Animal Species That Went Extinct

The world can be a cruel place for many animals. While scientists keep recording new specific discoveries, other animal species are becoming extinct. Humans remain a major part of the extinction of these animal species.  Whether it’s through overhunting, habitat degradation or loss, or the introduction of non-native species, humans remain at the forefront of causing these extinctions. 

It is wild how many of us still think of extinct animals as dinosaurs, mammoths, saber-tooth tigers, or T-Rexes. The reality is that current animal species, such as rhinos, birds, fish, tortoises, and frogs, are going extinct.

It is a sad reality that our continued existence on Earth is a threat to all other animal species. Further studies indicate that human activity will continue to destroy more animal species.

In tribute to recent events in the animal kingdom, we look into various animal species that went extinct. 

Thylacine

One animal, most archaeologist students turn to an online essay writing service to find more details about is Thylacine. Before the European settlement, it’s estimated that there were as many as 5,000 Thylacines. However, the species became extinct alarmingly due to continuous hunting and habitat destruction.

It’s heartbreaking to know that such a unique and amazing species like the Thylacine went extinct due to human activities. We must learn from our past mistakes and take necessary measures to protect and conserve the remaining endangered species.

The Thylacine was a large carnivorous marsupial with black stripes on its back. It was mostly active at night and shy, so it didn’t usually interact with humans.

There are fossil remains of the Thylacine in Papua New Guinea, and others spread throughout Australia’s mainland and Tasmania. 

It is estimated that over 3,000 Thylacines were killed by humans between 1830 and 1920, contributing to their rapid decline. The introduction of dogs and foreign diseases further decimated their population, making it nearly impossible for them to survive.

Despite being declared a protected species in 1936, the last known individual died just two months later, marking the official extinction of this remarkable animal.

Passenger Pigeon

It’s truly unfortunate how human actions have led to the extinction of various species. One such example is the passenger pigeon. It’s hard to imagine that over 3 billion of them once roamed the earth.

However, due to habitat loss and commercial exploitation of their meat, they became extinct in 1914, with only one remaining pigeon left. It serves as a reminder of our actions’ impact on the environment and the importance of conservation efforts.

Due to the large flocking nature of the birds, they become subject to hunting. The continued demand for pigeon meat and hunting sprees caused its population to dwindle below the threshold to propagate new species. 

In addition, any competent writer from an essay writing service can pinpoint deforestation as a major factor contributing to its extinction. In 1857, the Ohio State Legislature passed laws protecting the passenger pigeon. Unfortunately, it was ineffective to stop the growing demand for pigeon meat. 

The last known Passenger Pigeon died in captivity at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1914. A memorial statue was erected at the zoo to honor the species.

Northern White Rhinoceros

Sadly, the fourth rhinoceros subspecies is the latest land mammal to disappear from Earth. Experts remember the social nature that separates it from its subspecies. They largely graze the grasslands and remain in herds. 

The animal was declared officially extinct in 2018. This is due to years of illegal poaching and degradation in their natural habitat. This was when Sudan, the last male species, died of old age. It means that the number of animal species on Earth is small enough to bear any critical role in the ecosystem function. 

Only two female Northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, reside in Ol Pojeta Conservancy in Kenya. 

The first revelation of the Northern white rhinos dates back to over 115 years ago. The subspecies maintained a healthy population until the late 1960s. The high tolerance to poaching and civil war led to a massive decline in their population. 

Spix Macaw

Famously known as the Blue Macaw, the bird was an enigma with roots drawn deep in Brazil. The grey-headed blue parrot was identified in 1832 by Johann Baptist Ritter von Spix. In 1987, only one male species remained in the world. It was later declared officially extinct in 2019 by the International Union for Conservancy of Nature.

Some reasons behind its extinction were largely due to habitat loss and illegal poaching of the bird due to the booming wild bird trade. 

Fortunately, up to 60-80 Spix Macaw are kept in captivity. However, it is still being determined whether the birds were raised in captivity to keep up with the new developments in their habitat by human interference. 

Pyrenean Ibex

Two decades ago, a wild goat species went extinct. In 2000, the Pyrenean Ibex went extinct after a rather unfortunate event. A tree landed on the two remaining species, ending the subspecies’ existence. 

In 2003, the Pyrenean Ibex became non-existent for the second time when the newborn clone died in a Spanish laboratory. This sparked much debate in the scientific world, with conservancies calling for protection of endangered species. 

The history of the Ibexes dates back 30,000 years ago, with scientists finding carvings on the walls of caves. The subspecies of Pyrenean Ibex moved into the mountains of Ibrea and France. 

Historical records show that during this time, the species’ population flourished. In the 1800s, its population started dwindling due to hunting and habitat loss. By 1910, only 40 known Ibexes remained in a national park. 

Western Black Rhino

Like their counterparts, the Western Black Rhinos were among the large mammals in Africa’s tropical and subtropical grasslands. It stands as one of the four main subspecies of black rhinos worldwide. 

At the early beginning of the 1900s, a million black rhinos existed across four subspecies. But by 2001, their population had plummeted to just over 2,000 rhinos and three subspecies.

The rise in sports hunting and habitat destruction has led to a decrease in the numbers of these species. The increased illegal poaching and Asian wild animal trade decreased its population until it became extinct by 2003. 

Key Takeaway

It is our sole responsibility to take care of endangered species on earth. Most of them are due to human interference with the habitat or hunting. Moreover, climate change caused by human activities adversely affects these animals. These animals play essential roles in the local ecosystems while mitigating climate change.