History Extra podcast Extinct animals: everything you wanted to know
Feb 2, 2025
Dr. Ross Barnett, an expert in extinct animals, and guest James Osborne dive into the fascinating world of lost species. They explore the shifting causes of extinction, from natural events to human impacts. The conversation highlights the woolly rhino and giant sloth, shedding light on their roles and the effects of early human interaction. The tragic tale of the Steller's sea cow serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility we hold. They also debate the ethics of de-extinction, considering its implications for current conservation efforts.
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Causes of Extinction
- Extinctions have multiple causes, both biotic and abiotic.
- Abiotic factors include asteroids, climate, and volcanic eruptions, while biotic factors include humans and other species.
Dodo Extinction
- The dodo, a flightless bird from Mauritius, went extinct due to human influence.
- Factors included hunting, habitat destruction, and introduced species like cats and pigs.
Mammoth Extinction
- The mammoth extinction is complex, potentially involving climate change and human hunting.
- Evidence of human hunting includes spearheads in bones, butchering marks, and cave art.
