As we continue to transform our blue and green planet into a dreary collection of grey cities, biodiversity loss is occurring at record rates, up to 100 times higher than the natural baseline. Worldwide, thousands of species are suffering; this year, it was announced that half of all global bird species are in decline. Human activities, habitat degradation, the spread of diseases, and the invasion of non-native species are the primary causes of the rapid extinction rates currently being observed. As the IUCN endangered lists continue to grow instead of shrink, it’s become more important than ever that humans take action to prevent the sixth mass extinction event. But what species is it already too late for, and what animals are teetering on the edge of disappearing for good?
Newly Extinct Species
| Species | Reason for Extinction | Trivia |
| Christmas Island Shrew | Introduction of black rats led to the spread of a blood-borne parasite | It is at least the fourth small mammal species to have gone extinct from Christmas Island since the rats were introduced |
| Slender Billed Curlew | Habitat destruction | Relatives, such as the Eurasian curlew, are also of particular conservation concern |
| Southeastern Striped Bandicoot | Habitat loss and invasion of feral cats | Used to be commonly seen on the Murray River in Victoria and New South Wales |
| Nullarbor Barred Bandicoot | Habitat loss and invasion of feral cats | Native to the Nullarbor Plain in South Australia. One of three species of bandicoot that was declared extinct this year |
| Conus Lugubris | Coastal development led to habitat degradation | Used to be abundant on a small part of the Camp Verde Islands |
Species Moved to Critically Endangered List
| Species | Estimated Remaining Numbers | Where are they Found? | Biggest Threat |
| Giant Bronze Gecko | 3184 – 3594 individuals | Seychelles | International pet trade |
| Philippine Eagle | 128 – 924 individuals | The Philippines | Habitat loss and hunting |
| Purple-winged Ground Dove | 0-49 individuals | Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay | Expansion of agriculture and farming |
| Schmidly’s Deer Mouse | ~48 individuals | Mexico | Deforestation of cloud forests |
| Overlooked Squeaker Frog | Possibly extinct, no individuals found in the last survey | Tanzania | Encroachment of agriculture and spread of chytrid fungus |
Human destruction doesn’t discriminate, and activities from the global illegal pet trade to the development of agriculture are killing off species across the globe, many before they have even been discovered. The year 2025 saw us lose a range of species, from invertebrates to birds, with even more experiencing declines rather than booms. It’s more important than ever that sustainable conservation strategies are established. Our only other option is to sit back and watch as more and more species, and the world we recognise, become lost in the years to come.