The world is a big place, one filled with creatures of every kind. We aren’t even completely aware of just how many types of animals there are on Earth. It’s hard to keep track, though, because each day we discover a new species… and each day one dies. Every year, about 10,000 different species of animals go extinct. There are some amazingly beautiful creatures that have even gone extinct in your lifetime, as depressing and unbelievable as that fact is. The animals you see below have recently gone extinct (or are thought to be extinct). It’s sad to know we’ll never see another one of these amazing animals ever again.
1.) Pinta Island Tortoise (June 24, 2012)
2.) Baiji or Yangtze River Dolphin (2006)
3.) Western Black Rhinoceros (2011)
4.) Caribbean Monk Seal (2008)
5.) Canarian Oystercatcher (1994)
6.) Ivory-billed Woodpecker (1994)
7.) Mariana Mallard (2004)
8.) Dusky Seaside Sparrow (1987)
9.) Mexican Grizzly Bear (1964)
10.) Javan Tiger (1994)
11.) Japanese Sea Lion (1974)
12.) Pyrenean Ibex (2000)
13.) Golden Toad (1989)
14.) Conondale Gastric-brooding Frog (1983)
15.) Alaotra Grebe (2010)
16.) Poʻouli or Black-faced Honeycreeper (2004)
17.) Saint Helena Earwig (1967)
(H/T BuzzFeed) In many cases, the population of these animals were threatened by a non-native species that was introduced by humans or human encroachment on their territories. We have attempted to breed many of these dying species, but even our efforts couldn’t reverse the damage. This is the kind of shocking information that makes you want to change the world. To support wildlife conservation efforts, visit the World Wildlife Fund or share this article.
