Ecuador is a country in South America with a privileged position between Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean, which gives it different types of ecosystems and climatic conditions. This has made it possible to create the ideal space for a fairly important development of biodiversity, highlighting, for example, the animal endemism in this region.
However, various species over time have faced a strong impact, which in several cases has made them disappear. In this sense, in this article on our site, we want to present you with information about 10 extinct animals in Ecuador We invite you to continue reading it.
Lesser vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus dubius)
This was a species of bird endemic to the Galapagos Islands, which has not been seen since 1980. It was about 10 cm long, with a beautiful color combination of red, blackish brown and white.
It is estimated that a combination of factors, such as the introduction of rats to the islands, the outbreak of avian pox and probably the arrival of the bot fly (Philornis downsi), which parasitizes the nests of chicks, caused high mortality, which ultimately led to the extinction of this animal from Ecuador.
Don't miss this other article on our site with Animals of the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos Indefatigable Mouse (Nesoryzomys indefessus)
This is another example among the extinct animals of Ecuador, about which there is not enough information, since its last record was around 1934. Everything indicates that its extinction occurred due to the introduction of the black rat (Rattus rattus), which in turn introduced pathogens for which the first rodent was very susceptible. In addition, there must also have been competition between the two.
For a time it was considered a synonym of the species Nesoryzomys narboroughi, but evidence indicates that they are separate species.
Galapagos giant rat (Megaoryzomys curioi)
This rodent was identified by a bone record on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands. Apparently their extinction occurred recently and was related to the introduction of species into the region, such as dogs, wild cats and black rats. It is estimated that the habitat corresponded to shrubby forests.
Darwin's rat (Nesoryzomys Darwin)
Another case of an animal both endemic and extinct in Ecuador was the Darwin's rat, native to the island of Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos archipelago. The first time it was seen around this area was around 1906, while the last in 1930. Its extinction coincides with the introduction of the black rat, as happened with the other cases, but also with the domestic mouse, the Norway rat and the wild cats. The habitat of the animal is unknown.
Giant Pinta Tortoise (Chelonoidis abingdonii)
This is a species of giant Galapagos tortoise that previously, like others, was considered a subspecies, but molecular studies allowed its taxonomic position to be defined as a complete species. The last individual was known as Lonesome George and died June 2012
They have managed to identify hybrids that have 50% of the genetic material of the species, but none that is pure. The cause of the extinction of this Ecuadorian animal had its origin in the massive exploitation for consumption by fishermen and whalers in the 19th century, in addition to the extensive deforestation of its habitat.
We show you other Turtles in danger of extinction in this post that we suggest.
Floreana giant tortoise (Chelonoidis niger)
The giant Floreana or Galapagos tortoise is another of Ecuador's extinct animals. The collapse of the species occurred in the mid-1800s and it is estimated that it was due to overexploitation by fishermen, whalers and also the local population, in addition to the impact of introduction of various species that became invasive. Although there is no precise data on the habitat, it is estimated that it corresponded to herbaceous vegetation and areas with the presence of cacti and shrubs.
Harlequin Long-nosed Frog (Atelopus longirostris)
This amphibian is a species of harlequin frog, endemic to Ecuador. It had previously been declared extinct, but in 2016 they were found in two small patches of habitat, so is reassessed as critically endangered, although it remains extinct in many other areas.
Its habitat has been associated with the tropical forest and foothills of the Andean area. The threat caused by the impact is associated with a drastic transformation caused by deforestation, agricultural activity and mining.
We leave you with this article on our site so you can learn about the most endangered amphibians in the world: names and photos.
Mangrove Finch (Geospiza heliobates)
This is a species of the tanager family, endemic to the Galapagos Islands, but commonly known as a finch. It is listed as Critically Endangered.
However, is extinct from some islands where it previously developed, including reproductive areas, so that estimates indicate that do not reproduce in them again. The habitat is made up of dense mangrove forests and the threat caused by the affectation of the species is due to excessive predation caused by invasive species.
Galapagos Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus nanus)
This is a species that belongs to a group of birds known as flycatchers, with a distribution that includes all the Galapagos Islands. Despite being considered in the vulnerable category, estimates indicate that it has become extinct from some of the islands of the archipelago. The threats that affect the species are associated with diseases, habitat transformation and the application of pesticides.
Galapagos rice rat (Aegialomys galapagoensis)
This is another rodent endemic to Galapagos, classified in the category of vulnerable, but was restricted to two islands, the Santa Fe and San Cristobal. However, the latter has become extinct.
What caused the extinction of this endemic animal of Ecuador and continues to put pressure on the remaining population, is the introduction of competing rats and mice, as well as invasive predators. Estimates point to a possible total extinction of the species
Don't miss this other post on our site with endemic animals of Ecuador.
