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The Urgent Extinction Crisis: 20 Animals Lost Forever in the Past Decade

The past decade has witnessed a significant acceleration in the rate of species extinction, driven primarily by human activities such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. This article explores 20 animal species that have gone extinct in the last 10 years, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent further losses.

 1. Rabbs’ Fringe-Limbed Treefrog

 Rabbs' Fringe-Limbed Treefrog.
Photo Public Domain.

The Rabbs’ fringe-limbed treefrog (Ecnomiohyla rabborum) was declared extinct in 2016. Native to Panama, this species faced habitat loss and a deadly fungal disease known as chytridiomycosis.

 2. Bramble Cay Melomys

Bramble Cay Melomys.
Photo Public Domain.

The Bramble Cay melomys (Melomys rubicola), a rodent native to a small island in the Great Barrier Reef, was declared extinct in 2019. Rising sea levels and storm surges, exacerbated by climate change, destroyed its habitat.

 3. Pinta Island Tortoise

Pinta Island Tortoise.
Photo Public Domain.

The Pinta Island tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii), also known as Lonesome George, was declared extinct in 2015. The species suffered from habitat destruction and introduced species.

 4. Kauaʻi ʻAkialoa

Kauaʻi ʻAkialoa.
Photo Public Domain.

The Kauaʻi ʻakialoa (Akialoa stejnegeri), a bird native to Hawaii, was declared extinct in 2016. Habitat destruction, disease, and predation by introduced species contributed to its decline.

 5. Alagoas Foliage-Gleaner

Alagoas Foliage-Gleaner.
Photo Public Domain.

The Alagoas foliage-gleaner (Philydor novaesi), a bird from Brazil, was declared extinct in 2019. Deforestation and habitat loss were the primary causes.

 6. Poʻouli

Poʻouli.
Photo Public Domain.

The Poʻouli (Melamprosops phaeosoma), a Hawaiian bird, was declared extinct in 2019. Habitat loss, disease, and predation by introduced species led to its demise.

 7. Chinese Paddlefish

Chinese Paddlefish.
Photo Public Domain.

The Chinese paddlefish (Psephurus gladius), one of the largest freshwater fish, was declared extinct in 2020. Overfishing and habitat fragmentation due to dam construction were the main factors.

 8. Smooth Handfish

The smooth handfish (Sympterichthys unipennis).
Photo Public Domain.

The smooth handfish (Sympterichthys unipennis), a marine fish from Australia, was declared extinct in 2020. Habitat degradation and climate change were significant contributors.

 9. Jalpa False Brook Salamander

Jalpa False Brook Salamander.
Photo Public Domain.

The Jalpa false brook salamander (Pseudoeurycea exspectata), native to Guatemala, was declared extinct in 2020. Habitat destruction and pollution were the primary causes.

 10. Spined Dwarf Mantis

Spined Dwarf Mantis.
Photo Public Domain.

The spined dwarf mantis (Ameles fasciipennis), an insect native to Italy, was declared extinct in 2020. Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion was the main factor.

 11. Little Mariana Fruit Bat

Little Mariana Fruit Bat.
Photo Public Domain.

The little Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus tokudae), native to Guam, was declared extinct in 2021. Habitat destruction and hunting led to its decline.

 12. Ivory-Billed Woodpecker

Ivory-Billed Woodpecker.
Photo Public Domain.

The ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis), once found in the southeastern United States, was declared extinct in 2021. Habitat loss and hunting were the primary causes.

 13. Bachman’s Warbler

Bachman's Warbler.
Photo Public Domain.

Bachman’s warbler (Vermivora bachmanii), a bird native to the southeastern United States, was declared extinct in 2021. Habitat destruction and possibly invasive species contributed to its extinction.

 14. Flat Pigtoe Mussel

Flat Pigtoe Mussel.
Photo Public Domain.

The flat pigtoe mussel (Pleurobema marshalli), native to the southeastern United States, was declared extinct in 2021. Habitat degradation and pollution were the main factors.

 15. Kaua’i Nukupu’u

Kaua'i Nukupu'u.
Photo Public Domain.

The Kaua’i nukupu’u (Hemignathus hanapepe), a bird from Hawaii, was declared extinct in 2021. Habitat loss, disease, and predation by introduced species led to its decline.

 16. Maui ʻĀkepa

Loxops ochraceus.
Photo Public Domain.

The Maui ʻākepa (Loxops ochraceus), a bird native to Hawaii, was declared extinct in 2021. Habitat destruction and disease were the primary causes.

 17. Golden Toad

Golden Frog.
Photo Public Domain.

The golden toad (Incilius periglenes), native to Costa Rica, was declared extinct in 2019. Climate change and habitat loss were significant contributors.

 18. Mountain Mist Frog

mountain mist frog (Litoria nyakalensis).
Photo Public Domain.

The mountain mist frog (Litoria nyakalensis), native to Australia, was declared extinct in 2020. Climate change and disease were the main factors.

 19. Sharp-Snouted Day Frog

Sharp-Snouted Day Frog.
Photo Public Domain.

The sharp-snouted day frog (Taudactylus acutirostris), also from Australia, was declared extinct in 2020. Habitat loss and disease were significant contributors.

 20. Chinese River Dolphin

Chinese River Dolphin.
Photo Public Domain.

The Chinese river dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer), also known as the baiji, was declared functionally extinct in 2006, with the last confirmed sighting in 2002. Habitat degradation and pollution were the primary causes.

The Takeaway

One world one last chance.
Image credit Ben Gingell via Shutterstock.

The extinction of these species over the past decade underscores the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts. Habitat protection, climate change mitigation, and stricter regulations on hunting and pollution are essential to prevent further losses. By taking immediate action, we can help preserve the planet’s biodiversity for future generations.

The Ultimate Family Trip: 20 Amazing Animal Sanctuaries You Can Visit In The U.S.!

young girl feeding a pig
Image credit ID-VIDEO via Shutterstock

Time for a new kind of vacation! Here’s a list of the top 20 animal sanctuaries in the United States that welcome visitors. A perfect family trip. These sanctuaries provide a safe haven for a variety of animals, including domestic, wild, and farm animals. Each sanctuary has its unique mission and set of animals it cares for, offering educational tours and opportunities to learn more about animal welfare and conservation. READ: The Ultimate Family Trip: 20 Amazing Animal Sanctuaries You Can Visit In The U.S.!

Bucket List Item: Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Standing-in-awe-at-Warner_Valley-Overlook_creditJoeyHamilton.
Image credit DarkSky.org

Hopefully all of you have had the experience of gazing into the night sky in dark surroundings, so that you could take advantage of the stars, planets and cosmos. Unfortunately, manmade lights often interfere – it is called light pollution for a reason – but did you know that the U.S. can now claim the largest international dark sky sanctuary? You will have to travel to Oregon to take advantage, but it is worth the trip. READ: Bucket List Item: Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary

Your Guide To Landing Refreshed: Best Red-Eye Travel Strategies

Woman enjoying traveling.
Image credit Maridav via Shutterstock.

Where are you traveling to? Somewhere exotic, or a favorite place you return to again and again? Are you taking an overnight “red-eye” flight? There is a reason why they call it a “red-eye”! 

We asked some travel experts and frequent flyers for their best tips.Read: Your Guide To Landing Refreshed: Best Red-Eye Travel Strategies

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Author

  • Dede Wilson

    Dédé Wilson is a journalist with over 17 cookbooks to her name and is the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners LLC, currently publishing through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone.

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