9 Once-Common Animals That Have Disappeared from Our Planet

Caspian Tiger:

Once widespread across regions from Turkey to Central Asia, the Caspian Tiger became extinct due to factors like habitat loss and hunting. The last confirmed sightings were in the 1970s, leading to its official declaration as extinct.

Pyrenean Ibex:

Found in the Pyrenees mountains, the Pyrenean Ibex faced extinction from overhunting and habitat destruction. Despite failed conservation efforts, the subspecies was declared extinct in 2000.

Bluebuck:

Indigenous to South Africa, the bluebuck experienced rapid decline due to European colonization. Hunted for sport and meat, it was declared extinct by the early 19th century. 

Steller s Sea Cow:

Once inhabiting the Bering Sea, Steller s Sea Cow was hunted to extinction for its meat, fat, and hide within just 27 years of its discovery in 1741. Human exploitation led to its demise, underscoring the vulnerability of marine mammals to exploitation.

Moa:

Large, flightless birds native to New Zealand, the Moa were driven to extinction by M ori hunters and the introduction of dogs. By the 15th century, every species had disappeared, causing significant ecosystem shifts.

Javan Tiger:

Once found on Indonesia s Java Island, the Javan Tiger succumbed to habitat destruction, human encroachment, and intensive hunting. The last confirmed sightings were in the 1970s, leading to its official extinction declaration in 2003.

Haast s Eagle:

Native to New Zealand, Haast s Eagle was the largest eagle ever known. Its main prey, the moa, went extinct due to human overhunting, leading to the eagle s demise around 1400.

Mexican Grizzly Bear:

Once widespread across northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, the Mexican Grizzly Bear fell victim to intense hunting for its fur and measures to protect livestock. By the 1960s, this subspecies was eradicated from the wild.

Caribbean Monk Seal:

The Caribbean Monk Seal, native to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, became the first seal species in the New World to go extinct. Intense hunting for its oil, coupled with habitat loss.