10 Animals Have Gone Extinct Because Of Humans | DPFunFacts

 Many more animal species have gone extinct throughout history. and many more are presently on the verge of extinction. as a result of human actions such as habitat degradation, hunting, and climate change.

Here we listed 10 Animals Have Gone Extinct Because Of Humans.

1. Baiji river dolphin

The baiji, a Chinese river dolphin lived for 20 million years in the Yangtze River of China.It went from a healthy population of 6000 to extinct in just a few decades, attributed to human activities. The baiji's extinction is a shocking tragedy, as it represents a loss of biodiversity and a sentinel species.

The rapid decline in baiji numbers was primarily driven by unsustainable bycatch in local fisheries, habitat degradation, and pollution. The Three Gorges Dam was the last straw for the baiji, and artisanal fishing activities were primarily responsible for its 

2. Caribbean monk seal

The IUCN declared the Caribbean monk seal extinct in 2008, after over 50 years of absence. Monk seals were easily hunted by hunters during rest or nursing.

3. Tecopa pupfish

The extinction event in the 1950s and 1960s led to habitat changes for the Tecopa pupfish due to bathhouse construction and outflow diversion.

The merging of northern and southern hot springs in 1965 led to swifter currents and higher water temperatures, allowing Amargosa River pupfish to hybridize with the Tecopa pupfish. The population was wiped out in 1966, and the fish was declared extinct in 1981 after extensive search over 40 locations.

4. Dusky seaside sparrow 

The dusky seaside sparrow, a non-migratory sparrow, was endemic to salt marshes along Florida's east coast. It was wiped out by habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities like agricultural development, urbanization, and dredging. Hurricanes and wildfires also significantly impacted its limited habitat.

The sparrow was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1967, but conservation efforts have not prevented its extinction.

5. Atitlan grebe

The Atitlan grebe, a flightless freshwater diving bird in Guatemala's Lake  , was an aggressive predator preying on fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. Due to habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities, the species is now presumed extinct. 

Conservation efforts in the 1960s failed. Emphasizing the need for safeguarding endangered animals and their ecosystems.

6. Formosan clouded leopard 

The Formosan clouded leopard, also known as the Formosan clouded tiger, was once native to Taiwan but became extinct in the early 21st century. Habitat loss, hunting, and disease were major factors in its extinction. The leopard was hunted for fur and livestock, and was susceptible to canine distemper virus and other domestic dog illnesses. Conservation efforts have been launched to save the subspecies, but no confirmed sightings have been made in recent years, making it now considered extinct.

7. Chinese Paddlefish 

Chinese Paddlefish is the fish that survived the dinosaur extinction but not humankind. Chinese Paddlefish, a species that has been around for 200 million years, were declared extinct in 2020 due to human overconsumption and pollution. Overfishing and pollution contributed to their demise, but dam constructions in their natural habitat, the Yangtze River, ultimately led to their extinction.

The Gezhouba Dam in 1981 cut off the Chinese Paddlefish's spawning ground, affecting their food security and livelihoods.

8. Heath hen

The Heath hen, a subspecies of the greater prairie chicken, was declared extinct in 1932 due to habitat loss, hunting, and disease. The bird's habitat was destroyed or fragmented due to human expansion, making it difficult to find suitable nesting and foraging sites. Hunting was also significant, as it forced the Heath hen into smaller areas. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs and habitat protection, were unsuccessful.

9. The Quagga

The Quagga, a subspecies of the plains zebra, was declared extinct in the late 19th century due to hunting and habitat loss. European settlers hunted the animal, leading to rapid population decline and the last wild Quagga shot in 1878. Conservation efforts have been attempted, but these are not true Quaggas due to lost genetic diversity.

10. Thylacine

The Thylacine, a carnivorous marsupial, was extinct in Australia and Tasmania in the 20th century due to hunting, habitat loss, and disease. European settlers hunted Thylacines, leading to their near extinction. Habitat loss and disease also contributed to its extinction. Despite occasional sightings, conservation efforts remain ongoing to find evidence of Thylacine survival.

The ten creatures' extinction serves as a reminder of the damage caused by human actions such as habitat degradation, hunting, and climate change. It is crucial to preserve biodiversity and reduce our environmental footprint to ensure future generations can enjoy Earth's diverse life. Act now to prevent further species loss.