestable hypotheses.Habitat specificparameters will bebased oncurrentlyavailabledata at theappropriatescale as wellas dataexpected to beavailable in thenear-future.

3.0 AssumptionDriven ResearchNeedResearch directed at testing thebiological assumptions otherwise implicitin management actions is needed.

PurposeResearch directed at testing biologicalassumptions. Specifically, theassumptions integrated into theestablishment of biological goals andobjectives, as well as, the biologicalresponse presumed to occur from on-the-ground management actions.

Cache River NWR


9

Task 3.1: Assess causative agents of treemortality, decay rates, and standreplacement processes. Specifically,information is needed on:

1. naturally occurring tree mortality,snag formation, and decay rates acrosselevation gradients, hydrologicregimes, and soil classes; and

2. tree mortality and snag formation as aresult of “typical” silviculturaltreatments (e.g., thinning) acrosselevation gradients, hydrologicregimes, and soil classes.

Task 3.2: Assess methods for“artificially” increasing forage-base.Specifically, information is needed ontree species mortality, decay rates andbeetle densities using manipulativesilvicultural treatments to stress thetrees (e.g., girdling, injection) acrosselevation gradients, flooding regimes,and soil classes.

Task 3.3: Assessment of densities ofbeetle larvae (Cerambycidae) larvae(e.g., in the cambium between the barkand sapwood and in the sapwood ofstressed/dying trees). Specifically,information is needed on:

1. beetle densities in trees dying ofnatural processes;

2. beetle densities in trees dying as aresult of “typical” silviculturaloperations (e.g., thinning);

3. beetle densities in trees dying as aresult of “artificial” silviculturaloperations (e.g., girdling, injections);

4. methods of conducting forage-base,rapid assessments; and

5. general life history data of wood boringbeetles.

Task 3.4: Summarize and compile in adata base the existing literature on theIvory-billed Woodpecker including grayliterature, video and audio material.Compile a record of the locations of allknown specimens.

4.0 Landscape Characterizationand AssessmentNeedThe ability of the Mississippi AlluvialValley and specifically the Cache andWhite River Basins to support recoverypopulations is unknown. The ability ofother habitats within the historic rangeto support recovery populations is alsounknown.

PurposeCharacterize the ability of the Cache/Lower White River basin and theMississippi Alluvial Valley BirdConservation Region to support Ivory-billed Woodpecker populations based oncurrent and/or projected landscape andsite quality conditions. Assess otherparts of the species range in terms of itsability to support Ivory-billedWoodpecker.

Task 4.1: Conduct an assessment of theextent and distribution of foraginghabitat (e.g., stressed/dying trees) withinthe Cache/Lower White River basinbased on fall 2004 high resolution, colorinfrared aerial photography.

Task 4.2: Develop forest type map of theCache/Lower White River basin based onFall 2004 high resolution, color infraredaerial photography.

Task 4.3: Analyze 1940 Singer Tractaerial photography for a retrospectivelook at Tanner’s data using new ancillarydata and technologies (e.g., stereoscopicphoto interpretation, SURRGO soilsdata, Saucier geomorphology data).

Task 4.4: Assessment of “suitable”habitat across the MAV and the historicrange based on the application ofbiological models to currently availabledata sets (e.g., FIA, aerial photography,or other remote sensed data [LiDAR]).

Task 4.5: Pursue new remote sensingtechnologies and data (e.g., LiDAR,ASTER) to better characterize thelandscape based on parameters identifiedin biological models.

5.0 Conservation DesignNeedSpatially explicit population and habitatobjectives are not known for Ivory-billedWoodpecker but are needed in support of

decision making related to conservationand management of the species.

PurposeEstablishment of biological objectives(population and habitat) based on inputand output parameters from biologicalmodels. These objectives and parameterssubsequently form the basis of decisionsupport tools that define in a spatially-explicit manner, the landscape conditionspresumed and/or predicted to supportIvory-billed Woodpecker populations.

Task 5.1: Establish population goals andobjectives at multiple spatial andtemporal scales.

