Human beings have been destroying the animal’s natural habitat for a long time now. We have a sad track record on preserving and saving endangered species. We do this through deforestation, over hunting, overpopulation and sometimes just plain ignorance. We are most probably the most destructive species on earth. This is a list of some of the animals we have helped drive to extinction.

1 The Golden Toad

This species lived in Costa Rica, the Monteverdi Cloud Forest Biological reserve. The toad has not been seen since 1989. It breeding sites had closely been watched but by 1989, they could only locate one male. Causes of its extinction could have been due to global warming, its restricted range, airborne pollution and chytridiomycosis. (Source)

2 West African Black Rhinoceros

The West African Black Rhinoceros was declared extinct in 2006. Conservationists failed to find any at their last known habitat in Cameroon. It may have grown extinct due to poaching as its horn is believed to posses aphrodisiac powers in China and Yemen. (Source)

3 Spix’s Macaw

Also known as the Little Blue Macaw, the Spix’s Macaw was known for its beautiful blue feathers. These birds are extinct in the wild but not all areas of its native range have been surveyed thoroughly. Its extinction is attributed to sale to wealthy collectors. In the year 1987, the bird was sold to wealthy collectors in the black market for $40,000. Today the price may be up to $200,000! (Source 1, 2)

4 Javan Tigers

Javan tigers were mostly found on the Java Island, Indonesia. They became extinct between the years 1950 to 1980. Their extinction was due to habitat destruction and killings. The last of these tigers was seen in 1979. (Source)

5 The Dutch Alcon Blue Butterfly

The Dutch Alcon Blue has always been rare and not much is known about it. It was mostly found in the Netherlands where two populations of this butterfly existed. One was in Meije while the other was in Meijendel. The Meije population disappeared in 1975 while the one in Meijendel was last seen in 1979. Its extinction was due to change in vegetation. (Source)

6 Liverpool Pigeon

The origin of the spotted green pigeon is unknown although scientists suspect it may have lived in Tahiti. The last possible sighting of the species was in 1928 in the area. There is a surviving specimen in the Merseyside County Museum although there is no concrete reason as to why these pigeons went extinct. (Source)