The Most Recent Extinct Animal Was Last Seen in 1995

1. Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris)

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)

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.