1. Most Endangered Species On Earth.
Although scientists estimate that there could be upwards of 30 million animal species on the planet,
a number of those species are teetering on the verge of extinction due to man’s thirst for
consumption or entertainment. Hunted for meat, for fur, and for other materials governments around
the world are cracking down on poaching and illegal hunting practices. Unfortunately, some of the
animals on this list have already been completely eliminated but for the most part these are the 25
most endangered species on Earth.
25
Addax
One of the rarest animals in the Sahara Desert is the Addax, also known
as the white antelope or screwhorn antelope. It’s a rather unique
creature whose coat actually changes color depending on the season.
Due to its slow speed, however, it is a welcome meal for predators and
an easy target for hunters. Its population hovers around 1,600.
24
Hawaiian Monk Seal
2. One of only two monk seal species left on Earth, the small population of
about 1,100 individuals is threatened by human encroachment, very low
levels of genetic variation, entanglement in fishing nets, marine debris,
disease, and past commercial hunting for skins.
23
Mountain Gorilla
The mountain gorilla is primarily found in various regions all across
Africa namely Uganda, Rwanda, and Virunga. They have thicker and
longer fur, which makes them easily adaptable to cold environments.
Aside from poaching, their population of 880 has decreased due to traps,
kidnapping, loss of habitat, interaction with tourists, being killed for meat,
and even lack of food.
22
Island Fox
3. The island fox is small, colorful, and primarily found on the Channel
Islands of California where many of them exist in packs. Some of their
subspecies can be found uniquely on each of the six islands located
within the area, which amounts to a total of only 700.
21
Bactrian Camel
Two humps are indeed better than one, especially if you are looking for a
pack animal, but it certainly is a lot rarer. Unfortunately, however, this
group of camels is numbered at only about 800. They are often found in
Mongolia and China, but they can also be seen in nearby countries like
India, Pakistan, and even Russia due to their migration habits.
20
4. Catarina Pupfish
The Catarina pupfish of Mexico no longer exists in the wild so by some
standards it would be technically extinct. Thanks to the efforts of
environmentalists, however, their are still a couple aquariums housing
the last remaining members of their species.
19
Mediterranean Monk Seal
Related to the Hawaiian monk seal, the main difference between the two
is their choice of habitat with the Mediterranean monk seal living in…the
Mediterranean (surprise!). This species is much closer to extinction,
however, with only 510 seals accounted for.
18
5. Philippine Eagle
Also known as the monkey-eating eagle, the Philippine eagle is the
national bird of the Philippines. Due to deforestation and illegal logging
activity the eagle is considered to be critically endangered as its
population is down to 500.
17
California Condor
Although the condor has been attributed to California, it is primarily
found in areas along northern Arizona and southern Utah, which makes
it a resident bird of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. It has a
wingspan of over 3 meters, it scavenges for carrion, and it can live over
60 years. Sadly there are only 405 left.
16
6. Amur Leopard
Found in the southeastern regions of Russia near the Chinese border,
the amur leopard population is down to only 349 as they are being
constantly poached for their skin.
15
Vaquita
The direct translation of its name from Spanish means little cow and its
habitat is limited to the northern parts of the Gulf of California. There are
only 300 left in the wild.
14
7. Sumatran Rhinoceros
Although the rhinoceros is considered to be one of the biggest mammals
on the planet, this specific breed is actually the smallest of its kind. Their
exact population is unknown but researchers are projecting that there
may be 275 of them left in the wild.
13
Brazilian Merganser
Often mistaken for a pigeon or a duck, the Brazilian Merganser is usually
found within the country of Brazil although a few of them are located in
Argentina. Because of farming and mining activities that have interrupted
the ecological balance, this merganser’s population has declined to
about 250.
12
8. Kakapo
The kakapo is one of the most unique birds you will ever see and it is the
only parrot incapable of flight. Found in New Zealand it only comes in
one color, yellow green, and it even has whiskers under its beak. The
126 remaining birds are extremely endangered.
11
Hawaiian Crow
The Hawaiian crow, also known as the Aumaka in the native Hawaiian
tongue, is now extinct in the wild, with only 109 remaining in captivity.
10
9. Arakan Forest Turtle
The Arakan forest turtle is so rare that it can only be found in the Arakan
hills of western Myanmar. Many believed that it went extinct in 1908 until
it was rediscovered in 1994 although it has been determined that there
are less than a hundred left in the wild.
9
Iberian Lynx
Found on the Iberian peninsula (Spain and Portugal) the extinction of the
Iberian lynx would actually be the first of all the feline species in the
modern world.
10. 8
Axolotl
The axolotl, sometimes called the water monster, is a kind of fish
salamander that is highly sought after in research circles due to its
abilities to regenerate, but it is quickly becoming extinct.
7
Spix’s Macaw
Often identified as a blue macaw, the Spix’s macaw is native to Brazil
and only 93 are accounted for, all in captivity.
6
11. Javan Rhinoceros
Poached for their horns they are often used as ingredients in formulating
Chinese medicine and each kilogram (of their horn) costs over $30,000
on the black market. There are only 72 of them known to exist in the
wild.
5
Siamese Crocodile
The Siamese crocodile is native to parts of Southeast Asia and presently
there are less than 70 left in the wild. Their survival has been
compromised by people taking lands for farming, which affected the
crocodiles due to the increase of cattle, use of pesticides, and chemical
fertilizers that corrupted the clean water.
4
12. Brown Spider Monkey
The brown spider monkey received its name due to its long limbs, which
help it to swing and climb on trees. Its tail is also flexible enough that it is
considered more of a limb due to its precision and usability when being
used to hang on branches. The population of 60 has been the result of
relentless hunting and wild animal trades, which usually occur in
northern Colombia and northwest Venezuela.
3
Mexican Wolf
The Mexican wolf holds the title of being the rarest and most genetically
distinct subspecies of the gray wolf, which is found in North America.
There are now 340 of them in over 49 research facilities all over the US
and in Mexico. The decline was primarily due to the decreasing number
of elks and deer, which they hunt for food.
2
13. Baiji
With less than twenty left in the world, the Baiji dolphin is one of the most
endangered species on Earth.
1
Northern White Rhinoceros
The northern white rhinoceros is considered extinct in the wild and the
last 10 white rhinos in the world are now being protected in conservation
centers located in California and the Czech Republic. These animals are
so protected that they even have guards by their side night and day to
prevent them from being killed by poachers.