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The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (“ANHC”) stated in its publication Natural News that it had released eight red-cockaded woodpeckers (“RCWs”) in the Warren Prairie Natural Area (“WPNA”).

The WPNA is located in Bradley and Drew Counties in Arkansas.

Translocation is described as:

. . . an additional step toward restoring a self-sustaining population of RCWs at WPNA.

The process is stated to have been initiated in 2010. Continuing the planting of pine stands in the area is projected to provide additional future opportunity for growth of the population. A long-term goal is stated to be an area that will support 30 or more potential nesting pairs.

The RCW is listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The reason for the decrease numbers is stated to be reduction of its critical habitat which consists of “open, mature pine forests” which were once common throughout south Arkansas.

A link to the article can be found here.