The Most Recent Extinct Animal Was Last Seen in 1995

This Pinta tortoise and several other species have unfortunately gone extinct in the wild and in captivity. Lonesome George/Wikimedia Commons

Today, we're delving into a sobering topic: recently extinct animals. Species extinction is accelerating, with many species disappearing due to habitat destruction, invasive species and climate change.

Despite conservation efforts, some animals have been officially declared extinct in recent years, and other species remain on the brink.

7 Most Recently Extinct Species

1. Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris)

Slender-billed curlews.
Tamara Kulikova / Shutterstock

Declared extinct in 2024, the slender-billed curlew was a migratory bird once found across Europe, North Africa, and West Asia. Its decline is attributed to habitat loss and hunting. The last confirmed sighting was in Morocco about three decades ago, in 1995.

2. Eight Freshwater Mussel Species

In 2023, eight freshwater mussel species native to the United States were declared extinct. These included the flat pigtoe, green-blossom pearly mussel and southern acornshell. Their extinction was primarily due to habitat degradation and pollution in freshwater ecosystems.

3. Chinese Paddlefish (Psephurus gladius)

Declared extinct in 2022, the Chinese paddlefish was one of the world's largest freshwater fish, endemic to the Yangtze River in China. Overfishing and habitat fragmentation from dam construction led to its decline. The last confirmed sighting was in 2003.

4. Mountain Mist Frog (Litoria nyakalensis)

The slender tree frog (*Litoria adelaidensis*) is a close relative of the extinct mountain mist frog.
Robbie Goodall / Getty Images

In 2021, the mountain mist frog, native to Australia's high-altitude rainforests, was declared extinct. The species succumbed to the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis), which has devastated amphibian populations worldwide.

5. Sharp-snouted Day Frog (Taudactylus acutirostris)

Also declared extinct in 2021, this Australian frog species faced threats from habitat loss due to mining and logging, as well as invasive species. The chytrid fungus is also believed to have contributed to its decline.

6. Pinta Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii)

Officially declared extinct in 2015, the Pinta giant tortoise was native to Ecuador's Pinta Island. The last known individual, "Lonesome George," died in 2012. Overexploitation and introduced species led to its demise.

7. Bramble Cay Melomys (Melomys rubicola)

Declared extinct in 2015, the Bramble Cay melomys was a small rodent native to a tiny coral island in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It is considered the first mammal extinction due to human-induced climate change, as rising sea levels inundated its habitat.

4 Species on the Brink of Extinction

Many species are teetering on the edge of extinction, facing severe population declines due to habitat destruction, climate change, poaching and the introduction of invasive species.

Among them, the vaquita, a small porpoise native to the Gulf of California, has fewer than 20 individuals left in the wild. Illegal fishing operations targeting the totoaba fish have led to significant bycatch of vaquitas, pushing them toward extinction.
Another species in critical danger is the Javan rhino, with fewer than 80 individuals remaining in the wild. Found only in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, Javan rhinos face threats from habitat loss and genetic bottlenecking, making their survival even more precarious. Conservationists are working to expand their habitat and strengthen anti-poaching measures to protect the remaining population.
Amphibians have also been hit hard by climate change and disease, with species such as the Titicaca water frog experiencing drastic population declines.
Similarly, the pangolin — one of the most trafficked mammals in the world — is under extreme pressure due to poaching for its scales and meat. Without immediate intervention, these species may soon join the list of those officially declared extinct.

Ongoing Conservation Efforts

With the alarming rate of species extinction, numerous conservation initiatives are making a difference in protecting critically endangered species.

Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are working tirelessly to safeguard habitats, combat illegal wildlife trade, and establish breeding programs for vulnerable species.

Protected areas and wildlife reserves play a crucial role in conservation. National parks and marine sanctuaries provide safe havens for endangered animals, such as the expansion of habitat protection zones for snow leopards and Amur tigers in Asia.

By enforcing stricter anti-poaching laws, adhering to the Endangered Species Act and increasing funding for park rangers, these areas serve as critical lifelines for many species on the brink.

Conservation Tech

Advancements in technology are also contributing to conservation efforts. The use of drones, satellite tracking and AI-driven monitoring systems helps scientists track endangered populations and identify threats in real-time.

These tools have been particularly effective in tracking movements of elephants, rhinos and big cats, aiding in anti-poaching initiatives and habitat restoration projects.

Community Support

Public awareness and education campaigns are vital in garnering global support for conservation. By promoting sustainable practices, reducing consumer demand for illegal wildlife products and supporting community-led conservation efforts, people can actively participate in the fight to protect Earth's biodiversity.

Every effort counts in preventing more species from vanishing forever.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.