Zookeeper's Lounge

At Zoo Admin, Tasmanian_tiger listed a link to the Recently Extinct Animals website at http://www.petermaas.nl/extinct/english.htm . (Thanks, Tasmanian_tiger!) I found the site interesting, so decided to list it here. In addition to listing the animals, there are histories and pictures for some of the animals. Two animals became extinct this century. The site also gives examples of animals that were thought to be extinct but have been rediscovered and animals that became extinct in the wild but are being reintroduced from captive populations (although there are still deaths caused by humans with the reintroductions). There are also descriptions of potential selective breeding and cloning in order to bring back some extinct animals, along with things that would have to be overcome for success to occur in those areas.

this is an intersting site; thanks for reposting the link

There's a little bit of controversy over some of those listings though;some of the animals listed as recently extinct are in dispute,they just haven't been seen for a few years.

To give you an example of how this can happen (although I don't know if it's on that site)

The Bavarian Pine Vole was declared extinct,but a colony was found alive & well LAST YEAR!

And this is in GERMANY in the heart of Europe,so who knows what may still exist (hopefully) in Africa,Asia or Australia?

The site lists the Bavarian Pine Vole as being one of the rediscovered animals. Yes, hopefully there will be more rediscoveries.

Also, the site does not make "extinction" declarations on its own. It uses the declarations from The World Conservation Union (IUCN).

I have to admit Ive not visited in a while,the great trouble with the zoology world is one body will dispute the findings of another.Not everyone accepts the extinction listings of the IUCNin every case ,the WWF & Durrell Wildlife Trust for example

Although I'm a Dr of Zoology I don't work as a zoologist,there is more argument & politics in Zoology than in Politics!