The irreversible loss of a species is a permanent scar on our planet's vibrant tapestry of life. In recent years, the accelerating pace of human-driven activities like habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution has pushed several unique creatures into the abyss of extinction. Each disappearance creates a void that disrupts ecosystems and diminishes global biodiversity, serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conservation.
Five Recent Extinctions That Shook The World
While conservationists work tirelessly to protect endangered species, some battles have been lost. The following five animals were officially declared extinct in recent years, their stories highlighting the fragile balance of nature and the devastating impact of human activity and invasive species.
The Chiriqui Harlequin Frog (Extinct 2019)
Native to the lush rainforests of Panama and Costa Rica, the Chiriqui harlequin frog was a tragic casualty of a global amphibian crisis. This brightly coloured frog succumbed to the deadly chytrid fungus, a pathogen that has devastated frog populations worldwide. The last confirmed sighting of this species was in 1996. Despite extensive searches and conservation efforts, no individuals were found, leading the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to officially declare it extinct in 2019.
The Corquin Robber Frog (Extinct 2019)
With a habitat restricted to a single mountain in western Honduras, the Corquin robber frog was inherently vulnerable. Its survival was tightly linked to its specific environment, which faced severe pressure from deforestation and habitat loss. The frog was last observed in 1990. The combination of its extremely limited range and environmental degradation proved fatal, resulting in its official extinction status in 2019.
The Jalpa False Brook Salamander (Extinct 2019)
This salamander was endemic to Guatemala, meaning it was found nowhere else on Earth. The Jalpa false brook salamander was last seen in the wild in 1976. Over the following decades, from 1985 to 2018, multiple surveys were conducted in a desperate attempt to locate any surviving members of the species. All these efforts failed. The IUCN declared the species extinct in 2019, citing habitat destruction from logging, agriculture, and aquaculture as the primary causes for its demise.
The Bridled White-Eye (Extinct 2023)
The story of the bridled white-eye is a classic and sad tale of invasive species wreaking havoc on island ecosystems. This tiny bird was found only on the island of Guam. Its extinction, declared in 2023, was directly caused by the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake. The snake, a voracious predator, decimated the island's native bird populations by consuming both adults and eggs. The bridled white-eye was last seen in 1983. In a bittersweet contrast, its close relative, the Saipan white-eye, continues to thrive in the Northern Marianas, where conservationists are actively managing threats to prevent a similar tragedy.
The Pinta Giant Tortoise (Extinct 2012)
The death of Lonesome George on June 24, 2012, marked a profound moment in conservation history. He was the last known Pinta Island tortoise, a subspecies native to the Galápagos Islands. Discovered in 1971, George became a global icon for conservation. For decades, scientists attempted to breed him with genetically similar tortoise subspecies, but no offspring survived. His death from natural causes, likely heart failure, signalled the official end of the Pinta giant tortoise lineage. His passing was mourned worldwide as a powerful symbol of irreversible loss.
A Call to Protect Our Natural Heritage
The extinction of these five species within a little over a decade underscores a critical emergency. Their stories are not just footnotes in history but urgent warnings. The main drivers—habitat loss, disease, and invasive species—are largely consequences of human activity. Protecting the rich biodiversity that remains requires intensified global efforts, sustainable practices, and a renewed commitment to preserving the habitats that countless other species call home. The time to act is now, before more names are added to this tragic list.
