Summary
Conservation-induced extinction is where efforts to save endangered species lead to the extinction of other species. This mostly threatens the parasite and pathogen species that are highly host-specific to critically endangered hosts. When the last individuals of a host species are captured for the purpose of captive breeding and reintroduction programs, they typically undergo anti-parasitic treatments. This practice may unintentionally result in the extinction.
The parasite most probably became extinct when the last individuals of its only host were captured and re-introduced into predator-free islands. The trichodectid louse of the black-footed ferret has been mentioned in the literature several times. The parasite most likely never existed as a separate species.
The Iberian lynx and its unique louse. The conservation status of small or less well known groups of New Zealand terrestrial invertebrates. The black-footed ferret recovery program. The Iberia lynx. The New Zealand ferret.