Task 5.2: Establish habitat goals andobjectives that support the populationgoals and objectives and reflect:

1. management of extant (bottomland)forests;

2. protection of extant (bottomland)forests; and

Bottomland hardwoods at Cache River NWR


10

3. restoration of (bottomland) forests atmultiple spatial scales.

Task 5.3: Based on biological models,develop decision support tools thatfacilitate the delivery of conservationprograms by maximizing the biologicaland cost efficiency of managementactions.

Task 5.4: Produce maps and technicaldocuments (e.g., management guidelines)that land managers and planners canutilize to implement conservationprograms across multiple spatial scales.

Task 5.5: Identify through forestmanagement planning and the bestavailable information the habitatenhancements which will lead to foreststands with the Desired FutureConditions.

6.0 Education and OutreachNeedThe re-discovery of the Ivory-billedWoodpecker generated a great amount ofpublic interest. The recovery effortinvolves many stakeholders playing

many different rolesincluding assistingwith searches andin reporting ofsightings. There isa need to developa consistentmessageregarding theService’srecovery planandassociated

activities. Thereis also a need to develop

infrastructure and business plans toenhance opportunities to learn about theecology of the Ivory-bill and its habitat.

PurposeIdentify a consistent message on theapproach of the recovery effort anddevelop a communications plan to beused by Team members and to keepmembers of the general public and otherinterested parties informed and involvedin the recovery effort. The message willchange as more is learned through therecovery process.

Task 6.1 Develop a communications planand strategy for how best tocommunicate progress and issuesencountered by the Recovery Team (nowunderway).

7.0 Public Use and Accessin Occupied HabitatNeedPublic use activity could increase tolevels where impacts on Ivory-billedWoodpeckers or their habitat may resultand no policy or guidelines exist formanagement of public use.

PurposeProvide guidelines for management ofpublic use so that policies are consistenton refuge lands and managed to avoidimpacts on Ivory-billed woodpeckers.

Task 7.1 Develop guidelines for publicuse and other activities in Ivory-billedWoodpeckers habitat. For example,develop types of use, timing and amountof activity in the vicinity of known roostor nest trees as well as habitat known tobe used for foraging.

Task 7.2 Develop public access andviewing points such as boardwalks,towers, blinds and platforms.

8.0 Management of aRediscovered PopulationNeedRediscovery of nesting or roostingbird(s) will result in intense interest onthe part of researchers and landmanagers. The overall managementapproach, protocols for research andmonitoring and ESA and Refuge permitprocedures need to be developed toassure the necessary work is completed

Monday, Sept

ember 26 - 7:

00 pm

Brinkley Con

vention Cent

er - Mallard

Room

1501 Weather

by Drive, Brin

kley, AR

Tuesday, Sept

ember 27 - 7:

00 pm

Phillips Comm

unity College

of the Univer

sity of Arkans

as

Seminar Roo

m

U.S. Highway

165 South, St

uttgart, AR

Agency repr

esentatives w

ill be discuss

ing the reco

very effort,

what you can

expect, and

will be availa

ble to answe

r your

questions.

The Ivory-bi

lled Woodpe

cker, though

t extinct sinc

e it was

last seen in t

he 1940s, wa

s reported in

2004 at the

Cache Rive

r

National Wil

dlife Refuge.

For more in

formation:

Contact Cac

he River Na

tional Wildli

fe Refuge at

870/347 207

4

Arkansas Ga

me & Fish C

ommission a

t 800/364 426

3

Visit http://w

ww.fws.gov/

ivorybill or h

ttp://www.ag

fc.com

U.S. Fish & W

ildlife Servic

e / Arkansas

Game and F

ish Commiss

ion

Ivory-billed W

oodpecker

Town Hall Me

etings

The U.S. Fis

h and Wildl

ife Service

and the Arka

nsas Game a

nd Fish Com

mission

invite intere

sted citizens

to attend

two town ha

ll meetings,

September 26

and 27,

to learn mor

e about the r

ecovery

of the Ivory

-billed Wood

pecker.

