In 2022, we said goodbye to eight incredible animals that vanished forever. These creatures, once a vital part of our planet’s ecosystems, are now lost to us.
Their disappearances remind us of how fragile nature can be and how our actions impact wildlife.
1. Chinese Paddlefish (Psephurus gladius)
Overview:
The Chinese paddlefish was one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 23 feet. It was characterized by its long, paddle-shaped snout, which was used for navigation and foraging in the Yangtze River.
Habitat:
This species primarily inhabited the Yangtze River and its tributaries in China. It relied on vast river systems to breed and migrate.
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Extinction Reasons:
The Chinese paddlefish faced severe threats due to habitat loss caused by dam construction, such as the Three Gorges Dam, which disrupted its migratory routes. Overfishing, pollution, and changes in water quality also contributed to its decline.
In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared it to be functionally extinct, as no individuals had been sighted for years. (ref)
2. Yangtze Sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus)
Overview:
The Yangtze sturgeon is a large fish species known for its distinct elongated body and bony scutes. It could grow over 10 feet long and was an important part of the Yangtze River ecosystem.
Habitat:
This sturgeon was endemic to the Yangtze River, where it inhabited both freshwater and brackish environments. It depended on the river’s health for breeding and feeding.
Extinction Reasons:
Similar to the paddlefish, the Yangtze sturgeon suffered from habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution. The construction of dams severely impacted its breeding grounds, and the introduction of invasive species further complicated its survival.
According to a study, the Yangtze sturgeon was functionally extinct sometime between 2005 and 2010. (ref)
3. Mountain Mist Frog (Litoria spenceri)
Overview:
The Mountain Mist Frog, native to the mountainous regions of Australia, was known for its unique coloring and adaptations to cool, misty environments. It was a medium-sized frog with a distinctive call and was often found in streams and moist forest areas.
Habitat:
This frog thrived in the cool, damp climates of high-altitude rainforests. Its habitat provided the necessary conditions for breeding and feeding.
Extinction Reasons:
The Mountain Mist Frog faced threats from habitat destruction due to logging and land clearing, climate change affecting its moist environment, and disease, particularly chytridiomycosis, a fungal infection that has devastated amphibian populations worldwide.
IUCN declared it extinct, with no recorded sightings since 1980. (ref)
4. Coote’s Tree Snail (Partula cootei)
Overview:
Coote’s Tree Snail was a small, brightly colored land snail found exclusively on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. It had a distinct, spiraled shell that was often decorated with vibrant patterns.
Habitat:
These snails thrived in the tropical forests of Moorea, where they inhabited the understory and the leaves of trees. Their reliance on specific plant species for food and shelter made them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Extinction Reasons:
The primary threats to Coote’s Tree Snail included habitat destruction due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. Additionally, the introduction of non-native predators, such as rats and invasive snail species, severely impacted their populations.
Coote’s Tree Snail was declared extinct in 2017, as no individuals were found despite extensive searches. (ref)
5. Giant Atlas Barbel (Labeobarbus scheeli)
Overview:
The Giant Atlas Barbel was a large freshwater fish species native to the rivers and lakes of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It was known for its impressive size, capable of reaching lengths of over 3.3 feet, and its importance to local fisheries.
Habitat:
This fish inhabited freshwater systems, particularly clear, fast-flowing rivers and lakes. Its habitat provided crucial spawning grounds and ample food resources.
Extinction Reasons:
The decline of the Giant Atlas Barbel was primarily driven by overfishing, habitat loss from dam construction, and pollution from agricultural runoff. Changes in water temperature and quality also contributed to its decline.
By the early 2000s, it was nearly impossible to find individuals in the wild, leading to its official extinction declaration in 2021. (ref)
6. Ivory-Billed Woodpecker (Campephilus principalis)
Overview:
The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker is one of the most iconic birds in North America, known for its striking black and white plumage and large size, measuring about 20 inches in length. It was often referred to as the “Lord God Bird” due to its impressive appearance.
Habitat:
This woodpecker primarily inhabited the bottomland hardwood forests of the southeastern United States and Cuba. It relied on old-growth forests rich in large trees, where it could find food and nesting sites.
Extinction Reasons:
The primary causes of the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker’s decline were habitat destruction due to logging and land development, as well as hunting. By the mid-20th century, the bird was presumed extinct, with the last confirmed sighting occurring in the 1940s.
Despite occasional reports of sightings, no definitive evidence of its existence has been found, leading the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to declare it functionally extinct around 2021. (ref)
7. Dugong (Dugong dugon)
Overview:
The Dugong is a marine mammal often referred to as a “sea cow.” It has a large, streamlined body, flippers, and a distinctive tail. Dugongs are herbivores that primarily feed on seagrass, making them vital for marine ecosystems.
Habitat:
Dugongs inhabit warm coastal waters, particularly in shallow areas where seagrass beds are abundant. They can be found in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
Extinction Reasons:
Dugongs face threats from habitat loss due to coastal development, seagrass depletion, and pollution. They are also hunted for their meat and oil, and are vulnerable to boat strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Their populations have dramatically declined, with some regions reporting them as functionally extinct, particularly in Taiwan. (ref)
8. Spix’s Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii)
Overview:
Spix’s Macaw is a small, bright blue parrot native to Brazil. Known for its stunning color and intelligent behavior, it was a popular bird in captivity.
Habitat:
This macaw was primarily found in the Brazilian rainforest, particularly near the Rio São Francisco. It relied on palm trees for nesting and feeding.
Extinction Reasons:
The decline of Spix’s Macaw was primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and agricultural expansion. Additionally, trapping for the pet trade further reduced its population.
By 2019, the species was declared extinct in the wild by IUCN. (ref)
These species have their own role in nature; by supporting conservation efforts and being more mindful of our impact on nature, we can help ensure a healthier world for future generations and the wildlife that share it with us.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.