In the threats to wildlife section, the authors detail some of the animals that have become extinct during the last several hundred years: "
Steller's sea cow: Formerly inhabiting the Pacific Coast from Japan to California, this sea-weed eating giant was hunted to extinction by 1768 (p.
Some of these were spectacular large organisms, such as
Steller's sea cow, the Caribbean monk seal, and the great auk, whereas others, such as most of the fishes, invertebrates, and seaweeds on the list, are known primarily to specialists.
Georg Steller predated Lewis and Clark and John Muir and made some amazing discoveries--so it's surprising to note this provides some of rare insights on the man and his legacy--including the only scientific account of the
Steller's sea cow before it became extinct.