Illustration

: © David A

llen Sibley

without impact to nesting or roostingbirds. There will also continue to be aneed for management of forestedhabitats to continue towards achievementof an identified Desired FutureCondition.

PurposeProvide policy framework for habitatmanagement, population monitoring andresearch activities so that these activitiesmay proceed and benefit recoverywithout resulting in adverse impacts.

Task 8.1: Develop guidelines formonitoring of nesting, roosting orfeeding Ivory-billed Woodpeckers. Forexample, methods and procedures to beused to monitor the rediscovered bird(s)and draft permits authorizing themonitoring activity.

Task 8.2: Assess the need forintervention to enhance reproductivesuccess, productivity and survival.

Task 8.3: If feasible determine genetichealth and viability of the population.

Task 8.4: Consistent with a DesiredFuture Condition of forested habitats inthe Mississippi Alluvial Valley identifiedin coordination with the overall recoveryeffort and an ecological assessment of thearea implement reforestation activitiesand forest management practices whichwill benefit the Ivory-billed Woodpeckerand its habitat.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker habitat at Cache River NWR


11

Preplanning DecisionsPlanning ApproachThe approach to be used in developmentof the recovery plan is included in theTerms of Reference as approved oramended by the Executive Committee.

Information ManagementInformation on the recovery of thisspecies will be housed at the AtlantaRegional Office of the Fish and WildlifeService and at the Lafayette, LouisianaEcological Services Field Office.

Recovery Plan ScheduleRegional Office Review DraftApril 2006

Public Review DraftSeptember 2006

Public Comment Period EndsJanuary 2007

Final Recovery PlanJune 2007

Stakeholder InvolvementKey stakeholders are listed in the Termsof Reference attached as Appendix 1.

Stakeholder Involvement StrategyThe current Recovery Team includes anextensive assortment of localstakeholders. The Corridor of HopeTeam, as part of the recovery team, willaid in communications of the work andprogress of the recovery activities andalso provide feedback to the team.Involvement of these members coupledwith periodic Town Hall type meetingsand news releases will assist in keepinglocal stakeholders informed and involved.A plan on the specific approach to betaken is under development incoordination with the State of Arkansasand other recovery team members.

Approved:

______________________________________________Regional Director, Southeast RegionU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

______________________________________________

Date

CitationU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2005.Recovery Outline for the Ivory-billedWoodpecker. Atlanta, GA 17 pp.

References and Supporting LiteratureAllen, A.A. and P.P. Kellogg. 1937. Recentobservations on the ivory-billedwoodpecker. Auk 54: 164-184.

del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott and J. Sargatal,eds. 2002. Handbook of the Birds of theWorld, Vol. 7. Jacamars to Woodpeckers.Lynx Edicions. Barcelona, Spain.

Fitzpatrick, J.W., M. Lammertink, M.D.Luneau, Jr., T.W. Gallagher, B.R.Harrison, G.M. Sparling, K.V. Rosenberg,R.W. Rohrbaugh, E.C.H. Swarthout, P. H.Wrege, S.B. Swarthout,, M.S. Dantzker,R.A. Charif, T.R. Barksdale, J.V. Remsen,S.D. Simon, and D. Zollner. 2005. Ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilusprincipalis) persists in continental NorthAmerica. Science 308: 1460-1462.

Jackson, J.A. 1989. Past history, habitats,and present status of the ivory-billedwoodpecker (Campephilus principalis).Report to the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService, Atlanta, GA.

Jackson, J. A. 2002. Ivory-billedWoodpecker (Campephilus principalis).In: The birds of North America, No. 711(A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds ofNorth America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.

Cache River NWR

Jackson, J.A. 2004. In Search of theIvory-billed Woodpecker. SmithsonianBooks. Washington D.C. 294 p.

Tanner, J. T. 1942. The Ivory-billedwoodpecker. National Audubon SocietyResearch Report No. 1, Audubon Society,New York.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983a.Endangered and threatened specieslisting and recovery priority guidance.Federal Register 48:43098-43105.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1983b.Endangered and threatened specieslisting and recovery priority guidelinescorrection. Federal Register 48:51985.

October 3, 2005

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