5 animals that went extinct in recent years

Extinction is the irreversible loss of animal species that once lived on our planet. The rapid pace of human-driven habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, and poaching has led to the disappearance of many special creatures in recent years.


Each loss leaves a permanent void that affects ecosystems, biodiversity, and the balance of nature. While conservation efforts have goals to save endangered species, some animals have unfortunately become extinct just in recent years. Understanding these tragic losses not only honours these creatures but also serves as an important reminder of the urgent need to protect wildlife and their habitats before more species vanish forever.

Here are 5 animals that became extinct in recent yearsPhotos: Wikimedia Commons/ iNaturalis/ World Land Trust

The chiriqui harlequin frog, native to Panama and Costa Rica, was declared extinct in 2019. This amphibian fell victim to the deadly chytrid fungus, which wiped out many frog populations worldwide. The last sighting was in 1996, and despite conservation efforts, the species disappeared entirely. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List officially assessed it as extinct

Found only in western Honduras, the corquin robber frog was declared extinct in 2019. Its limited habitat on a single mountain made it highly vulnerable to deforestation and habitat loss. No sightings have occurred since 1990, marking its disappearance.

Jalpa false brook salamander was endemic to Guatemala and last seen in 1976. Despite multiple surveys conducted between 1985 and 2018 to locate any surviving individuals, none were found. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially declared the species extinct in 2019. The primary causes of extinction were habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and aquaculture. Its very limited range and severe habitat degradation led to its disappearance

The bridled white-eye, a tiny bird once only found on Guam, got declared extinct in 2023 after the last sighting back in 1983. That sneaky brown tree snake, brought over accidentally, gobbled up birds and eggs, wiping out nearly all of Guam's native birds. Its close cousin, the Saipan white-eye, hangs on strong in the Northern Marianas with hundreds of thousands thriving in forests. Conservation folks watch closely there, fighting snakes and even starting breeding programs to keep it safe. It's a sad reminder of how invasives can wreck island life fast

Lonesome George, the last known Pinta giant tortoise, died on June 24, 2012, marking the official extinction of the Pinta subspecies. Native to the Galápagos Islands, George was discovered in 1971 and became a global symbol of conservation efforts. Despite decades of attempts to breed him with related tortoise subspecies, no offspring survived. His death was attributed to natural causes, likely heart failure. The loss of Lonesome George was deeply felt worldwide as it represented the final end of his species