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Australia's Christmas Island Shrew Declared Extinct After 40 Years

10/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The IUCN Red List updated its status on October 10, 2025, declaring Australia's Christmas Island shrew, Crocidura trichura, extinct.
The update records 40 terrestrial mammal extinctions in Australia since 1788.
Researchers estimate a 96.3% probability that the shrew no longer survives, despite extensive survey efforts.
The decline is attributed to invasive species, disease, and habitat changes since the arrival of black rats around 1900, underscoring the need for stronger biosecurity.

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Story summary

The IUCN Red List updated its status on October 10, 2025, declaring Australia's Christmas Island shrew, Crocidura trichura, extinct.
The update records 40 terrestrial mammal extinctions in Australia since 1788.
Researchers estimate a 96.3% probability that the shrew no longer survives, despite extensive survey efforts.
The decline is attributed to invasive species, disease, and habitat changes since the arrival of black rats around 1900, underscoring the need for stronger biosecurity.