Iucn - GoKawiil

Study: birds wait median 36 years after last sighting before being declared extinct

An analysis of 13 bird species and subspecies with documented last-sighting and extinction-declaration dates finds a median gap of 36 years, and a mean of 47.5 years, between the two. The shortest gap was three years, for the dusky seaside sparrow; the longest was 124 years, for the Kauaʻi nukupuʻu, not delisted by the US government until October 2023. Four additional birds with last records between 1935 and 1963 have never been formally declared extinct.

birdshistory.com · 2026-10-03

Global pet trade accelerates reptile and amphibian extinction risk, IUCN data shows

Conservation researchers warn that the booming exotic pet industry, now worth $2.5 billion for reptiles alone, is contributing significantly to the decline of reptile and amphibian species worldwide. Species like the variable harlequin frog and giant bronze gecko have seen population crashes, compounding threats from habitat loss and disease with the added pressure of legal and illegal wildlife trafficking. The authors call for urgent action to close legal loopholes that allow illegally sourced animals to be laundered into legitimate markets.

nature.com · 2026-09-14