extinct in the wild

American  

[ik-stingkt in thuh-wahyld] / ɪkˈstɪŋkt ɪn ðəˈwaɪld /

adjective

Biology, Ecology.

1. (of a plant or animal species) having members growing or living only as a naturalized population or in captivity, but having no known members growing or living independently in a natural habitat, as categorized by the IUCN Red List: EW

   After observing a herd of Père David deer on a reserve in China, we learned that the species is extinct in the wild.

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Etymology

Origin of extinct in the wild

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

extinct in the wild

With it went the cave roach, which is now extinct in the wild.

From Salon ● Feb. 25, 2025

Now the delta smelt is functionally extinct in the wild, the species preserved only through a state and federal hatchery program, the success of which is uncertain.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 14, 2025

It is estimated the species, found in forested areas of Kenya, could be extinct in the wild within two decades after years of poaching.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2024

But by 1927, the European bison became extinct in the wild, with only about 60 individuals remaining in captivity.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 12, 2023

Vulnerable, and at risk of becoming extinct in the wild.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh