The article reviews several species declared extinct in 2025, including birds, mammals, plants, and mollusks, highlighting the ongoing loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction, invasive species, and other human-related factors.
The question of whether we are in a sixth mass extinction is complex and lacks a universally agreed-on definition. While some scientists claim we are in a mass extinction due to the rapid rate of species loss, others disagree. Professor Alisa Bokulich of Boston University convened meetings to consider this question and concluded that we are not currently in a mass extinction, but we are in danger of reaching one soon. The spottiness of the fossil record and differing perspectives on measuring extinctions contribute to the debate. The paper provides ideas on how to improve comparisons between the current situation and past extinctions.