The world is filled with incredible wildlife.
But, as we all know, many species are facing increased difficulties.
Many of them, like elephants, gorillas, and tigers, receive a lot of attention.
While others, like spiders or small birds, may not be on most people’s radar.
We’ve selected 15 animals categorized as Critically Endangered on the Red List.
The next step beyond this category is Extinct in the Wild and then, tragically, Extinct.
Photo: slowmotiongli/123RF
Here are 15 of the world’s most endangered animals today.
Their small population also makes them susceptible to problems associated with inbreeding.
Along with the Javan rhino and Sumatran rhino, the Black rhino is listed as critically endangered.
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Luckily, its population has increased by 12% from 2015 to 2021 according to anIUCN report.
This coincides with a decrease in poaching.
But, at the same time, threats due to habitat change and competing species are still a concern.
Photo: whitcomberd/123RF
But, unfortunately, many orangutan species are at risk of extinction.
As their name suggests, the Bornean orangutan lives on the island of Borneo.
They are the largest tree-dwelling apes and are greatly at risk due to habitat and the bushmeat trade.
Photo:Fkamtohvia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
In just 20 years, their habitat has been slashed by 55%.
Orangutan Foundation Internationalhas been working since 1986 to save these primates.
They also provide educational programs and local outreach to involve local communities in conservation efforts.
Photo:Thomas Breuervia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
Scientists have estimated their tiny population by counting nests and the estimated range of their habitat.
Sadly, they are just one of many gorilla species in central Africa facing extinction.
The western lowland gorilla and eastern lowland gorilla are also on the critically endangered list.
Photo: kengriffiths.live.com/Depositphotos
TheInternational Gorilla Conservation Programmeworks across central Africa to save these primates.
It’s the smallest of the surviving elephant species and one of two elephant species to live in Africa.
And with a slow reproductive rate, it is difficult for these populations to rebound after a loss.
Photo:U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters – Manis pentadactylavia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
The African forest elephant is just one of the many species in Africa that theAfrican Wildlife Foundationseeks to protest.
The population has diminished significantly, mainly due to habitat loss, prey depletion, and illegal trade.
The Wild Cats Conservation Alliance is one organization working to change the future of these animals.
Photo:Silviculturevia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
They provide support to theKerinci Seblat National Parkin helping its Sunda tiger population thrive.
Chinese Pangolin
Photo:U.S.
Easily recognizable for its scales, this nocturnal animal feeds on ants and termites.
Photo: odeliavo/123RF
The biggest threat to the Chinese pangolin is humans.
The wild population has declined a stunning 80% in the past 60 years due to intense poaching.
Its scales are used in traditional Chinese medicine and its meat is also eaten in China.
Photo:Mike Princevia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
It was first described in 1993, making it the first large mammal discovery in 50 years.
When captured, they only lived a few weeks or months.
These giant birds are the largest North American land bird and in 1987 were declared extinct in the wild.
Photo:Pete Schroeder, Southern Oregon Universityvia Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
In 1991, as the number of condors bred in captivity grew, they were reintroduced into the wild.
So why did California condors risk extinction in the first place?
There were two factors.
Photo:Paula Olson, NOAAvia Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
These issues, coupled with slow breeding, remain an obstacle to their survival.
Fish and Wildlife ServicesCalifornia Condor Recovery Programis looking to save and increase current populations by focusing on captive breeding.
Part of its scarcity is due to it being trapped for the cagebird trade.
Photo:Phuongcacanhvia Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Franklin’s bumble bees collect nectar and pollen from local wildflowers and have a distinct black abdomen.
So what happened to the Franklin’s bumblebee?
Unfortunately, many of the same things that also make other bee species vulnerable.
Photo: imagesource/123RF
Pesticides and habitat destruction are two other important factors.
They’ve been pushed to the brink of extinction due to illegal totoaba fishing in Mexico.
Totoaba, which is also an endangered species, is considered a delicacy in China, fetching high prices.
Photo:Morkelskervia Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
In the rush to make money, fisheries have set the scene for vaquita to become bycatch.
These turtles rarely surface to breathe, making sightings and identification in the wild difficult.
Currently, one living male is in captivity at the Suzhou Zoo in China.
When his female breeding partner died in 2019, hope seemed to be lost for this species.
But, in late 2020,researchers positively identifieda female living in a lake in Vietnam via DNA testing.
Sharks Stewardsis a non-profit that has been advocating for sharks since 2006 by lobbying lawmakers and restoring habitat.
Recently, they helped put pressure on the passage of theU.S.
Shark Fin Ban, which was signed by President Biden.
