List of extinct animals of Australia

Following is a complete list of Australian animal extinctions from 1788 to the present. There are 23 birds, 78 frogs, and 27 mammal species or subspecies strongly believed to have become extinct since European settlement of Australia.

Extinctions are recorded under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Several invertebrate species have also been listed as extinct by the World Conservation Union (IUCN); however, this list is less exhaustive, as invertebrates are more difficult to survey and are less well studied.

Extinct Australian animals: 1788 to present

Birds

Species Common name Location(s) Comments Pictures
Aplonis fusca Norfolk Starling Norfolk Island, NSW 1923. Competition from introduced European Starling, Song Thrush and Common Blackbird, clearance for agriculture.
Columba vitiensis godmanae White-throated Pigeon (Lord Howe Island), Lord Howe Pigeon Lord Howe Island Last recorded 1853. Believed due to hunting.
Cynamorphus Red-nalga Parakeet (Hawaii Island), Hawaii Island Parakeet Hawaii Island
Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae subflavescens Red-crowned Parakeet (Lord Howe Island), Lord Howe Parakeet Lord Howe Island Last recorded 1869. Due to persecution, because of predation on gardens and crops.
Dasyornis broadbenti litoralis Rufous Bristlebird (western), South-western Rufous Bristlebird WA
Dromaius ater Dwarf Emu, King Island Emu Tas 1822. Extinction through hunting and, apparently, fires started by visiting sailors
Dromaius baudinianus Kangaroo Island Emu Kangaroo Island 1805. Extinction has been attributed to hunting and habitat clearance through burning. A captive bird died in 1822
Dromaius novaehollandiae diemenensis Emu (Tasmanian) Tas 1850
Drymodes superciliaris colcloughi Roper River Scrub-robin NT Last record: 1910. This subspecies may be invalid. It is known from only two specimens of doubtful provenance.[1]
Gallicolumba norfolciensis Norfolk ground dove Norfolk Island 1850s
Gerygone insularis Lord Howe Gerygone, Lord Howe Warbler Lord Howe Island Not recorded since 1928. Believed to be a result of the introduction of Black Rats following the grounding of SS Makambo in June 1918.
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae spadicea New Zealand Pigeon (Norfolk Island race) Norfolk Island
Lalage leucopyga leucopyga Norfolk Island Long-tailed Triller Norfolk Island
Nestor productus Norfolk Island Kaka Norfolk Island
Ninox novaeseelandiae albaria Southern Boobook (Lord Howe Island), Lord Howe Boobook Owl Lord Howe Island
Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata Southern Boobook (Norfolk Island), Norfolk Island Boobook Norfolk Island 1996
Porphyrio albus White Gallinule Lord Howe Island
Psephotus pulcherrimus Paradise Parrot NSW, Qld Date uncertain but around 1927; more recent sightings are sometimes claimed but have never been confirmed. Cause uncertain, most hypotheses centre on starvation from lack of grass seed after drought, overgrazing, more frequent fires, and introduction of prickly pear.
Rallus pectoralis clelandi Lewin's Water Rail (western) WA Last record: 1932.
Gallirallus philippensis macquariensis Macquarie Island Rail Macquarie Island
Rhipidura cervina Lord Howe Fantail Lord Howe Island Not recorded since 1924. Believed to be a result of the introduction of Black Rats following the grounding of SS Makambo in June 1918.
Turdus poliocephalus poliocephalus Norfolk Island Thrush, Grey-headed Blackbird Norfolk Island
Turdus poliocephalus vinitinctus Lord Howe Island Thrush Lord Howe Island Not recorded since ca 1924. Believed to be a result of the introduction of Black Rats following the grounding of SS Makambo in June 1918.
Zosterops albogularis White-chested White-eye, Norfolk Island Silvereye Norfolk Island The IUCN considers this species endangered; it is listed as extinct under the EPBC act since it has not been officially documented for over 20 years.
Zosterops strenuus Robust White-eye Lord Howe Island Not recorded since 1923. Believed to be a result of the introduction of Black Rats following the grounding of SS Makambo in June 1918.

Amphibians

The reason for the decline and extinction of these frog species is unclear, decline in frog populations is an international phenomenon.

