Sunday, July 15, 2012

10 RECENTLY EXTINCT ANIMALS

10- THYLACINE- TASMANIA/ AUSTRALIA

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Commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger, the Thylacine was the largest known carnivorous marsupial of modern times. Virtually wiped out in the wild due to constant hunting (they were thought to be a threat to sheep and other small farm animals).  No recent sightings have been confirmed.


9- PASSENGER PIGEON- NORTH AMERICA

Image by Mike Leveille at the Canadian Museum of Nature- Ottawa

The story of the Passenger Pigeon is one of the most tragic extinction stories in modern times. As recently as around 200 years ago they were actually the most common bird in North America, and some reports counted single flocks numbering in the billions.  Hunting on a massive scale completely destroyed them.  Extinct in 1914.


8- GUAM FLYCATCHER

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Although common on Guam as recently as the early 1970s, the Flycatcher population declined due tothe introduction of the brown tree snake.  The last sighting was in 1983. 


7- GREAT AUK- NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN
Image drawn by Mike Leveille

This large flightless bird was overhunted.  Extinct between 1844 and 1852. 

6- QUAGGA- SOUTH AFRICA
Extinct subspecies of the plains zebra.  Last seen in 1870.

5- RED-BELLIED GRACILE OPOSSUM- ARGENTINA
The forest habitat it required was destroyed. Last seen in 1962.

4- GOLDEN TOAD- COSTA RICA

Image by Mike Leveille at the Royal Ontario Museum- Toronto

Loss of habitat and the chyterid fungus caused their extinction.  Last seen in May 1989.


3- YANGTZE RIVER DOLPHIN- CHINA





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Their population declined drastically due to fishing, transportation, and hydroelectricity.  Last individual died in 2002.


2- WESTERN BLACK RHINOCEROS- CONGO 

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This rhino was once widespread in central-west Africa.  Due to poaching it was declared extict in 2011. 


1- PINTA ISLAND TORTOISE- GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Image by Eric Gauthier 2011

This species was over hunted and introduced goats destroyed their habitat.  Extinct on June 24, 2012.
A hybrid individual was found outside Pinta Island on Wolf Volcano on Isabela Island.  

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