Bonn: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) on Friday declared the slender-billed curlew (Numenius tenuirostris) extinct, marking the first known global extinction of a formerly widespread migratory bird species whose range included mainland Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.

The last confirmed sighting of the species was at Merja Zerga in Morocco, just over 30 years ago, on February 25, 1995. Friday’s announcement ended hope for the survival of this species, after years of exhaustive searches for any remaining individuals.

“This devastating loss underlines the urgent and sustained need for stronger, coordinated conservation efforts for migratory birds, and migratory species in general,” the IUCN said.

Reflecting on the broader implications, Amy Fraenkel, Executive

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