Ivory-Billed Woodpeckers proven not to be extinct. Stories like this inspires confidence that there is hope for this world yet. Even though the habitat that once supported a more wide spread distribution is sickenly fragmented, there are pockets of suitable old growth or unmolested habitat. Is it enough to sustain the species? Probably not. But the story is fascinating to watch unfold, as is any story of a species on the brink of extinction. It's clear what (or who) the cause of extinction is and to see that encounters or rediscoveries of rare or endangered species sparks interest in trying to fix the situation or somehow prevent further deterioration is what gives me hope. I remain somewhat of a pessimist though. There is little hope for the Ivory Bill or the countless other species that rely on that particular habitat to sustain their existence. Maybe, just maybe, larger pockets of habitat somewhere will be protected before another community of species will reach their demise.