The First Extinction of 2019 Already Happened

A Hawaiian tree snail, Achatinella apexfulva, by the name of George has officially become the first extinct species of 2019. George was the first of over 750 species of the Hawaiian island land snails to be described by Western science. “The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife is sad to report that George, the last known Achatinella apexfulva, died on New Year’s Day 2019. According to David Sischo, wildlife biologist with the Hawaii Invertebrate Program, George was approximately 14 years old. Unfortunately, he is survived by none,” written in a Facebook post by the Hawaii DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) on January 4 at 7:35 AM (local time). Watch the video above to learn more!