Bird
Spix's Macaw
The blue macaw that vanished from the wild
Extinct in the Wild animals
1 species in the guide are surviving only in captivity, with no known wild population. Each profile leads with a direct answer to the most-searched questions.
What "Extinct in the Wild" means
Extinct in the Wild (EW) means a species survives only in captivity, in cultivation or as a population released well outside its past range. No wild population is known. It is the last IUCN category before Extinct, and recovery depends on captive breeding and, where possible, returning animals to restored habitat.
Conservation categories follow the IUCN Red List. See the conservation hub for how every status compares.
Frequently asked questions
What does "Extinct in the Wild" mean?
Extinct in the Wild (EW) means a species survives only in captivity, in cultivation or as a population released well outside its past range. No wild population is known. It is the last IUCN category before Extinct, and recovery depends on captive breeding and, where possible, returning animals to restored habitat.
Which animals are Extinct in the Wild?
The Global Animal Guide lists 1 species as Extinct in the Wild, including Spix's Macaw. See the full list below.