In the past century and a half, the world has witnessed the extinction of numerous animal species, each loss a poignant reminder of the impact human activity has on biodiversity. These extinctions, often driven by habitat destruction, climate change, and other human-induced factors, highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts. The extinction of these animals serves as a sobering reminder of the impact human activity has on our planet’s biodiversity. Understanding the reasons behind their disappearance can guide current and future conservation efforts to prevent further loss. Here are ten animals that have vanished from our planet in the last 150 years and the reasons behind their extinction.
Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius)
Last Sighted: 1914
Why Extinct: Once numbering in the billions, the passenger pigeon fell victim to overhunting and habitat destruction. Intensive hunting practices in the 19th century, combined with deforestation, decimated their populations. The last known passenger pigeon, named Martha, died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914.
biolib.cz
Thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus)
Last Sighted: 1936
Why Extinct: Also known as the Tasmanian tiger, the thylacine was native to Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea. Its extinction was primarily due to excessive hunting encouraged by bounties, habitat destruction, and competition with introduced species like dogs. The last known thylacine died in captivity at the Hobart Zoo in 1936.
amazon.com
Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis)
Last Sighted: 1844
Why Extinct: The great auk, a flightless bird native to the North Atlantic, was hunted extensively for its meat, eggs, and feathers. Its population dwindled rapidly due to overharvesting and predation by introduced species. The last known great auks were killed on Eldey Island off Iceland in 1844.
Maurizio Ravasini
Western Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis longipes)
Last Sighted: 2006
Why Extinct: The western black rhinoceros was critically endangered due to poaching for its horn and loss of habitat due to agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts came too late to save the subspecies, and the last confirmed sighting was in 2006 in Kenya. The species was declared extinct in 2011.
© Philip Perry 2009
Pinta Island Tortoise (Chelonoidis Abingdon)
Last Sighted: 2012
Why Extinct: The Pinta Island tortoise was native to the Galápagos Islands. Its extinction was due to overexploitation by whalers and the introduction of non-native species, which disrupted its habitat. The last known individual, Lonesome George, died in 2012, marking the species’ extinction.
inaturalist.nz
Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer)
Last Sighted: 2007
Why Extinct: Also known as the Yangtze river dolphin, the baiji suffered from habitat loss due to dam construction, pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear. Despite conservation efforts, the last confirmed sighting was in 2007, and the species was declared functionally extinct in 2008.
ROBERT L. PITMAN, NOAA Fisheries Ecosystem Studies Program
Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii)
Last Sighted: 2000 (in the wild)
Why Extinct: Native to Brazil, Spix’s macaw faced extinction due to habitat loss, illegal trapping for the pet trade, and habitat destruction. The species was declared extinct in the wild in 2000. However, a few individuals remain in captivity, with ongoing efforts to reintroduce them to their natural habitat.
Jamie Love
Kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus)
Last Sighted: 1990s (in the wild)
Why Extinct: The kākāpō, a flightless parrot native to New Zealand, was heavily impacted by habitat destruction and predation by introduced species like rats and cats. Conservation efforts have managed to save the species from complete extinction, but it remains critically endangered, with fewer than 250 individuals in existence.
inaturalist.org
Formosan Black Bear (Ursus tibetanus formosanus)
Last Sighted: 1970s
Why Extinct: Native to Taiwan, the Formosan black bear was driven to extinction by habitat loss due to deforestation and hunting. Conservation efforts were insufficient to prevent its decline, and the last confirmed sightings were in the 1970s.
fictionrulezforever.fandom.com
Golden Toad (Incilius periglenes)
Last Sighted: 1989
Why Extinct: The golden toad, native to Costa Rica, fell victim to habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change-induced alterations in its environment. A fungal disease also contributed to its decline. The last sighting of this vibrant amphibian was in 1989, and it was declared extinct in 2004.
Education Images/UIG via Getty Images
