Top Ten Lost Species that are Likely Out There
The Top Ten
Fat Catfish
This species, known only from Brazil, has not been confirmed in recent surveys. It belongs to the Pimelodidae family, a group of long-whiskered catfish. Habitat destruction may have contributed to its apparent disappearance.
This species, known only from Brazil, has not been confirmed in recent surveys. It belongs to the Pimelodidae family, a group of long-whiskered catfish. Habitat destruction may have contributed to its apparent disappearance.
Pink-headed Duck
This duck, native to India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, was last conclusively seen in the 1950s. It inhabited wetlands and was known for its distinctive pink head. Despite unconfirmed reports, no evidence of its survival has been found.
This duck, native to India, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, was last conclusively seen in the 1950s. It inhabited wetlands and was known for its distinctive pink head. Despite unconfirmed reports, no evidence of its survival has been found.
Red Sea Torpedo
This torpedo ray, native to the Red Sea, is poorly documented and has not been seen in decades. It is part of the electric ray family and was described from limited specimens. Its current status remains unknown due to a lack of research.
This torpedo ray, native to the Red Sea, is poorly documented and has not been seen in decades. It is part of the electric ray family and was described from limited specimens. Its current status remains unknown due to a lack of research.
Kouprey
A wild forest-dwelling ox from Southeast Asia, it was last confirmed in the mid-20th century. Habitat loss, hunting, and disease transmission from livestock likely contributed to its decline. Some believe a small population could still exist in remote areas.
A wild forest-dwelling ox from Southeast Asia, it was last confirmed in the mid-20th century. Habitat loss, hunting, and disease transmission from livestock likely contributed to its decline. Some believe a small population could still exist in remote areas.
Syr Darya Shovelnose Sturgeon
This freshwater sturgeon was historically found in the Syr Darya River of Central Asia. Overfishing and habitat degradation have led to its presumed extinction. No verified sightings have been recorded in recent years.
Lost Shark
Also known as the false smalltail shark, it was formally described in 2019 from museum specimens. It was historically found in the Indo-Pacific region but has never been documented alive since its identification. Overfishing and habitat destruction may have caused its disappearance.
The ocean is a big place, it could be anywhere.
Miss Waldron's Red Colobus
This West African monkey was last confirmed in the late 1970s. Habitat loss and hunting are major threats to its survival. Occasional unverified reports suggest it may persist in remote forests.
This West African monkey was last confirmed in the late 1970s. Habitat loss and hunting are major threats to its survival. Occasional unverified reports suggest it may persist in remote forests. We've found evidence of red fur that does not belong to any other known animal in the area where it supposedly went extinct, and people in the region have reported seeing similar monkeys.
Himalayan Quail
Native to the western Himalayas of India, it was last reliably observed in the late 19th century. It inhabited dense grasslands and was thought to be elusive. Extensive searches have failed to locate any surviving populations.
Native to the western Himalayas of India, it was last reliably observed in the late 19th century. It inhabited dense grasslands and was thought to be elusive. Extensive searches have failed to locate any surviving populations.
Ivory-billed Woodpecker
Once widespread in the southeastern United States and Cuba, this large woodpecker has not been definitively confirmed since the mid-20th century. Habitat destruction severely reduced its numbers. Occasional reports and disputed evidence suggest it may still exist.
Once widespread in the southeastern United States and Cuba, this large woodpecker has not been definitively confirmed since the mid-20th century. Habitat destruction severely reduced its numbers. Occasional reports and disputed evidence suggest it may still exist.
New Zealand Greater Short-tailed Bat
This bat, once found on islands off New Zealand, was last recorded in the 1960s. It likely declined due to introduced predators such as rats. No confirmed sightings have been reported in decades.
The Newcomers
? Titanoboa
? South Island Kōkako
The Contenders
Thylacine
Also known as the Tasmanian tiger, this carnivorous marsupial was native to Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea. It was declared extinct in 1936 after the last known individual died in captivity. Occasional unconfirmed sightings continue to fuel speculation about its survival.
Also known as the Tasmanian tiger, this carnivorous marsupial was native to Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea. It was declared extinct in 1936 after the last known individual died in captivity. Occasional unconfirmed sightings continue to fuel speculation about its survival. I believe they are all gone. It was sad how the zookeeper forgot about the last one being left outside, leading to its death from exposure at a zoo in Hobart.
Though, maybe we can bring them back. Who knows?
Chinese Paddlefish
This large freshwater fish, endemic to the Yangtze River in China, was last confirmed in 2003. It is one of the largest freshwater fish species and distinguished by its long, paddle-like snout. Overfishing and habitat fragmentation are believed to have led to its decline.
This large freshwater fish, endemic to the Yangtze River in China, was last confirmed in 2003. It is one of the largest freshwater fish species and distinguished by its long, paddle-like snout. Overfishing and habitat fragmentation are believed to have led to its decline.
Scarlet Harlequin Toad
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