This makes it the longest lasting non-modern human . It also lived longer than the Neanderthals ( H. neanderthalensis ) , which became extinct about 24,000 years ago . The species is thought to have survived on Flores at least until 12,000 years before present , making it the longest lasting non-modern human , surviving long past the Neanderthals ( H. neanderthalensis ) , which became extinct about 24,000 years ago .