Christmas Island Shrew Declared Extinct: A Somber Loss
The Christmas Island shrew has been officially declared extinct, adding to Australia’s concerning environmental record. This small mammal, last seen in 1985, faced extinction due to factors like the introduction of black rats and associated parasites, highlighting the impact of human activities on the island’s unique ecosystem. Its extinction underscores the loss of four out of five endemic mammals on Christmas Island since settlement, renewing concerns for the remaining native wildlife, particularly the critically endangered Christmas Island flying fox. Experts are calling for urgent government action and a dedicated recovery plan for this surviving species, emphasizing the need for focused conservation efforts to prevent further losses on the remote territory.
John Q. Hosedrinker