Extinction: 5 species we recently lost

The world is seeing a rapid acceleration in species extinction rates. Currently, more than 1 million species are at risk of dying out. Here are a few animals we've already lost ― and not too long ago.



Bramble Cay Melomys

In 2019, the Bramble Cay melomys was officially declared extinct due to human-related climate change. Warming ocean temperatures and higher seas washed away the vegetation the animals used for shelter and food. Bramble Cay melomys lived on Australia's isolated Bramble Cay island on the surface of the Great Barrier Reef's northern tip.

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