
In recent years, we’ve lost animals that once roamed our planet, shaping ecosystems and adding diversity. It’s sobering to know that scientists estimate that hundreds of species have gone extinct. Let’s travel through time together and look into what animals have vanished in the last 150 years.
Bramble Cay melomys

The Bramble Cay melomys, a rodent that lived on a small island in the Great Barrier Reef, vanished in 2015 due to rising sea levels. Discovered in 1845, its population dwindled over time, with the last known sighting in 2009.
The Northern White Rhinoceros

In the 1970s, poachers reduced their population from 500 to just 15. Despite conservation efforts, by 2018, the last male, Sudan, had passed, signifying a tragic moment in the struggle to preserve the northern white rhinoceros.
Quagga

The quagga, a distinct variant of the plains zebra, used to inhabit South Africa before being hunted to extinction in 1883. With a unique half-striped body, it was quite a sight. Today, there are ongoing efforts to recreate its look through selective breeding.
Golden Toad

Once vibrant and numerous, golden toads lived in a small region of Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest. Sadly, by 1989, climate shifts, extreme droughts, and fungal infections are thought to have driven this species to vanish.
Pyrenean ibex

One of the fascinating animals we have lost is the Pyrenean ibex. This unique goat roamed the Pyrenees but faded away due to hunting and competition for food. It even became the first animal to be cloned—twice!
Zanzibar Leopard

Lost to time, the Zanzibar leopard is a reminder of nature’s fragile beauty. Once roaming Unguja Island, this big cat faced elimination due to habitat loss and hunting. Local legends fueled fear that made leopards the villains.
Tecopa Pupfish

Meet the Tecopa pupfish, a tiny fish that once thrived in hot springs in California’s Mojave Desert. This little guy loved temperatures of 110°F but couldn’t handle habitat changes and hybridization with its relatives.
Javan Tiger

Let’s talk about the Javan tiger. Once roaming the lush jungles of Java, this small but mighty tiger became a victim of habitat loss and human conflict. Despite efforts to save them, by 2008, the last Javan tiger officially disappeared.
Round Island Burrowing Boa

This species was once part of a diverse ecosystem but was last spotted in 1974. Over time, they faced severe population declines due to habitat loss caused by overgrazing by rabbits and goats, significantly altering their environment.
Falkland Islands Wolf

The Falkland Islands wolf, or warrah, was the only land mammal of its home. Charles Darwin found them friendly but warned of their decline. By 1876, they vanished, hunted for fur, and were feared as sheep threats.
Thylacine

In 1936, the world lost the thylacine or Tasmanian tiger. Despite protection, the last known one passed in Hobart Zoo. Hunting, habitat loss, and disease had pushed it to the edge, and they were officially declared extinct.
Carolina Parakeet

Once brightening the skies of the eastern United States with their vibrant yellow heads and playful personalities, these small, green parrots, with raucous flocks, faced dangers from habitat loss and hunting, vanishing by 1918.
Pinta Island Tortoise

The story of Lonesome George, the last Pinta Island tortoise, reminds us how human actions have damaged fragile ecosystems. George’s long life spanned over 100 years, and his passing marked the end of an entire species.
Schomburgk’s Deer

Once, they roamed the wetlands of Thailand, but by 1938, they had vanished due to overhunting and habitat loss. This deer, known for its striking basket-shaped antlers, was a symbol of Thailand’s natural beauty.