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Depending on the timescale used there are literally hundreds of species of recently extinct animals.
Many of these extinctions are due in large part to human activity. This can take the form of direct interference – such as poaching – and indirect interference – such as habitat destruction.
Below we dig into 8 incredible species and subspecies that have become extinct in the last 150 years.
So before getting started What do you think Extinct means?
The term ‘extinct‘ refers to a particular animal or plant species that have died out, and there being no more individuals alive anywhere in the world. Whilst extinction can be a natural part of evolution, it is also a phenomenon that is greatly enhanced and sped up by human activity.
Splendid Poison Frog
Estimated extinction date: 2020
Splendid poison frog
In 2020, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) declared that the splendid poison frog was extinct. Sadly, that makes the splendid poison frog one of the most recently extinct animals on the planet.
The small red frog, a species of poison dart frog, lived in the neo-tropical forests of Panama in the mountain ranges adjacent to Costa Rica. Common names of the splendid poison frog in Spanish are Rana venenosa and Sapito venenoso.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the cause of the extinction was a fungal outbreak in 1996.
Spix’s Macaw
Estimated extinction date: 2019
The Spix’s macaw is a recently extinct animal from near the Rio São Francisco in Bahia, Brazil. In 2019, the bird known as the “Little Blue Macaw” because of its vibrant blue feathers was declared extinct in the wild. Fortunately, experts have documented about 160 Spix’s macaws in captivity. Scientists and the Brazilian government are working on a planned release of the parrots to the wild in 2021.
The species was popularized in 2011 when the animated movie “Rio” depicted a cartoon characterization of the breed. Early scientists named the species for the German naturalist who documented them in 1819.
Habitat destruction and illegal trapping and trade are what caused the wild Spix’s macaw’s demise.
Northern White Rhinoceros
Estimated extinction date: 2018
The case for northern white rhinoceros, which are extinct in the wild, is not as hopeful as that of the Spix’s macaw. That is because the last two living northern white rhinoceros are both females. As such, they are in captivity and under armed guard at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. When the last male died there in 2018, the scientific community deemed them recently extinct animals.
Northern white rhinos inhabited parts of Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Uganda and are a subspecies of white rhinoceros. Attempts to impregnate the two females with sperm from other white rhino subspecies have been unsuccessful, although zoologists continue to try other fertilization techniques as well as stem cell technology.
Northern white rhinoceros were poached to extinction for their horn, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and believed to have healing properties. According to a recent National Geographic article, there are no proven medical benefits of rhinoceros horns in humans. Unfortunately, rhinos are poached in animal preserves, and that endangers even protected rhinoceros populations.
Baiji
Estimated extinction date: 2017
In 2017 the IUCN declared the baiji critically endangered. The long-nosed river dolphin is also known as the Yangtze River dolphin, as its habitat is China’s Yangtze River. The last documented sighting of the baiji was in 2002, although Baiji Foundation scientists traveled over 3,200 km up the Yangtze River to seek them out in 2006. Their expedition was unsuccessful, and the foundation’s ensuing report stated that the baiji was functionally instinct.
The recently extinct animal is the first dolphin species driven to extinction by humans, says Whale and Dolphin Conservation. Dams and human water management for shipping lanes and other transportation, pollution, and overfishing have caused the creature’s downfall
Pyrenean Ibex
Estimated extinction date: 2000
The Pyrenean ibex, a subspecies of the Spanish ibex, is one more recently extinct animals. The ibex, native to the Pyrenees Mountains on France and Spain’s border, was declared extinct in 2000. During medieval times, the Pyrenean ibex was abundant, but their population decreased due to hunting.
More recently, the ibex’s numbers dwindled as a result of disease and the inability to compete with livestock and wild chamois for food. Its diet consisted of the meager grass, herbs, and lichens found in rocky, mountainous climes. In 2003, scientists announced that the first attempt to clone the Pyrenean ibex had failed.
Animal reserves and wildlife gardens pay a significant. role in protecting the endangered animals, these can be widely seen in huge numbers in the African continent.
Down here are Africa’s best animal reserves
Chobe National Park, Botswana
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The extinction of animals is a global emergency! they play an important role in maintaining the stats of the ecosystem. As those sharing this planet with its the basic duty of each one of us is to protect animal and plant life by standing against deforestation, poaching, and other such activities.
Save wildlife, Save the world.
Let me know what you think about the idea of animal reserves and extinctions.
We come to the end of today's blog, I hope it was a good read.
Wishing you all Happy Friendships day, a Productive month, and healthy life!!