Do we really say that a species went extinct in a certain place as small as the Netherlands when they’re still alive in other places not that far away?
I can understand saying that a species went extinct in the Old World, even though they were still surviving in the New, for example, or to say that they went extinct in South America even though some continued to exist in Australia... but to say they went “extinct” in the Netherlands when they still lived elsewhere in Europe... seems to me that’s using the word “extinct” pretty loosely.
When my cat dies, do we say cats have “gone extinct in my home”?
The word “extinct” means “no longer existing” and really, in my opinion, shouldn’t be used if there are any surviving members anywhere. True? Not true? If I’m wrong, I’m willing to learn the error of my ways. But as BOR says, “tell me where I’m wrong”.
Kinda harsh about your cat. ;’) I take your point, but didn’t write the article either. :’)