Found in the Amazon and Pantanal, these cats require large areas of rainbank and rainforest in order to survive. Meet five of the world's most endangered species, from tigers to turtles, through their portraits taken for the National Geographic Photo Ark by Joel Sartore. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Panthera pardus orientalis. Sea Lions can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long and weigh more than 400 pounds (181 kilograms). Apart from this, there are also a few least concern species that are not much on the focus of being threatened or endangered but can potentially be extinct. As more and more land in Sri Lanka is cleared for settlement and agriculture, habitat loss and conflict with humans is the elephant's greatest threat. Pollution, excessive egg collection and coastal development also play a part in their decline. Weighing up to 70 tons, these mammals can easily be identified by the white calluses on their heads. In a survey (note: this link goes to an independent website's archived copy; the museum's original link no longer exists) of biologists conducted by New York's American Museum of Natural History, 70% of the biologists surveyed believe that 20% of all living animal populations could become extinct by 2028. These beautiful birds were once found across 13 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces. There are just under 17,000 southern white rhinos left in the wild. The Sumatra rhino is the smallest of all living rhinos and the only rhino in Asia to sport two horns. China's ban on ivory trading, in 2017, has led to a decrease in demand but a more pressing issue is the loss of habitat due to an increase in human population. Every year, 50 sei whales are killed as part of this program. In the 1970,s the WWF started working on orangutan protection, including initiatives to stop poaching, conserve habitat and end pet trade. The bonobo, also historically called the pygmy chimpanzee and less often, the dwarf or gracile chimpanzee, is an endangered great ape and one of the two species making up the genus Pan; the other being the common chimpanzee. Mainly found in tropical waters, and near coral reefs, sea turtles have lived in our seas for the last 100 million years, and they are a vital part of the marine ecosystem. At least 37% of these endangered species would become extinct by the year 2050. Regardless of who you ask, all gorillas are endangered. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dicerorhinus sumatrensis. They live in protected areas and private game reserves in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Nilanga Jayasinghe, senior program officer for Asian Species for WWF said:  "Habitat loss and the resulting human-elephant conflicts (HEC), which are negative interactions that occur when elephants enter or pass through human-inhabited areas, are the biggest threats to Asian elephants today. Many different reasons are in They can be found in the the Yangtze River, but overfishing and pollution could lead to their extinction. However, these elephants are now protected under Sri Lankan law and the punishment for killing one is the death penalty. … "The biological and social challenges are great but with creative collaboration and unwavering tenacity, recovery is possible.". Please refresh the page and try again. However, Galápagos penguins are at risk due to pollution and climate change. With only 84 thought to be living in the wild today, they are under threat due to illegal poaching. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Endangered Species Day 2019: List of Most Threatened Animals and Plants in the U.S. and World. With a global population of fewer than 100 animals, the Javan rhino is classified as a critically endangered species. Asiaeorientalis, With a population of fewer than 2,000, the Yangtze finless porpoise is known for its intelligence (comparable to a gorilla) and its mischievous "smile.". "[1][5], The report was released in Jeju, South Korea, on September 11, 2012, at the quadrennial meeting of IUCN, the World Conservation Congress. Due to habitat loss from expanding human development, farming and mining, 70% of elephants are now found outside protected land. Hunting and deforestation has threatened their survival. Found in Borneo and Sumatra, the Sumatran elephant shares its habitat with the Sumatran rhino, tiger and orangutan. Formon and Macaya peaks, Masif de la Hotte, Haiti, Breeds in Russia, migrates along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway to wintering grounds in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest Reserve, Ishasha River, Uganda, Breeds in Morocco, Turkey and Syria. #1 - Northern White Rhino. WWF is working with fisheries to reduce turtle by-catch with the introduction of turtle-friendly hooks. [2] The report was published by the Zoological Society of London in 2012 as the book, Priceless or Worthless? These adorable creatures live in the volcanic islands of the Galápagos and are the only penguins that can be found north of the equator. Because of this, three of the five species of rhinoceros are among the most endangered species in the world: the black rhino, the Javan rhino, and the Sumatran rhino. They once lived throughout northeast India and Southeast Asia, but can now only be found in Java' Ujung Kulon National Park, in Indonesia. The species once shared the river with the Baiji dolphin before human activity wiped out the species. Across the globe, species are vanishing at rates 1,000 times greater than ever. They can spend up to 19 hours a day eating, mainly grass. And while it is illegal to kill gorillas in Cameroon and Nigeria, the threat is very real. Though they weigh twice as … Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, (Image credit: Emmanuel Rondeau / WWF-UK), Spotlighting Trump's War on Wildlife on Endangered Species Day (May 15th), 2,500-year-old temple to Greek love goddess unearthed in Turkey, 'Bumblebee gravity' could explain why the universe is expanding so quickly, Parasite found in cat poop linked to higher brain cancer risk in humans, Statue of mysterious woman with 'Star Wars'-like headdress found in Mexico. Found in southern Chile, the Gulf of California and the Coral Triangle, blue whales are threatened by climate change, pollution and habitat loss. Despite being protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) are most threatened by wildlife trade. Could the novel coronavirus one day become a common cold? Endangered means that the animal is nearly extinct. - Total endangered species: 21 - Notable species:--- Hay's Spring amphipod (scientific name: Stygobromus hayi, IUCN category: endangered) The Hay's Spring amphipod is a tiny crustacean found only in Rock Creek Park in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Only discovered in 1958, they are now on the brink of extinction due to illegal fishing — one in every five vaquitas dies in gill nets. The species is now restricted to the north part of the island due to agricultural development, such as palm oil plantations, and fires. Here is a list of 12 most critically endangered animals whose time is running out. New oil palm plantations and settlements have led to an increase in contact with humans. WWF is working with several Native American tribes to increase the number of bison on grasslands. Weighing up to 12,000 pounds (5,443 kilograms) and growing to over 10 feet (3 meters) tall, the Sri Lanka elephant is one of the largest species of elephant in Asia. Pollution and the mass production of plastics has also had a devastating impact, according to the WWF. Silky sifaka(Propithecus candidus), fewer than 1,000 still alive The World's 100 most … Learn more about the species we are … If we want to save the Sumatran orangutan we have to save their forest home," said Barney Long, senior director of Species Conservation at Global Wildlife Conservation. Keep reading to learn about 24 of the most endangered species in the US. Jonathan Baillie, of the Zoological Society of London and co-author of the report, stated that, "The donor community and conservation movement are increasingly leaning towards a 'what can nature do for us?' They are now found only in Borneo and Sumatra, though they once lived in the eastern Himalayas, eastern India and Thailand before becoming extinct in those areas. The main threat to them is the diseases they suffer and the absence of their proper habitat. Climate change, overfishing, poaching and deforestation are just some of the man-made issues that have led many species to the brink of extinction. So to mark Endangered Species Day, on May 15, we take a look at the most endangered species on the planet. It is indigenous to Southern Brazil, Northeast Argentina, and Paraguay. Considered a luxury food item in South East Asia, the humphead wrasse is vulnerable to overfishing. Egg harvesting, hunting and loss of nesting sites as well as being trapped in nets are all real threats to the survival of the green turtle. Residents of Indonesia‘s Ujung Kulan National Park, Javan rhinos are one of the most endangered species currently clinging to their patch of the planet. Highly intelligent creatures, orangutans share 96.4% of our genes. Status: Critically Endangered since 1996. The majestic Amur tiger is one of the most endangered species in the world Found roaming around the Amur River in Southeast corner of Russia in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range east of the Amur River, the Amur tiger is one of the most endangered animals in the world. The tree is an evergreen and grows up to a height of 40 metres. … "The fate of Sumatran orangutans is inextricably linked to the islands' fast-disappearing forests. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. As the largest animal on earth, blue whales average 25 metres in length and 140,000 kilograms in weight. However, they are still highly sought after for their meat, fins and oil which causes them a threat. The Mexican wolf is a subspecies of gray wolf and the most endangered gray wolf of North America. [3], International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission, "Report lists world's 100 most threatened species, urges action", "The expendables? At the Congress, it was reported that scientists are finding it more and more common to have to justify funding for protection of species by showing what the human benefits would be. describes the threats that each species is facing, along with measures that would aid their survival. