21 animals that recently went extinct

The bridled white-eye, a bird found only in Guam, is considered a subspecies by some sources but is classified as its own species by the IUCN. It is unknown how these birds went extinct. However, it has been speculated that predation from snakes may have been a cause behind their decline. There may have been other invasive species that played a role, but this is not confirmed.

The bridled white-eye is survived by its closest relative, the Saipan white-eye, which is native to the Northern Mariana Islands.

Kauaʻi ʻakialoa

Scientific name: Akialoa stejnegeri
Date of extinction: 2016

Formerly found on the island of Hawaii, the bird known as the Kauaʻi ʻakialoa has not been seen for 60 years and is presumed extinct. The IUCN officially declared the species extinct in 2016. It is likely that disease-in particular, avian pox -played a role in these birds' decline. There is also evidence that habitat destruction, predation from introduced species, and hurricane damage contributed to their extinction.

Campo Grande tree frog

Scientific name: Boana cymbalum
Date of extinction: 2021

The IUCN reported that the Campo Grande tree frog went extinct in 2021. The frog hasn't been recorded since 1963. It used to live in small pockets of forest and wetland habitat around São Paulo in Brazil, and its habitat was destroyed by urban expansion. The IUCN also lists pollution, disease, and habitat degradation as contributing causes of the Campo Grande tree frog's extinction.

Guam reed warbler

Scientific name: Acrocephalus luscinius
Date of extinction: 2016

Initially declared extinct in 2016, the Guam reed warbler was reassessed by the IUCN in 2023, confirming its disappearance. This songbird was once found only on the island of Guam. Causes of its extinction include habitat loss from wetland drainage, an increase in fires, and pesticides. The brown tree snake, an invasive species that preyed on warblers, also helped drive the bird to extinction.

Two other members of this genus-the pagan reed warbler (Acrocephalus yamashinae) and the Aguijan reed warbler (Acrocephalus nijoi)-were also listed as extinct in 2016.

These recently extinct animals show how much work we need to do to protect the planet and the plants and animals we share it with. We all must work together to curb the effects of climate change, safeguard animal species, and prevent further biodiversity loss.

Many animals play essential roles in their local ecosystems and can help keep the planet healthy through their natural behaviours. So, these newly extinct animals don't just signal the loss of a single species.

The carefully controlled ecosystems to which they belong become even more unbalanced and vulnerable, which harms other animals and people in the long term. Without animals, our planet as we know it cannot exist.

Concerted efforts are in place to address species endangerment and extinction. The US 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a good example. The ESA puts programs in place to conserve at-risk animals and plants in their natural habitats. The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) currently implements the ESA in collaboration with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service.

The ESA has been a tremendous success, and in the 50 years since its inception, it has saved 99% of listed species from extinction. This includes some iconic American animals like the bald eagle and certain species of alligator. However, other species have been removed from the list due to their recent extinction.

While initiatives like the ESA are a great start, as we can see from this list, we still have more work to do.

At IFAW, we work to build a future where animals and people can thrive together.