In a world where species are constantly threatened by human activities and environmental changes, extinction is no longer a rarity. While some animals have already vanished from our planet, others are teetering on the edge. Here, we’ll explore five animals that recently went extinct and six others that are dangerously close to meeting the same fate. Let’s start with the five recently extinct animals.
1. Grey’s Wallaby

Grey’s Wallaby was once common in southern Australia, thriving in swampy regions and short grasslands. Known for their sociable and nocturnal nature, these wallabies formed close groups and were highly adaptable. However, European colonization marked the beginning of their downfall. As settlers cleared swamps for agriculture, Grey’s Wallaby lost its habitat. Additionally, introduced predators like dogs and red foxes preyed on the wallaby, while overhunting further diminished their numbers. By 1939, Grey’s Wallaby had been declared extinct, with habitat loss and introduced threats spelling the end for this unique creature.
2. Caspian Tiger

Once among the largest tiger subspecies, the Caspian Tiger roamed across an impressive range from Turkey to China. Known for its considerable size and strength, it preyed primarily on wild boar and deer. By the mid-19th century, habitat conversion for agriculture, overhunting, and hunting for sport dramatically reduced the tiger’s numbers. The Soviet government further pushed the Caspian Tiger toward extinction, clearing forests for settlements and farms. The last sighting occurred in the 1990s, with the species being officially declared extinct in 2003. However, a part of the Caspian Tiger lineage lives on in Siberian tigers, with whom they occasionally interbred.
3. Japanese Sea Lion

Native to the coasts of Japan and Korea, the Japanese Sea Lion was a close relative of the California sea lion. This species was abundant in the 19th century, with tens of thousands populating the coastlines. However, intense hunting for oil, fur, and even for aquarium exhibits drove the population to near extinction. By the 1940s, only a few remained, and the species was declared extinct by the 1970s. This sad fate reflects the vulnerability of marine mammals to human exploitation.
4. Bubal Hartebeest

Native to North Africa, the Bubal Hartebeest once roamed vast arid grasslands, living in large herds and adapting well to harsh environments. These creatures were domesticated in ancient Egypt and even featured in Roman art. However, hunting pressures during the French colonization of Algeria wiped out entire herds. By 1925, only a handful of Bubal Hartebeests remained, and the species was declared extinct in the 1990s. Another casualty of human encroachment, the Bubal Hartebeest’s demise warns us about the lasting impacts of overhunting.
5. Steller’s Sea Cow

Steller’s Sea Cow, a colossal member of the dugong family, was once a sight to behold along the Bering Sea’s coastlines. This massive marine mammal, reaching lengths of up to 30 feet, floated peacefully in shallow waters, feeding on kelp. Unfortunately, its size and gentle nature made it easy prey for hunters, especially after it was first described in 1741. In just 27 years, relentless hunting drove the Steller’s Sea Cow to extinction, making it a cautionary tale about the consequences of overexploitation.
Animals About to Go Extinct

These five species show us how quickly human actions can push animals to extinction. Overhunting, habitat destruction, and invasive species were all factors that drove these unique creatures beyond the brink. Yet, while some species are gone forever, others are holding on by a thread, teetering on the edge of existence. The next six animals are some of the rarest on Earth, each facing its own urgent threats—and each offering a chance for us to make a difference before it’s too late.
1. Vaquita

The world’s rarest marine mammal, the vaquita, lives in the Sea of Cortez. This small porpoise, measuring about five feet long, faces dire threats due to illegal fishing practices that target another species, the totoaba fish. Vaquitas frequently get entangled in gillnets used to capture totoaba for their swim bladders, which are valuable in traditional medicine. With fewer than 13 individuals believed to be alive today, the vaquita’s survival depends on strict conservation measures and international efforts to curb illegal fishing.
2. Saola (Asian Unicorn)

The Saola, also known as the “Asian unicorn,” is one of the rarest land mammals, discovered only in 1992 in the Annamite Mountains along the Laos-Vietnam border. Resembling an antelope but genetically closer to cattle, the Saola is elusive and has rarely been seen by humans. Habitat loss and poaching pose significant threats, and sightings are so scarce that some conservationists believe fewer than a dozen remain. Without immediate intervention, the Saola could soon disappear, taking its mysterious beauty with it.
3. Spix’s Macaw

Known for its brilliant blue feathers, Spix’s Macaw once filled the skies of northeastern Brazil with its vibrant color and unique calls. Habitat destruction and illegal trapping led to a steep population decline. By the early 2000s, Spix’s Macaw was declared extinct in the wild. However, thanks to dedicated breeding programs, some have been reintroduced into their natural habitat, sparking hope for the species’ comeback. With careful management, this beautiful bird might yet reclaim its rightful place in the Brazilian skies.
4. Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark

The Bigeye Sand Tiger Shark, a rare species of deep-sea shark, lurks in the dark depths of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. With striking orange eyes and a dark brown body, it’s adapted to life under immense oceanic pressure. Encounters with this elusive shark are exceedingly rare, and it faces serious threats from bycatch in commercial fisheries. The lack of knowledge about this shark’s behavior and population size complicates conservation efforts, making it one of the least understood—and most vulnerable—sharks in the ocean.
5. Lord Howe Stick Insect (Tree Lobster)

Once thought extinct, the Lord Howe Stick Insect, known as the “tree lobster,” is a rare insect native to Lord Howe Island, Australia. Following the introduction of black rats to the island in 1918, the insect was wiped out. However, a tiny population was discovered in 2001 on Ball’s Pyramid, a sea stack near the island. Conservationists have since bred thousands in captivity, and while the species has been saved from immediate extinction, reintroducing it to its original habitat remains a challenge.
6. Fernandina Island Giant Tortoise

After being considered extinct for over a century, a single female Fernandina Island Giant Tortoise was rediscovered in the Galapagos Islands in 2019. This tortoise, found on an active volcano, became an icon of survival against all odds. Conservationists are hopeful that more individuals might be discovered on the island, but without additional sightings, her species may still be on the verge of vanishing forever.
Human Impact on the Planet

In reflecting on these animals – both those we’ve already lost and those that are fighting to survive – it’s clear that human impact on the planet has led to unimaginable consequences. With a renewed commitment to conservation, sustainable practices, and greater respect for the natural world, we may still have a chance to protect the animals that remain.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.