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[00:14.22] As an example, it said nearly 3 billion birds have been lost in North America since 1970.

[00:24.38] “These extinctions highlight the need to take action to prevent further losses,” the agency said in a statement.

[00:35.80] Around the world, about 900 species have been documented as extinct.

[00:43.51] The actual number, however, is thought to be much higher because some are never officially identified.

[00:53.07] Many scientists have warned that the planet is in an “extinction crisis,” with plants and animals disappearing at 1,000 times the historical rate.

[01:07.94] Several scientists said it was possible that one or more of the 23 species included could reappear in the future.

[01:24.16] Cornell University bird biologist John Fitzpatrick is a leading figure in the hunt for the ivory-billed woodpecker.

[01:34.56] He told The Associated Press he thinks it was too early to declare the birds extinct.

[01:49.50] “Little is gained and much is lost” he said of the declaration process.

[01:50.55] Fitzpatrick led a 2005 study that claimed the woodpecker had been rediscovered in eastern Arkansas.

[01:59.85] He said removing a species from the ESA reduces public attention that is needed to help continue environmental protection efforts.

[02:13.40] Officials said the extinction declarations were driven by a desire to clear a backlog of suggested changes for species that had not been acted upon for years.

[02:29.08] They hope this will free up resources for more protection efforts for species that still have a chance for recovery.