The list of life on Earth has become a little shorter. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has confirmed that several species, including a bird once seen across Europe and rare Australian marsupials, are now extinct. The latest Red List update, launched at the IUCN Congress in Abu Dhabi, paints a mixed picture of global wildlife health.
Which species have disappeared?
The newly extinct species include the slender-billed curlew, the Christmas Island shrew, a species of cone snail, and three Australian bandicoots—the marl, the south-eastern striped bandicoot and the Nullarbor barred bandicoot. Two plant species, Diospyros angulata and Delissea sinuata, have also been added to the list. The Red List now assesses more than 172,000 species worldwide, making it one of the most detailed trackers of biodiversity.
Why is the slender-billed curlew’s loss significant?
Once common across Europe, North Africa and West Asia, the slender-billed curlew has not been officially sighted since 1995, when one was recorded in Morocco. An unconfirmed sighting in Hungary in 2001 was the last possible glimpse. Scientists say unsustainable hunting and habitat destruction likely drove the bird to extinction.
Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, said the loss of the species was a tragic reminder of how fragile migratory birds have become. She called for stronger global action to protect similar species before they vanish too.
What happened to Australia’s extinct marsupials?
Australia’s marl, south-eastern striped bandicoot and Nullarbor barred bandicoot have also been declared extinct. Authorities attribute their disappearance to introduced predators such as foxes and feral cats, and to land clearing and loss of habitat. The move points to the increasing vulnerability of Australia's native wildlife, much of which had an isolated evolutionary history and is extremely sensitive to change.
Is there any sign of recovery?
Not all the news was bleak. The IUCN noted that the green sea turtle has improved from endangered to least concern. Scientists estimate its global population has risen by nearly 28% since the 1970s, crediting decades of coastal protection and conservation efforts.
Yet other marine species face growing risks. The hooded seal has moved from vulnerable to endangered, while the bearded and harp seals have shifted to near threatened. Bird populations, too, are in decline, with up to 61% now affected — an increase from 44% in 2016.
Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, said the update reveals both serious challenges and hopeful progress. “The recovery of the green turtle shows that conservation works when we act with unity and resolve,” she said. “But the growing threats to seals and birds remind us that time is running out for many species.”
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