Science

Imperial woodpecker returns to life as a detailed digital specimen

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 15/10/2026, 23:25:25 UTC.

Briefings

Researchers released a 3D animated model of the imperial woodpecker (Campephilus imperialis), a species confirmed extinct in the wild since 1956. The model combines a museum specimen with the only surviving film footage of the living bird, making it freely accessible for scientific study and public education.

Key points

• The imperial woodpecker (Campephilus imperialis) was confirmed extinct in the wild in 1956, with no living individuals recorded since that date.
• The digital model synthesizes a museum specimen with the only known film footage of the living bird, providing a unique visual record for scientific and educational purposes.

Context and limitations

The model relies on a single museum specimen and one film recording; it does not represent the full population history or genetic diversity of the species.

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