11 Extinct Animals That Have Been Photographed Alive
Caribbean Monk Seal
The Caribbean Monk Seal was the only known seal which was native to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also the only species of seal to go extinct directly due to human causes. It was officially declared extinct just last year, on June 6th, 2008, although the last recorded account of the species was made at Serranilla Bank between Honduras and Jamaica in 1952.
Their eventual demise, brought on by human hunting, was symbolized during Columbus’ 1494 voyage, when the tiny seals were described as “sea wolves” and 8 were recorded to have been killed and slaughtered for their meat.
Pyrenean Ibex
The Pyrenean Ibex has one of the more interesting stories among extinct animals, since it was the first species to ever be brought back into existence via cloning, only to go extinct again just seven minutes after being born due to lung failure. Here at Ecoworldly, we reported on the event, which happened in January 2009.
The last naturally born Pyrenean Ibex died on January 6th, 2000; it was found dead under a fallen tree at the age of 13. That animal’s only companion had died just a year earlier due to old age. Although the recent effort to resurrect the Ibex was short-lived, the event does bring optimism, and raise serious debate, about whether extinct creatures should be given a second chance.
Bubal Hartebeest
The Bubal Hartebeest was a magnificent, tough beast which was once domesticated by the ancient Egyptians as a food source and for sacrificial purposes. The creature was even mentioned in the Old Testament.
Although it once roamed throughout Northern Africa and the Middle East, the deep-rooted mythology which surrounded the animal was not enough to save it from European hunters who began hunting them for recreation and meat. The last Bubal Hartebeest was probably a female which died in the Paris Zoo in 1923.
Javan Tiger
Javan Tigers are a subspecies of tiger which were limited to the Indonesian island of Java. The last specimen to have been seen was sighted in 1972, although there is evidence from track counts that the animal had lingered into the 1980’s. The last track counts to yield evidence of the tigers was held in 1979, when just three tigers were identified.
The leading cause of their extinction was agricultural encroachment and habitat loss, which continues to be a serious concern in Java.
There are some who believe that Javan Tigers could still be alive in some of the island’s few remaining forested regions, although even so, the tiger’s numbers would be so low that the species would still be functionally extinct. The region most likely to contain a tiger today would have to be the Meru Betiri National Park, although even that area is now being threatened by mining companies after the discovery of gold nearby.
Tecopa Pupfish
The Tecopa Pupfish has the unfortunate distinction of being the first species to be declared extinct under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The official de-listing of the animal came in 1981.
The fish were first discovered in the Tecopa Hot Springs in California in 1942, and their decline followed shortly thereafter, as the Hot Springs were canalized and replaced with bathhouses. The final nail in the coffin came when hotels and trailer parks were built nearby to allow for more comfortable recreation for tourists.
Both species of gastric brooding frogs.
See article here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastric-brooding_Frog
And photo of frog with young in mouth, here: http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2006/publications/emerging/frogs/images/fig1.jpg
This is absolutly horrible we do this to other creatures of our own world yet it so majestic to see pics of animals I’ve never even heard of. Every creature on this planet is here for a reason and contributes in their own little way. Maybe now that the world is becoming more eco-sensative we can better control these situations and stop the maddness! I can only hope and FYI I this cloning to recreate extinct animals is a great idea..
How terribly sad to be reminded of all that we have lost; and how important it is to remind us that we must all redouble our efforts in our everyday lives to change the impact on our planet on the creatures with which we share it. Thank you.
Sad, really sad,this is even sometimes insane !
Absolutely shocking!! Goes to re-enforce the fact that us humans are so self absorbed, greedy and ignorant that we have never (until now hopefully) even considered the repercussions of our pursuit to make our lives “better” and more prosperous. We all now need to do our bit, however small, to prevent our grandchildren having to look up animals that we know and love in history books rather than having the opportunity to see them first hand.
I was not aware that the Bubal Hartebeest was extinct. I believe I have seen recent photos of the antelope, although perhaps it is a different type of subspecies. Thank you for this post. It’s quite heartbreaking.
Wow that Tazmanian Tiger looks coool!
RT
http://www.anonymity.us.tc
Notice how for every instinct animal, the sole reason of their extinction is caused by humankind. It a disgusting truth that all people should know. Imagine if an entire breed of humans were to be extinct
Its sad yes, but it happens. It happens b/c people believe that governments and regulations are the way to stop animals from going extinct. If you look at history you would learn that governments sanctioned most of the mass killings of animals. Buffalo, Tasmanian Tiger, Passenger Pigeon, Wolves, Bear, and so on. All the greenies hate hunters but why? Hunters love animals. The animals i hunt on my private property have food plots i planted, they have small made ponds to drink from i dug. Most hunters spend more time in the woods learning how to live with nature and to make sure next year there will be more deer, bear, turkey, hogs to hunt. How many of you have spent hours in the woods clearing land for fruit trees or plant pine trees or doing anything for wild life? Private property will save endanger animals not more government intervention. Its a old sayin my dad said to me “son leave it better than you found it” So stop bithin and go buy land and protect it. Put your money and time where your mouth is and don’t rely on the government to do the work for you. FreeTalkLive.com to learn about freedom and why government is not the way.
Furthermore, due to the large size of their flocks, the birds were seen as a threat to farmers. In fact, in 1703 the Catholic bishop of Quebec actually excommunicated the entire species.
Vintage stupidity at its best.