A bird species that was last spotted in 1995 is likely to be extinct. We are talking about the migratory bird, Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius Tenuirostris). Visually breeding in Northeast Asia, this bird typically migrated to the Euro-Mediterranean region during winter. However, it was recently confirmed in November 2024 that this species is likely extinct.
History and Status of the Slender-Billed Curlew
Previously, this species was listed in the IUCN Red Book. We know it was a critically endangered species. A recent scientific research report indicates that it is likely extinct. No spotting data also indicates that the bird species was last photographed in 1995. Since then, no one has photographed or spotted this bird in recent years. This absence is why scientists and conservationists are now openly saying the Slender-billed Curlew likely extinct.
Possible Causes of Extinction
The real reason why this bird went extinct is difficult to determine. However, it is assumed that climate change and changing weather conditions significantly impacted the species.
“There could have been impacts from pollution, disease, predation, and climate change, but the scale of these impacts is unknown.”
Implications of the Extinction
The Slender-billed Curlew’s (Numenius Tenuirostris) extinction has become a major headline in global bird conservation. For a long time, there hasn’t been such a sudden loss of a species, which raises concerns.
This incident highlights the risk that many more shorebirds, especially those on the critically endangered red list, could face extinction. Conservation efforts must intensify to protect these species. Natural conservation organizations should treat the issue of endangered and extinct species more seriously.