Which animal is recently extinct? This question has become increasingly relevant as the rate of species extinction accelerates due to human activities and environmental degradation. The loss of biodiversity is a pressing concern, and understanding the recent extinctions can shed light on the urgency of conservation efforts. In this article, we will explore some of the animals that have vanished from our planet in recent years, highlighting the impact of human actions on the natural world.
The most recent extinction of a large mammal is that of the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus). Once found in various parts of Southeast Asia, this species was reduced to a single population in the Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia. In 2018, the last known Javan rhino, a female named “Usha,” died, leaving the species critically endangered. The primary cause of the Javan rhino’s decline was habitat loss due to deforestation and poaching for its horn, which is highly valued in traditional medicine and as a status symbol in some cultures.
Another recent extinction is that of the Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer), a freshwater dolphin native to the Yangtze River in China. Once abundant, the Baiji population had drastically declined due to river pollution, overfishing, and habitat fragmentation. In 2006, the Chinese government declared the Baiji extinct, marking the first extinction of a cetacean species in the modern era. The Baiji’s extinction serves as a stark reminder of the threats posed by human activities to aquatic ecosystems.
The golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is another animal that has vanished from the wild. This small monkey, native to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, was once widespread but faced significant habitat loss due to deforestation. Although conservation efforts have been implemented, the golden lion tamarin’s population has continued to decline, and it is now considered critically endangered. The loss of this species highlights the importance of preserving the remaining fragments of its habitat.
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) is another recent extinction case. This giant turtle, native to the Yangtze River, was once thought to be extinct in the wild. However, a few individuals were discovered in the 1980s, and efforts were made to save the species. Unfortunately, in 2019, the last known Yangtze giant softshell turtle died in captivity, marking the end of this ancient species. The turtle’s extinction is a tragic loss of a unique and ancient creature.
These recent extinctions serve as a wake-up call to the global community. The rapid loss of biodiversity is a direct consequence of human actions, and it is crucial that we take immediate and decisive action to protect the remaining species. Conservation efforts must focus on habitat preservation, reducing human impact on ecosystems, and addressing the underlying causes of species decline. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations will not have to ask, “Which animal is recently extinct?
