Haunting Shadows, Silent Thunder: Lessons from the Extinct West African Black Rhino and Tasmanian Tiger
In the grand narrative of Earth’s history, certain creatures have etched themselves upon its pages, their magnificence transcending even their eventual disappearance. This article delves into the captivating tales of two such majestic beings – the West African Black Rhino and the Tasmanian Tiger – their existence a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between nature and mankind.
West African Black Rhino: Diceros bicornis longipes
Sublime Extinction: For over 7 million years, the West African Black Rhino, a magnificent subspecies of the Black rhinoceros, thundered across the savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. Tragically, the last whisper of its presence faded in 2006, with a solitary sighting in Cameroon’s Northern Province. In 2011, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially declared this subspecies extinct, a silent tomb erected in the annals of Earth’s biological tapestry.
Sublime Extinction: For over 7 million years, the West African Black Rhino, a magnificent subspecies of the Black rhinoceros, thundered across the savannahs of sub-Saharan Africa. Tragically, the last whisper of its presence faded in 2006, with a solitary sighting in Cameroon’s Northern Province. In 2011, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) officially declared this subspecies extinct, a silent tomb erected in the annals of Earth’s biological tapestry.
West African Black Rhino Skull
Physical Marvel: Imagine a titan roaming the plains, measuring 3 to 3.8 meters in length and a formidable 1.4 to 1.7 meters in height. This was the West African Black Rhino, its muscled form weighing between 800 and 1,300 kg. Two mighty horns, one reaching 0.5 to 1.3 meters and the other a formidable 2 to 55 cm, crowned its head, exuding an aura of raw power and undeniable majesty.
Tragic Epilogue: The West African Black Rhino’s demise stands as a cautionary tale. Habitat loss, relentless poaching, and the ever-expanding footprint of humanity conspired to silence its thunderous hooves forever. As we reflect on this fallen giant, let its memory steel our resolve to champion conservation efforts and safeguard the living wonders that grace our planet today.
Reference:
https://www.extinctanimals.org/west-african-black-rhino.htm
Tasmanian Tiger: Thylacinus cynocephalus
Mystical Carnivore: From the whispering eucalypt forests of Australia to the rugged shores of Tasmania and the verdant jungles of New Guinea, the Tasmanian Tiger, or thylacine, reigned as a carnivorous marsupial unlike any other. Though its name evoked the image of its Asian namesake, this striped sentinel of the night bore no relation to true tigers. However, its dark bands adorning its body lent it a captivating tiger-like aura, making it a creature of both mystery and mystique.
Thylacine, Tasmanian Archives: NS3195/2/1912 – Jack Thwaites Collection
Tragic Decline: Human encroachment, the introduction of feral dogs, and a relentless bounty system fueled by misinformation proved too much for the Tasmanian Tiger. By the early 20th century, its once vibrant presence had dwindled to the brink of oblivion. The last wild individual succumbed to human activities sometime between 1910 and 1920, leaving only captive populations clinging to existence. Sadly, even these flickering embers of hope were extinguished in 1936 with the passing of Benjamin, the last of his kind, at Hobart Zoo.
Thylacine, Tasmanian Archives: NS351/1/26
Legacy of Benjamin: Benjamin’s death triggered a wave of belated remorse, prompting the Tasmanian government to declare thylacine a protected species, albeit too late. In recognition of his tragic demise, September 7th, the date of his passing, was later designated National Threatened Species Day. Despite persistent whispers of sightings, the thylacine was officially declared extinct in 1986, its striped form forever relegated to the realm of memory.
Reference:
https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/experiences/stories/tasmanian-tiger/
Conclusion: As we pay homage to the West African Black Rhino and the Tasmanian Tiger, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of life on Earth. Let their stories resonate within us, a constant reminder of the fragility of our planet’s biodiversity and the urgency of our need to become its ardent guardians. Join us in the next chapter of “The Top Rank” as we unveil more tales of remarkable extinct creatures, their once vibrant presences serving as beacons of both wonder and responsibility.