Species Common name Location(s) Comments Pictures
Rheobatrachus silus[2] Gastric-brooding Frog Qld Last wild specimen recorded in 1981
Rheobatrachus vitellinus[3] Eungella Gastric-brooding Frog Qld Last wild specimen recorded in 1985
Taudactylus acutirostris[4] Sharp-snouted Day Frog, Sharp-snouted Torrent Frog Queensland Last wild specimen recorded in 1997
Taudactylus diurnus[5] Southern Day Frog,1987 Mt Glorious Torrent Frog Qld Last wild specimen recorded in 1979

Reptiles

Species Common name Location(s) Comments Pictures
Emoia nativitatis Christmas Island Forest Skink Christmas Island Last captive specimen died May 31, 2014

Mammals

Species Common name Location(s) Comments Pictures
Bettongia gaimardi gaimardi Eastern Bettong (mainland) NSW, Qld, SA, VIC
Bettongia lesueur graii Boodie, Burrowing Bettong (inland) WA
Bettongia penicillata penicillata Brush-tailed Bettong (south-east mainland) NSW, NT, SA, VIC, WA
Caloprymnus campestris[6] Desert Rat-kangaroo Qld, SA,wa,nw
Chaeropus ecaudatus[7] Pig-footed bandicoot NSW, NT, SA, Tas, VIC, WA 1950s
Conilurus albipes[8] White-footed Rabbit-rat NSW, Qld, SA, VIC
Lagorchestes asomatus[9] Central Hare-wallaby NT 1935
Lagorchestes hirsutus hirsutus Rufous Hare-wallaby (south-west mainland) NT, SA, WA
Lagorchestes leporides[10] Eastern Hare-wallaby NSW, Qld, SA, VIC 1890
Lagostrophus fasciatus albipilis Banded Hare-wallaby (mainland) WA
Macropus eugenii eugenii Tammar Wallaby (South Australia) SA Population Rediscovered in New Zealand
Macropus greyi[11] Toolache Wallaby SA, VIC 1932
Macrotis leucura[12] Lesser Bilby NT, Qld, SA 1931
Notomys amplus[13] Short-tailed Hopping-mouse NT, SA 1896
Notomys longicaudatus[14] Long-tailed Hopping-mouse NT, SA, WA 1901
Notomys macrotis[15] Big-eared Hopping-mouse WA 1843
Notomys mordax[16] Darling Downs Hopping-mouse NSW, Qld 1846
Nyctophilus howensis Lord Howe Long-eared Bat Lord Howe Island
Onychogalea lunata[17] Crescent Nail-tail Wallaby SA, WA
Perameles bougainville fasciata Western Barred Bandicoot (mainland) NSW, VIC
Perameles eremiana[18] Desert Bandicoot NT, SA, WA
Potorous platyops[19] Broad-faced Potoroo WA 1865
Pseudomys glaucus[20] Blue-gray Mouse NSW, Qld 1956
Pseudomys gouldii[21] Gould's Mouse NSW, Qld, SA, VIC, WA
Pteropus brunneus[22] Dusky Flying Fox Qld late 1800s
Rattus macleari[23] Maclear's Rat Christmas Island 1908
Rattus nativitatis[24] Bulldog Rat Christmas Island last recorded in 1903
Thylacinus cynocephalus[25] Thylacine, Tasmanian Tiger Tas 1936

There have been 1-4 sightings a year but not confirmed.

Possibly Extinct

Species Common name Location(s) Comments Pictures
Crocidura trichura[26] Christmas Island Shrew Christmas Island 1985
Leporillus apicalis[27] Lesser Stick-nest Rat NSW, NT, SA, VIC, WA 1933
Pipistrellus murrayi[28] Christmas Island Pipistrelle Christmas Island August 2009

Invertebrates

Several Australian Invertebrates have been listed by the World Conservation Union as having become extinct. However they are not listed as extinct under Australian legislation.

