The world has witnessed its last extinction event in the modern era, with the Slender-billed Curlew being declared extinct in 1995. As species continue to disappear due to human activities, conservation efforts are underway to protect critically endangered species.
Species extinction is accelerating, with many species disappearing due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. Despite conservation efforts, some animals have been officially declared extinct in recent years, and other species remain on the brink.
Species extinction occurs when a species becomes extinct, meaning it no longer exists in the wild.
This can be due to various factors such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overhunting.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are approximately 27,000 animal species threatened with extinction.
The main cause of species extinction is human activities that disrupt ecosystems and habitats.
It's estimated that up to 1 million species face extinction due to human influence.
The most recent animal to be declared extinct was the ‘Slender-billed Curlew’ (Numenius tenuirostris), a migratory bird once found across Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. Its decline is attributed to habitat loss and hunting. The last confirmed sighting was in Morocco about three decades ago, in 1995.
Another recently declared extinct species is the ‘Chinese Paddlefish‘ (Psephurus gladius), one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, endemic to the Yangtze River in China. Overfishing and habitat fragmentation from dam construction led to its decline. The last confirmed sighting was in 2003.
The ‘Pinta Giant Tortoise‘ (Chelonoidis abingdonii) was also declared extinct in 2015, native to Ecuador’s Pinta Island. The last known individual, ‘Lonesome George,’ died in 2012. Overexploitation and introduced species led to its demise.
Additionally, the ‘Bramble Cay Melomys’ (Melomys rubicola), a small rodent native to a tiny coral island in Australia‘s Great Barrier Reef, was declared extinct in 2015. It is considered the first mammal extinction due to human-induced climate change, as rising sea levels inundated its habitat.
Other recently declared extinct species include the ‘Eight Freshwater Mussel Species’ , which were declared extinct in 2023 due to habitat degradation and pollution in freshwater ecosystems. The ‘Mountain Mist Frog‘ (Litoria nyakalensis) was also declared extinct in 2021, succumbing to the chytrid fungus, while the ‘Sharp-snouted Day Frog’ (Taudactylus acutirostris) faced threats from habitat loss due to mining and logging.
The ‘Slender-billed Curlew’s’ decline is attributed to habitat loss and hunting. The last confirmed sighting was in Morocco about three decades ago, in 1995.
Many species are teetering on the edge of extinction, facing severe population declines due to habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and the introduction of invasive species. Among them is the ‘vaquita,’ a small porpoise native to the Gulf of California, with fewer than 20 individuals left in the wild.
The ‘Javan rhino‘ , found only in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, has fewer than 80 individuals remaining in the wild and faces threats from habitat loss and genetic bottlenecking. Conservationists are working to expand their habitat and strengthen anti-poaching measures to protect the remaining population.
Amphibians have also been hit hard by climate change and disease, with species such as the ‘Titicaca water frog‘ experiencing drastic population declines. Similarly, the ‘pangolin,’ one of the most trafficked mammals in the world, is under extreme pressure due to poaching for its scales and meat.
With the alarming rate of species extinction, numerous conservation initiatives are making a difference in protecting critically endangered species. Organizations like the ‘International Union for Conservation of Nature’ (IUCN) and the ‘World Wildlife Fund’ (WWF) are working tirelessly to safeguard habitats, combat illegal wildlife trade, and establish breeding programs for vulnerable species.
Protected areas and wildlife reserves play a crucial role in conservation. National parks and marine sanctuaries provide safe havens for endangered animals, such as the expansion of habitat protection zones for snow leopards and Amur tigers in Asia.
Protected areas are designated regions set aside to preserve and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.
These areas can be national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, or marine reserves.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are over 225,000 protected areas worldwide, covering around 15% of the Earth's land surface.
Protected areas provide habitat for threatened species, maintain water quality, and support sustainable livelihoods.
Advancements in technology are also contributing to conservation efforts. The use of drones, satellite tracking, and AI-driven monitoring systems helps scientists track endangered populations and identify threats in real-time.
Public awareness and education campaigns are vital in garnering global support for conservation. By promoting sustainable practices, reducing consumer demand for illegal wildlife products, and supporting community-led conservation efforts, people can actively participate in the fight to protect Earth’s biodiversity.
Conservation efforts aim to preserve and protect threatened species, ecosystems, and natural habitats.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 27,000 animal species are threatened with extinction.
Habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities contribute significantly to this issue.
Efforts include establishing protected areas, reintroducing native species, and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
Every effort counts in preventing more species from vanishing forever.
- howstuffworks.com | The Most Recent Extinct Animal Was Last Seen in 1995
