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.

---

Etymology

Origin of extinct in the wild

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

extinct in the wild

The ʻakikiki, a honeycreeper native to Kauaʻi, is now considered extinct in the wild largely because of the disease.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 11, 2026

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

From Salon ● Feb. 25, 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

For example, the scimitar-horned oryx, a light-colored animal with curved horns, had previously been categorized as extinct in the wild but is now endangered.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 11, 2023

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

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh