Which animal went extinct due to unsustainable practices in the early 1800s?

The passenger pigeon is a significant example of how unsustainable practices led to the extinction of a species in the early 1800s. Once numbering in the billions and roaming the skies in extraordinary flocks, the passenger pigeon was heavily hunted for its meat, which became a popular food source. Commercial exploitation and habitat destruction due to farming and urban expansion contributed to its rapid decline.

By the late 19th century, aggressive hunting practices, including the use of large nets and other methods to capture them in enormous numbers, dramatically reduced their population. Unfortunately, these unsustainable harvesting techniques, combined with the loss of suitable habitats, culminated in the passenger pigeon's extinction. The last known individual, named Martha, died in captivity in 1914. This case highlights the impact of human activity on wildlife and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of sustainable conservation practices.