what are the criteria for scientist to consider a species extinct? maybe they just didnt search enough, like given the vastness of earth there r probably areas still unexplored?
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Scientists generally know where a species normally lived, what it fed on, what its habits were, and so on.
So while it can never be 100% conclusively proven a species is extinct, scientists can make a pretty good assessment if some or all of the following are met:
* There’s no evidence of individuals of the species, despite extensive searching in its known habitat and related areas throughout the world. No bones, no droppings, no confirmed sightings.
* There is no evidence of the actions or behaviour of a species. e.g. suppose the species was known to scratch trees in a certain specific way, or have a very distinctive mating call, and there hasn’t been any evidence of any of these things occurring in many years.
* It’s known that the species had a limited habitat, and this has been completely destroyed by human or natural actions.
* It’s known that the species had a limited food source, which is also strongly suspected to be extinct.
* It’s known that the species was actively hunted by humans or introduced predators.
This isn’t to say that it’s *completely impossible* that there may some hidden individuals of the species out there somewhere. Maybe the moved to a new habitat or food source out of desperation. Maybe a few got lucky and found a small inaccessible area. It’s possible.
But what scientists say is, in effect, “Based on everything we knew about these creatures, where they lived, and how they behaved, we find no evidence of them existing any more”
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