All Of The Species That Became Extinct In 2018

Right, you've had long enough to reflect on all your super amazing memories from 2018, now let's look back on all of the species we lost forever.

It may be depressing, but we can't overlook it.

The fact is, the primary reason these animals are no more is because of us, humans. Be that as a result of the gradual effects of climate change, or the more pressing threat posed by deforestation and loss of habitat.

So without further ado, let's take a look at the animals we lost in 2018.

Perhaps the most high profile species to become extinct last year was the Spix's Macaw.

PA

The distinctive blue bird's profile was elevated in 2011 thanks to 20th Century Fox's animated film, Rio. The adventure comedy centred around a male Spix's Macaw named Blu, and his quest to woo female, Jewel. Blu is ultimately successful and the pair have three chicks together.

In reality though, the ending has been far less happy for the species.

A study by BirdLife International confirmed the Brazilian native parrot had become extinct in the wild - indicating that this had probably in fact been the case since the turn of the century. The report suggests the primary reasons for the species' extinction was deforestation.

Dr Stuart Butchart, BirdLife's Chief Scientist and lead author on the paper, said: "Ninety percent of bird extinctions in recent centuries have been of species on islands.

"However, our results confirm that there is a growing wave of extinctions sweeping across the continents, driven mainly by habitat loss and degradation from unsustainable agriculture and logging."

PA

In 2016, there was renewed hope for the then 'critically endangered' bird, after one was spotted in the wild. However, this was later found to have escaped from captivity.

There are between 60-80 of the birds still in captivity, according to Bird Life International.

The Po'ouli is an island songbird native to Hawaii confirmed as extinct in 2018. It was discovered almost 50 years ago but it's population took a nosedive following the introduction of invasive species to the island, according to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Cryptic Songbird was only discovered in the northeastern Brazilian rainforest as recently as 2002. It was immediately placed in the 'critically endangered' category but has not been sighted in the wild for more than 10 years.

Another Brazilian songbird, the Alagoas Foliage-gleaner, was also confirmed as extinct.

The tragic eradication of species shows no signs of declining in 2019.

The world's rarest marine mammal, the vaquita, could become extinct any day, according to the World Wildlife Foundation. The porpoises, which reside in the Gulf of California, are being killed off as a result of being caught in fishing nets and less than 30 remain in the wild.

Meanwhile, on land, the last male northern white rhino died in March, after the species was driven to the brink of extinction by poachers.

There are now only two females left and they are protected 24/7 by armed guards. The only hope for the species is assisted reproduction, but there are no guarantees such efforts will be successful.

LADbible's Extinct campaign is fighting to raise awareness and share inspiration about the progress being made to help endangered animals.

Topics: Extinct, World News, Animals

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey