Functional extinction is the extinction of a species or other taxon such that: In plant populations, self-incompatibility mechanisms may cause related plant specimens to be incompatible, which may lead to functional extinction if an entire population becomes self-incompatible.
Furthermore, the successful males act as a genetic bottleneck, leading to more rapid genetic drift or inbreeding problems in small populations.
"[39] The press release was reported on by multiple news agencies around the world, with most repeating the AKF's statement.
[43] Distinct animal populations can also become functionally extinct.
In 2011, a 3-year survey of the wildlife population in the Bénoué Ecosystem of North Cameroon (the Bénoué, Bouba-Ndjidda, and Faro national parks, and 28 hunting zones surrounding the parks), concluded that the North Cameroon population of cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) were now functionally extinct.