The melomys is the first mammal in recorded history to go extinct thanks to climate change.
A recent report from the University of Queensland confirmed that climate change was the root cause of the melomys’ eradication: Sea levels rose at twice the rate of the global average in the waters surrounding Bramble Cay, drenching a full 97 percent of the melomys’ habitat between 2004 and 2014.
Though it may be the first mammal officially to disappear due to climate change, the melomys is far from the last. Our changing climate is on track to wipe out up to one-sixth of the species on this planet, according to a 2015 study. ( grist.org)
PHOTO: The Bramble Cay melomys has become extinct, Australian scientists say.
CREDIT: Queensland government.
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