9 Precious Animal Species That Have Been Extinct Due to Humans

1. Tasmanian Wolf (Thylacine)

The Tasmanian wolf, also known as the Thylacine tiger, is a carnivorous marsupial that once lived in Australia and New Guinea. This species has a dog-like body with yellow stripes on its back like a tiger. The arrival of Europeans led to the hunting of this species due to fear and misunderstanding. By 1936, the last Thylacine died in a zoo. After 50 years, in 1986, the new government officially recognized the extinction of this species.

2. Quagga Zebra

Quagga, a subspecies of plains zebra, once lived in South Africa with a body that was half horse and half zebra. This species is illegally hunted for its valuable meat and skin. The last Quagga was shot in the late 1870s and died in captivity in 1883. Although protected in 1886, it was too late to save the species from extinction.

3. Lion of the Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope lion once lived in Southeast Africa, but became extinct in the mid-19th century due to hunting and habitat loss. Descendants of this species have been found in captivity and some have been brought back to South Africa for conservation.

4. West African Black Rhino

The West African black rhino is a rare rhino species that lives in Africa. In 2011, this species was declared extinct due to illegal hunting for its valuable horns. The number of black rhinos plummeted from one million in the early 20th century to only 70,000 in the 1960s, and continued to decline due to brutal hunting.

5. Dodo bird

The Dodo, a flightless bird that once lived in Mauritius, became extinct in 1662 due to hunting by humans and animals brought to the island. The extinction of the Dodo bird is one of the most famous symbols of human-caused biodiversity loss.

6. Woolly Mammoth

Woolly mammoths, ancestors of modern elephants, disappeared about 10,000 years ago due to human hunting and climate change. The last populations of this species are believed to have existed until around 1700 BC on several Arctic islands.

7. Saber-Toothed Cat

Saber-toothed cats, or saber-toothed tigers, were fearsome predators that went extinct about 11,700 years ago. Their extinction may be linked to declines in large herbivores and competition with humans.

8. Huia bird

Huia birds, which live in New Zealand, were hunted to extinction in 1907 because their valuable tail feathers were used as jewelry and status symbols. Hunting and habitat loss have led to the disappearance of this bird.

9. North American Wild Pigeon

Wood pigeons were once the most common bird species on earth, numbering up to 5 billion in North America. However, due to overhunting, this bird became extinct in the early 20th century.

Conclusion: Lessons From the Past

The extinction of these animals is not only an ecological loss but also a warning about human behavior towards the environment. Each animal plays an important role in the ecosystem, and their loss can cause a domino effect that affects the entire habitat.

We need to be more aware of our responsibility to protect nature and animals, and limit illegal hunting and use of animal products. The small actions of each person, when added up, can create a strong wave of protecting nature. Let's act together now to ensure that future generations can still enjoy the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Message

The extinction of many animal species on this planet is a wake-up call about humans' unconscious actions towards nature. We have lost precious animals, unique and irreplaceable creatures. However, there is still time for change.

Each of us, even if we are just a small individual in a large ecosystem, can contribute to protecting and preserving nature. Small actions such as limiting the use of animal products, protecting the surrounding environment, and raising public awareness about the importance of biodiversity, can create big changes.

Remember, protecting nature is not only about protecting animals but also about protecting ourselves and future generations. Actions today will shape the world tomorrow. Let's join hands to protect nature so that our children and grandchildren will still have the opportunity to admire the rich beauty of the natural world.

We can do it if we act together!