Animals that are in danger of going extinct are considered endangered species. A species may become endangered for a variety of reasons, such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overhunting. We’ll look at the 10 Most Endangered Animals in the World in this blog post. We’ll talk about the dangers these species face and what’s being done to keep them safe.
Amur Leopard
The Amur Leopard is a rare and endangered species in northern Russia, that is known for its leaping abilities and can run up to 37 miles per hour. Previously present in Korea and China, the populations have become extinct. The critically endangered Amur leopard lives alone and hides unfinished kills to prevent predators. Its lifespan is 10 to 15 years, with only 84 adult Amur leopards or fewer globally.
Vaquita
Mexico’s Gulf of California is home to vaquitas, the smallest and rarest cetaceans. In 1997, there were 600 vaquitas, but by 2022, only 10-18 will remain. The vaquita’s natural habitat is abundant in fish and shrimp, making it a popular fishing vessel. Locals use gill nets to catch vaquitas, which can drown if caught. Despite social initiatives and regulations, gill nets are still illegally used in Mexico, despite a 2015 ban.
Javan Rhinos
Javan rhinos, once widespread in Southeast Asia, have experienced a significant decline due to hunting and habitat loss. With only 75 individuals in a wild population, the Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the last known safe haven. The Arenga palm also affects the area, reducing food and space for the rhinos. Additionally, natural disasters, disease, poaching, and inbreeding increase the risk of extinction for the small population.
Tasmanian devil
Tasmanian devils’ population decreased by 60% between 1996 and 2008 due to devil facial tumor disease, and contagious cancer. The unique Tasmanian species is now wiped out, with only 10,000 wild animals left. A vaccine and captive breeding of uninfected individuals are being pursued to combat the disease.
Leatherback Sea Turtles
Leatherback turtles are the largest sea turtle species and migratory, inhabiting the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They have a leather-like shell and nest in American territorial waters. However, populations declined due to egg harvesting and fishing gear bycatch, making them endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 1970.
Northern Right Whale
The northern right whale is the most endangered species, with white calluses on its head indicating its extinction. It has a long, arched mouth above the eye and a broad back without a dorsal fin. Baleen whales swim through plankton with their mouth open. Around 300-350 whale species are found along the Atlantic coasts of the US and Canada, essential for oil production and simple methods. Coastal waters are vital to right whale survival because they are more frequently sighted there, especially during the breeding season.
The Saola
Asian unicorn is a critically endangered species found in the Annamite Mountains of Laos and Vietnam, which are also known as Saola or sow-la. It has been around since 1992 and is rarely observed. Saolacabn, a large animal with two parallel horns, can grow up to 20 inches in length. It resembles cattle or an antelope due to the white patches on its face and the obvious maxillary glands on its muzzle. The animal is also known as having “spindle horns” in Vietnamese.
San Joaquin Kit Fox
San Joaquin kit foxes have suffered habitat loss due to land development and rodenticide use, similar to black-footed ferrets. The smaller mammals they eat have declined due to pesticide use, but they still rely on their prey for water. Since 2010, the Center for Biological Diversity has sued against developments that harm the kit fox’s habitat in the San Joaquin Valley, petitioning for its designation as critical habitat. The group campaigns against harmful pesticides.
Woodland Caribou
Woodland caribou have been classified as endangered since 1984 due to climate change, fossil fuel mining, and deforestation, especially in the southern Selkirk subpopulation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated 30,010 acres in Washington and Idaho, while Conservation Northwest collaborates with Indigenous tribes and conservation groups in Canada to develop a recovery plan.
Galapagos Penguin
The Galapagos penguin is the smallest penguin in South America and lives 15-20 years in the Galapagos Islands. It is endangered due to rising sea temperatures, El Nino Southern Oscillations, pollution, fishing gear bycatch, and introduced species like dogs and cats. The IUCN has designated the Galapagos fur seal, a unique marine species with a declining population of 10,000-15,000, as endangered.
Conclusion
Threats to endangered species around the world have never been this great. Many of these species will vanish forever if we do nothing to save them. We can take a variety of actions to support endangered species. We can help conservation organizations, cut back on the use of harmful products for wildlife, and educate ourselves about the dangers that these species face. By taking action, we can ensure the survival of the world’s endangered species.
In this blog, we have shared about the 10 most endangered animals in the world, and we have also shared about them in detail.