A species that is extinct in the wild (EW) is one that has been categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as known only by living members kept in captivity or as a naturalized population outside its historic range due to massive habitat loss.
1. Pinta Island Tortoise
Pinta Island tortoise is a species of Galapagos tortoise native to Ecuador's Pinta Island that is most likely extinct. By the end of the 19th century, most of the Pinta Island tortoises had been wiped out due to hunting. By the mid-20th
century, the species was assumed to be extinct until a single male was discovered on the island in 1971. Efforts were made to mate the male, named Lonesome George, with other species, but no viable eggs resulted. Lonsome George died on 24 June 2012, and the
species was believed to have become extinct with his death.
Places: Galapagos Island
Habitats: Desert Habitat
2. Northern White Rhinoceros
The Northern white rhinoceros is one of the two subspecies of the white rhinoceros. These animals are extinct in the wild, but there are currently seven left in captivity. These seven lived in the Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic. Four of the seven rhinoceroses were transported to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, Africa, where scientists hope they will successfully breed and save this subspecies from extinction. One of three remaining in the Czech Republic died in late May 2011. The two other rhinoceroses now live at the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park in California.
Places: Africa
Habitats: Grassland Habitat
3. Guam Kingfisher
The Guam kingfisher (Todiramphus cinnamominus) is a species of kingfisher from the United States Territory of Guam. It is restricted to a captive breeding program following its extinction in the wild due primarily to predation by the introduced brown tree snake.
