Animal Species that have been Declared Extinct

There have been many terrestrial, avian, and marine animal species that have gone extinct due to human influences. It has been reported that a study has discovered that by the year 2020, more than two-thirds of all wildlife population could be wiped out if suitable action isn’t taken.

The study, done by the World Wildlife Fund and the Zoological Society of London, is called the Living Planet Index. The study states that since 1970, there has already been a 58% loss of wildlife species especially marine and avian species. 

Culprits of this Phenomenon

The major culprits of this phenomenon are poaching and illegal hunting and trading of animals, climate change, deforestation that leads to loss of their natural habitat, and pollution of air and water bodies. 

Following is a list of animal species that have been declared as extinct as of 2020

Pyrenean Ibex 

These were mountain goats that had huge antlers. The last of their species was reported to have died in 2000. The reasons given for their extinction were poaching and diseases. 

Baiji Dolphin 

These dolphins, also called Yangtze River dolphins, were illegally hunted down for their skin, which was popular for use in handbags and gloves. The last dolphin of their species died in 2002. 

Golden Toad 

The last male golden toad was sighted in 1989, and this is one of the first species that went extinct that was blamed on human influences such as global warming and also amphibian diseases. 

Javan Tigers

Javan tigers were last sighted in 1976, this species of tiger that was inhabitants of Java, an island in Indonesia. These are believed to have been hunted to extinction and habitat loss and diseases are also believed to be responsible. 

The following are animals classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources and by the World Wildlife Organization and are on the verge of extinction. 

Amur Leopards

 Less than 100 tigers of these species have survived today. They were declared critically endangered in 1996. The main culprits are poaching for their fur, habitat loss, and climate change. 

Rhino’s 

Three kinds of rhinos are on the endangered species- the Black Rhino, the Javan Rhino, and the Sumatran Rhino with less than 100 of each of these animals are left today. These rhinos are illegally hunted for their unique horns. 

Sea Turtles

According to the World Wildlife organization, almost all species of sea turtle are classified as Endangered. They are illegally hunted for their eggs, meat, skin, and shells. Habitat destruction and accidental capture in fishing gear and Climate change are other major reasons for their endangerment. 

Orangutan 

As of today, there are only 6,600 Sumatran orangutans left. Their population has seen a steady decline since the last 75 years, with about 80% of their population wiped out due to habitat loss due to deforestation.