5. The golden toad is not the only
species to disappear in the past 40
years, but it might just be the
brightest.This fluorescent
amphibian was found in the high-
altitude ridges of Costa Rica, but
thanks to pollution, global warming
and fungal skin infections, the
species became extinct in 1989.
6. Similar in appearance to the Sumatran tiger,
the Javan tiger was native to the Indonesian
island of Java. In the 1800s they were so
common they were considered pests by
island natives, but as the island was
developed their population dwindled. By the
1950s, only 20 tigers remained.
Cause of extinction: Loss of habitat and
agricultural development led to severe
population decline. Conservation efforts in
the 1940s and '50s were unsuccessful due to
a lack of adequate land and planning.
7. The majestic West African black rhino was
declared extinct in 2006, after
conservationists failed to find any in their
last remaining habitat in Cameroon.The
West African black rhino was one of four
subspecies of rhinoceros.
Cause of extinction: Habitat loss, along
with disease, predators and a decline in
its food source — native tree snails — are
all seen as reasons for the bird's demise.
8. Spix's Macaw, also called the Little Blue
Macaw, was known for its beautiful blue
feathers.While some still exist in
captivity, these tiny blue birds are extinct
in the wild.
Cause of extinction: Habitat destruction
and illegal trapping and trade contributed
to the macaw's dwindling numbers.
9. The stunning Madeiran LargeWhite
butterfly was found in the valleys of the
Laurisilva forests on Portugal's Madeira
Islands.The butterfly's closest relative,
the LargeWhite, is common across
Europe, Africa and Asia.
Cause of extinction: Loss of habitat due
to construction as well as pollution from
agricultural fertilizers are two major
causes of the species' decline.