Species Common name Location(s) Comments Pictures
Hypolimnus pedderensis Lake Pedder Earthworm Tas Probably extinct in 1972, confirmed in 1996
Romankenkius pedderensis Lake Pedder Planarian Tas Rediscovered. Status requires updating[29][30]
Advena campbelli Norfolk Island
Nancibella quintalia Norfolk Island
Tornelasmias capricorni [31]
Angrobia dulvertonensis 1996[32]
Placostylus bivaricosus etheridgei [33]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Schodde R, Mason IJ (1999). The Directory of Australian Birds: Passerines. A Taxonomic and Zoogeographic Atlas of the Biodiversity of Birds in Australia and its Territories. Collingwood, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. pp. x 851 pp. ISBN 0-643-06456-7.
  2. ↑ Ed Meyer, David Newell, Harry Hines, Sarah May, Jean-Marc Hero, John Clarke, Frank Lemckert (2004). "Rheobatrachus silus (Southern Gastric Brooding Frog, Southern Platypus Frog)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  3. ↑ Jean-Marc Hero, Keith McDonald, Ross Alford, Michael Cunningham, Richard Retallick (2004). "heobatrachus vitellinus (Eungella Gastric-brooding Frog, Northern Gastric Brooding Frog)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  4. ↑ Jean-Marc Hero, Keith McDonald, Michael Cunningham, Ross Alford, Richard Retallick (2004). "Taudactylus acutirostris (Sharp Snouted Day Frog)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  5. ↑ Jean-Marc Hero, Sarah May, David Newell, Harry Hines, John Clarke, Ed Meyer (2004). "Taudactylus diurnus (Mount Glorious Day Frog, Mount Glorious Torrent Frog, Southern Day Frog)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
  6. ↑ Australasian Mammal Assessment Workshop (2008). "Caloprymnus campestris (Buff-nosed Rat-kangaroo, Desert Rat Kangaroo, Plains Rat-kangaroo)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  7. ↑ Burbidge, A., Dickman, C. & Johnson, K. (2008). "Chaeropus ecaudatus (Pig-footed Bandicoot)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  8. ↑ Baillie, J.E.M. (2008). "Conilurus albipes (Rabbit-eared Tree-rat, White-footed Rabbit-rat, White-footed Rabbit Rat, White-footed Tree-rat)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  9. ↑ Burbidge, A. & Johnson, K. (2008). "Lagorchestes asomatus (Central Hare-wallaby, Central Hare Wallaby, Least Hare-wallaby, Least Hare Wallaby)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  10. ↑ Australasian Mammal Assessment Workshop (2008). "Lagorchestes leporides (Eastern Hare-wallaby, Eastern Hare Wallaby)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  11. ↑ Australasian Mammal Assessment Workshop (2008). "Macropus greyi (Toolache Wallaby)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  12. ↑ Burbidge, A., Johnson, K. & Dickman, C. (2008). "Macrotis leucura (Lesser Bilby, Lesser Rabbit-eared Bandicoot, White-tailed Rabbit-eared Bandicoot, Yallara)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  13. ↑ Baillie, J.E.M. (2008). "Notomys amplus (Short-tailed Hopping Mouse)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  14. ↑ Morris, K. & Burbidge, A. (2008). "Notomys longicaudatus (Long-tailed Hopping Mouse)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  15. ↑ Morris, K. & Burbidge, A. (2008). "Notomys macrotis (Big-eared Hopping-mouse, Big-eared Hopping Mouse)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  16. ↑ Baillie, J.E.M. (2008). "Notomys mordax (Darling Downs Hopping Mouse)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  17. ↑ Burbidge, A. & Johnson, K. (2008). "Onychogalea lunata (Crescent Nail-tailed Wallaby, Crescent Nailtail Wallaby, Wurrung)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  18. ↑ Burbidge, A., Johnson, K. & Aplin, K. (2008). "Perameles eremiana (Desert Bandicoot)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  19. ↑ Australasian Mammal Assessment Workshop (2008). "Potorous platyops (Broad-faced Potoroo)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  20. ↑ Lamoreux, J. (2008). "Pseudomys glaucus (Blue-gray Mouse, Blue-grey Mouse)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  21. ↑ Baillie, J.E.M. (2008). "Pseudomys gouldii (Gould's Mouse)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  22. ↑ Richards, G. & Hall, L. (2008). "Pteropus brunneus (Dusky Flying Fox, Percy Island Flying Fox)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  23. ↑ Lamoreux, J. (2009). "Rattus macleari (Maclear's Rat)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  24. ↑ Lamoreux, J. (2009). "Rattus nativitatis (Bulldog Rat)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  25. ↑ McKnight, M. (2008). "Thylacinus cynocephalus (Tasmanian Tiger, Tasmanian Wolf, Thylacine)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  26. ↑ Lumsden, L. & Schulz, M. (2008). "Crocidura trichura (Christmas Island Shrew)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  27. ↑ Robinson, T. & Burbidge, A. (2008). "Leporillus apicalis (Lesser Stick-nest Rat, White-tipped Stick-nest Rat)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 23, 2013.
  28. ↑ Lumsden, L., Racey, P.A. & Hutson, A.M. (2010). "Pipistrellus murrayi (Christmas Island Pipistrelle)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved December 20, 2013.
  29. ↑ Grant, L.J., Sluys, R. & Blair, D. Biodiversity of Australian freshwater planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Paludicola): new species and localities, and a review of paludicolan distribution in Australia. Systematics and Biodiversity 4, 435-471 (2006).
  30. ↑ Forteath, G.N.R. and Osborn, A.W. Survival of endemic invertebrates of Lake Pedder and Lake Edgar subsequent to inundation. Records of the Queen Victoria Museum 116:2012
  31. ↑ http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/21996/all
  32. ↑ http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/1292/all
  33. ↑ http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/17448/all