21 animal species that went extinct in 2023

Although there have been positive developments in science, 21 animal species went extinct in 2023.

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21 animal species that went extinct in 2023

Many living species on Earth have been unable to withstand threats such as human interaction in their habitats, climate change, and poaching. As we face this bitter reality, the extinction of these animals, which are a part of nature, serves as a profound call for reflection and action on behalf of humanity.

According to a report compiled by Dilara Ok from Webtekno, many species went extinct in 2023. One of the biggest reasons for this is the extinction rate announced by US scientists, which is at least ten to hundreds of times higher than the extinctions that have occurred in the last ten million years. The Fish and Wildlife Service list currently contains more than 1,480 endangered or threatened species.

A LARGE PORTION OF EXTINCT BIRD SPECIES ARE FROM HAWAII

Some of the birds from the most remote islands in the world in terms of distance have joined the list of extinct bird species. The state of Hawaii is considering pest management by collaborating on different projects to reduce the invasive mosquito population that transmits malaria to birds, which has emerged due to climate change.

IT WAS AMONG THE ENDANGERED ANIMALS IN 1967

The Bachman's warbler, a member of the wood-warbler family, is a bird species that is quite small, like other members of its family. This species, which was a swamp warbler in the southeastern and midwestern United States, bred in cane thickets. Some officials confirmed that the Bachman's warbler was seen in Louisiana, USA, in 1988, but it became rare afterward and went extinct in 2023.

LAST SEEN IN 1983: BRIDLED WHITE-EYE

This species, which is on the bird list under the name "bridled white-eye," belongs to the Zosteropidae family. Native to the island of Guam, the bridled white-eye gets its name, as you might guess, from its white eye rings. This fast, active, and small bird was known for its high-pitched and cheerful chirping.

HAWAII-ENDEMIC BIRD SPECIES HAVE GONE EXTINCT

The Kauai akialoa, Kauai nukupuu, Kauai 'o'o, and the large Kauai thrush are also bird species endemic to Hawaii that have gone extinct. The reasons for the extinction of these species include rats, domestic pigs, mosquitoes, and habitat destruction.

The Maui 'akepa and Maui nukupu'u species are known for being endemic only to Hawaii. The reasons for the extinction of these birds, which were among the last surviving species within their own genera, are quite similar to the others.

ANOTHER EXTINCT BIRD: MOLOKAI CREEPER

This bird species, also known as the Moloka'i creeper or kakawahie, had actually been under the threat of extinction for many years. The fact that avian malaria paralyzed and killed the Molokai creeper also caused its gradual extinction.

Living only in the wettest and easternmost part of the island of Maui, this bird was attempted to be captured to ensure its breeding in captivity because it was facing the danger of extinction. However, the efforts were in vain. In 2004, there were only two birds left of this species. In studies conducted in 2018, it was stated that it was no longer observed, and it was added to the list of extinct birds.

THREE FISH SPECIES JOINED THE LIST OF THOSE THAT WENT EXTINCT IN 2023

The San Marcos gambusia, which resembles a mosquitofish in appearance, gets its name from the San Marcos River in Texas where it lived. One of the rarest animals in the river, this fish went extinct due to the decrease in water flow from the springs and water pollution caused by the growth of nearby cities.

The scioto madtom, which belongs to the Ictaluridae family, had likely been completely or functionally extinct since 1957.

The Java stingaree, seen only in Jakarta, Indonesia, was a species of stingray. Not recorded since its discovery 150 years ago, the fact that the distribution area of this species was exposed to intense fishing pressure and habitat degradation also led to the extinction of the Java stingaree.

THE ONLY EXTINCT MAMMAL ON THE LIST: LITTLE MARIANA FRUIT BAT

This bat, also known as the Mariana flying fox, was found only in the Mariana Islands and Ulithi Island in the Pacific Ocean. In September 2021, habitat loss, invasive species, and poaching had added it to the list of extinct species. Under the Endangered Species Act, its extinction was officially recognized in October 2023.

Mussels, which live inside shells and feed by filtering, are a vital part of the freshwater ecosystem. Mussels, which filter some harmful toxins such as algae and bacteria, also provide food and habitat for many species.

However, there are some mussel species that have been withdrawn from the support they provide to the ecosystem and have gone extinct. The flat pigtoe mussel, endemic to Alabama and Mississippi, has not been seen since 1980, but it has recently joined the group of extinct mussels. The southern acornshell and the stirrupshell are other species among the mussels.

THEIR ABSENCE IN THE ECOSYSTEM WILL BE FELT

The upland combshell, green-blossom pearly mussel, tubercled-blossom pearly mussel, turgid-blossom pearly mussel, and yellow-blossom pearly mussel have also been classified as extinct.

In this period when we face this bitter reality, it is necessary to remember once again that one of the most important factors shaping our future is the balance of nature. Extinct animals are not just the loss of a single living species, but also an indicator of the sustainable future of ecosystems and humanity.

With conscious environmental policies, sustainability efforts, and small steps by individuals, we can reverse our tendency to harm nature and its habitats. We must value nature to leave a healthier and more balanced planet for future generations.

News Source: 12punto