A tiny, colorful songbird could be removed from the endangered species list after 20 years because the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service believes it isn't distinct enough. Sadly, the Southwestern willow flycatcher has not recovered its population enough to warrant removal.
Native songbirds like this one are essential to maintaining our ecosystem's balance by eating insects. Their calls and colorful appearance contribute to our landscape's beauty. But bird scientists have noticed a troubling decline in songbirds over the recent years due to climate change, loss of habitat and competition from invasive species.
We cannot afford to lose another songbird because of a technicality. As Michael Robinson, conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity says, "It's by no means certain that this subspecies that has been recognized as such will be lumped in as just any flycatcher. Everything we've seen is this little bird desperately needs the safety net of the Endangered Species Act."
Please sign the petition to urge Fish and Wildlife to keep the Southwestern willow flycatcher on the endangered species list!
Dear Director Ashe,
I am deeply saddened by your plans to delist the southwestern willow flycatcher despite the fact that its population hasn't recovered.
Native songbirds like this one are essential to maintaining our ecosystem's balance by eating insects. Their calls and colorful appearance contribute to our landscape's beauty. But bird scientists have noticed a troubling decline in songbirds over the recent years due to climate change, loss of habitat and competition from invasive species.
We cannot afford to lose another songbird because of a technicality. As Michael Robinson, conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity says, "It's by no means certain that this subspecies that has been recognized as such will be lumped in as just any flycatcher. Everything we've seen is this little bird desperately needs the safety net of the Endangered Species Act."
I respectfully urge you to reconsider your plans. Please keep the Southwestern willow flycatcher on the endangered species list! Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.
[Your comments here]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
