8) Holdridge’s Toad
Image VIA
Poor old Holdridge’s Toad used to live in the forests of Costa Rica, but despite regular surveys, he hasn’t been witnessed since 1986. It was declared extinct officially in 2008. Strangely, Holdridge’s toads were both deaf and mute, which is pretty weird among toads.
The main cause of the toad’s population decline and extinction is probably chytridiomycosis, an amphibian fungal based disease which causes a thickening of the skin and prevents them breathing. Climate change may well have played its part in their demise too. But there’s some good news, it seems that this particular toad may have reappeared, but sightings are as of yet unconfirmed. Fingers crossed people.
