The Japanese environment ministry on Tuesday updated its list of endangered or extinct animals known as the "red list," and the Japanese otter was included.

The species was officially declared extinct.

Local media report that the otter was hunted for its fur causing its numbers to drop drastically.

It was last spotted in Honshu, the main island of Japan, in 1979.

The Environment Ministry has not received reports of its existence in over 30 years and therefore added the Japanese otter to the list of extinct animals.

[Goshi Hosono, Environment Minister]:
"We take it very seriously that the species has become extinct. As the environment ministry, there is a need to work hard to improve the protection of wild animals."

This is the first time a mammal has been declared extinct in Japan since 1925.

Hurricane Isaac makes landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

For some families it is a chance to play in the swelling ocean and be buffeted by the fierce waves.

For others, it is the perfect opportunity to get some impressive videos on their smart phone.

Many though, are quietly praying it won't be another Hurricane Katrina.

Authorities have urged thousands of residents in low-lying areas to leave, warning that the storm surge could reach up to 12 feet, flooding towns and cities in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

Rainfall accumulations, possibly as much as 20 inches in some areas, could also trigger widespread flooding.

For more news and videos visit ☛ http://ntdtv.org
Follow us on Twitter ☛ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision
Add us on Facebook ☛ http://on.fb.me/s5KV2C