Psychology XC 1B

Fundamentals of Biology
Extinct Species Assignment
Mohammad Haider Rehman Malik
01-171232-054

Definition of extinct species

The term "extinct species" refers to organisms or kinds of life that no longer exist on Earth.
These species have totally vanished, with no live members remaining. Extinction happens when
the last individual of a specific species dies, resulting in the extinction of that species from the
planet.
A number of things can cause a species to go extinct, including pollution, natural disasters,
habitat destruction, overhunting, invasive species introduction, and environmental changes.
Extinction is a normal aspect of evolution, but in recent centuries, human activity has
dramatically increased the pace of extinction, raising questions about biodiversity loss and its
effects on ecosystems. Research into extinct animals is common in an effort to preserve and
conserve currently threatened species by learning about the factors that led to their extinction.

Extinct Species of Pakistan

Pakistan, like many other regions, has seen the extinction of certain species due to various
factors such as habitat destruction, hunting, pollution, and environmental changes. In Pakistan,
a few of the extinct or locally extinct species are as follows:

Pakistan River Dolphin (Indus River Dolphin):

This freshwater dolphin, which was formerly common in the Indus River, had a large snout and a
noticeable hump behind the dorsal fin.

Causes of the Extermination: Its decline and local extinction were caused by extensive
damming, decreasing water flow, and pollution from agricultural and industrial sources, and
habitat degradation.

Baluchistan Black Bear:

This bear subspecies is native to the Baluchistan region and is related to the Asian black bear.

Causes of Extinction: Human activities such as habitat loss and overhunting led to the local
extinction of this species.

Asiatic Cheetah:
Asiatic Cheetah once roamed Pakistan's parched plains and deserts.

Reasons of Extinction: Its extinction in the area was caused by hunting, habitat deterioration
brought on by human encroachment, and a declining prey base.

Pakistan Sand Cat:

It was a small wild cat that has adapted to live in a desert.

Causes of Extinction: It vanished from Pakistan as a result of habitat loss brought on by human
activity and agricultural growth.

White-backed Vulture and Long-billed Vulture:

Large scavenging birds are essential to the ecology.

Causes of the Extermination: Quick decrease as a result of renal failure brought on by ingesting
carcasses laced with veterinary medications like diclofenac.

The Himalayan Quail:

A very little, elusive bird with unique plumage that is described.

Causes of demise: Hunting and habitat degradation were the causes of its demise. Since the
1870s, no sightings have been reported.

Pink-headed Duck:

It has the species of multicoloured duck with a pinkish head.

Causes of Extinction: Loss of habitat and overhunting were the main causes of its extinction.
The early 1900s saw the final confirmed sighting.

Indian Cheetah:

Historically, it was present throughout Pakistan's plains and grasslands.

Causes of the Extermination: Its extinction in the area was brought on by overhunting, habitat
damage, and prey shortage.

Marbled Teal:

This type of dabbling duck is tiny and has a marbled look.

Reasons for Decline: Its population declined significantly due to habitat loss and poaching, and
it is currently thought to be locally extinct.

The Javan rhino:

Historically, it was located in the basin of the Indus River.

Causes of Extinction: In Pakistan, hunting and habitat degradation brought on by agricultural

growth were the main causes of its extinction.

The extinction of these species serves as an acute example of how human activity affects
biodiversity and how crucial conservation efforts are to prevent further losses.

Reasons of Extinction:

The extinctions of species in Pakistan is attributed to various following factors

Destroying Habitats:

 Deforestation: Natural habitats have been diminished and fragmented due to the
clearing of forests for agriculture, urbanization, and lumber, leaving species with
insufficient space to live.

 Land Conversion: Many species' viable habitats are reduced when natural landscapes are
transformed into agricultural or urban regions.

Poaching and overhunting:

 Unrestrained Hunting: Hunting too much for food, trade, or recreation has drastically
lowered the population numbers of many species, resulting in the extinction of some
locally.

 Poaching: Many species have declined or gone extinct as a result of illegal hunting for
valuable animal parts or skins.

Pollution:

 Water pollution: Aquatic ecosystems and species that depend on clean water are
impacted by the pollution of water bodies caused by inappropriate waste disposal,
industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff.

 Air and soil pollution: The quality of the air and soil is impacted by industrial emissions
land poor waste management, which has an effect on ecosystems and plant life.
Changes in Climate:

 Changes in Temperature and Precipitation Patterns: The distribution and survival of

different species are impacted by ecosystems that are altered by global warming and
climate variations.

 Extreme Weather Events: Frequent extreme weather events, including floods or

droughts, can cause habitat disruption and the extinction of species.

Introduction of Invasive Species:

 Competition and Predation: When non-native species are introduced into an ecosystem,
they may eventually cause the native species to become extinct because they may
outcompete them for resources or prey on them.

Isolation and Habitat Fragmentation:

 Infrastructure Development: The fragmentation of ecosystems caused by roads, dams,

and other infrastructure projects can isolate populations and lower genetic diversity.

Lack of Conservation Efforts:

 Inadequate Conservation: The decline and eventual extinction of endangered species are
caused by inadequate conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding their habitats.

Numerous species in Pakistan have declined or gone extinct as a result of these conditions,
either alone or in combination. In order to stop additional extinctions and protect the nation's
biodiversity, conservation initiatives, habitat preservation, stronger laws, and public awareness
campaigns are crucial.