Extinct Animals
It is estimated that 99.9%of all species that have lived are extinct now.Some natural causes and human factors as well are reasons that these animals are extinct now.We are not completly awared of these animals and only have information about these species which were present on the earth in bits and pieces.There is extensive information on species from 1500 AD onwards.
The information on the extinction of animals is divided into two categories:
1. Pre-historic extinction.
2. Modern-day extinction.
Pre-historic Extinction
The animals whose fossils are found under the ground are included in yhis category.These fossils show the sizes and shapes of these animals.The fossils of such animals are found round about 1446.Scientists reconstruct their shape and size.They believe that a natural phenomenonon of global scale must have been the reason of their extinction,such as the falling of large meteoroid.
Modern-day Extinction
The Modern-day Extinction record exists of the last 500 years.840 species of animals are believed to have gone extinct which are:
1. Birds: 190 species
2. Mammals: 78 species
3. Animals: 572 species
In modern times the extinction of species has been rapid.The major cause of extinction is the human development.The natural resources are ruined at an alarming rate, such as the deforestation.
Modern-day Extinct Animals
1. King Island Emu
The King Island Emu or Black Emu is an extinct species.The main habitat of this species was the King Island between mainland Australia and Tasmania.It was discovered by an expedition in 1802 AD.The last captive died in 1822 AD.The main reasons of extinction of King Island Emu are the hunting and the fires started by visiting sailors.
2. Passenger Pigeon
The Passenger Pigeon or the wild pigeon species of pigeon was the mot common bird in North America.They lived in large flocks, and during migration, it was possible to see flocks of them 1.6 km wide and 500 km long.
They became such a threat to the farmers in 1703 AD that Roman Catholic bishop of Quebec ordered to kill them.The species was also reduced due to the loss of habitat.The primary factor emerged when pigeon meat was used for slaves and poors in 19th centuary, as it was the cheap one.This resulted hunting at a large scale.
3. Choiseul Crested Pigeon
It is an extinct pigeon which was found on Solomon Island.It was one of the most remarkable pigeon species in the world.Its size was about of a chicken.It was a beautiful and colourful bird.
4.Norfolk Island Kaka
It ia an extinct species of a large parrot which had a prominent beak.It had the habitat of rocks and treetops of Norfolk island.It was hunted for food and also was trpped as pet in 1788 AD onwards.The last bird died in 1851 AD in London.
5. Huia
It was the species found in New Zealand.It became extinct in 20th centuary due to over-hunting and destruction of habitat.
6. Hawaii Mamo
It was species from Hawaii.It also became extinct due the loss of habitat and over-collecting.It was one of the most prettiest of all the birds.It was a shy species lived in the forests and fed on the nectar of flowers.The Hawaii Mamo was last seen 1899 AD near Kaumana on hawaii.
7. Dodo
It was a flightless bird found on thei sland of Mauritius.It was about a meter tall and had weight about 20 kg.It lived on fruit and had the nest on ground.It has been extinct since 17th centuary.
8. Falkland Island Fox
It was also known as the Warrah and the Falkland Islands Dog.It was the only native mammal of the Falkland Island.It became extinct in 1876 AD.
9. Red-tailed Shark
It is a species of freashwater.These sharks are originally from the MaeKlong River in Thailand.They have incredible colours and easily become the centerpiece of any aquarium.They can reach a length of 17 cm and can live upto the age of 15 years.
10. White-footed Rabbit Rat
It is an extinct species of rodent.It was found in the woodlands of Adelaide and Sydney,Australia.It was kitten-sized.The last species was seen in 1845 AD.