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Gorilla beringei graueri. "Restoring populations of the endangered black-footed ferret requires innovation and perseverance,” said Kristy Bly, WWF senior wildlife conservation biologist. The Northwest Bornean orangutans are the most threatened due to deforestation and hunting. They have tan bodies with black legs and feet, a tail, and a black mask. 6. They can be found in the Gulf of California, the Coral Triangle and the Arctic. Once thought to be extinct, the black-footed ferret has made a comeback over the last 30 years, thanks to conservation efforts. These curious-looking dolphins can be found in freshwater rivers such as the Indus River in Pakistan and the River Beas, in Punjab, India. Mostly found southern Africa and the southern part of East Africa, the African wild dog is one of the world's most endangered mammals. Since 2008, WWF has been tagging Atlantic bluefin tuna to find out more about the migration patterns; the agency is also doing work to prevent overfishing. approach, where species and wild habitats are valued and prioritised according to these services they provided for people. But this requires society to support the moral and ethical position that all species have an inherent right to exist. Black Rhinos can be found in Namibia and Coastal East Africa. The Most Endangered Animals on the Planet—and Why They Remain Under Threat By Eve Watling On 8/2/18 at 8:09 AM EDT From a chubby-cheeked orangutan to a tiny pygmy elephant. The largest of the four gorilla subspecies, the Eastern Lowland gorilla mainly lives on fruit. You will receive a verification email shortly. Poaching, for their horn, in the 20th century saw the population decline dramatically; and between 1960 and 1995, numbers dropped by 98%. The largest animal in the world has a heart the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, weighs close to 200 tons and is the loudest animal on Earth, with their calls reaching 188 decibels. Meet five of the world's most endangered species, from tigers to turtles, through their portraits taken for the National Geographic Photo Ark by Joel Sartore. In 2012, the Russian government created a protected area, called the Land of the Leopard National Park, which covers 650,000 acres and includes the Amur leopard's breeding areas. There are two subspecies of the White Rhino — the northern white rhino and the southern white rhino —  and they both are found in Africa. According to IUCN, as of 2020, 6,811 species are critically endangered. It is indigenous to Southern Brazil, Northeast Argentina, and Paraguay. The Javan rhino is the closest to extinction with only between 46 to 66 individuals left, all of … Across the globe, species are vanishing at rates 1,000 times greater than any time in history. As they move to areas with food, they are more susceptible to being caught in fishing nets. Introductions of new species, such as dogs, can spread diseases in the area and also threaten the creatures. Hunted largely for its beautiful, spotted fur, the loss of each Amur leopard puts the species at greater risk of extinction. Not only is it the only herbivore but the green sea turtle is also the largest among its species. The narwhal's tusk is actually a tooth and can grow up to 12 feet (3.7 meters). Sea lions are vulnerable to climate change. Iconic and charismatic species, such as tigers and pandas—along with economically important species—have many defenders, while these apparently "worthless" species had none. However, a number of those species are at a risk of extinction due to man’s intervention for consumption or entertainment. Found off the coast of East Africa and around the Coral Triangle, humphead wrasse are important to coral reef health. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platanista gangetica gangetica. Yellowfin Tuna can weigh up to 450 pounds (204 kilograms) and are found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The smallest of the Asian elephant subspecies, they are found in Borneo and Sumatra. Overfishing and illegal fishing are the main threats to bluefin tuna. Traveling across the oceans and the Mediterranean Sea, the albacore tuna can live for up to 12 years and grow up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) long. The fin whale is the second largest mammal in the world and can weigh up to 80 tons. The Hawksbill sea turtle is the most endangered species of turtle in the world, and is classified as critically endangered by IUCN, with an estimated global population of 8,000, with only 1,000 nesting females. Let us look into the beautiful creatures whose existence we are threatening. Breeds on Plateuau des Tourbières, Amsterdam Island, Indian Ocean. The Daggernose Shark is Critically Endangered (CE)on the IUCN Red List. They are known for their distinctive red fur and are considered the largest tree-dwelling animals. Approximately 143 are living wild. Of all the leopards, the Amur leopard is the most critically endangered. 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. The Baishan fir (Abies beshanzuensis), native to China, is down to five surviving mature individuals. Black-Footed Ferret. Seabed mining, pollution and coastal developments also play their part. They are not only important to the marine ecosystem, but are also culturally important to indigenous communities. Despite having the highest population amongst all gorilla subspecies, the Western Lowland gorilla population has plummeted by 60% over the past 25 years due to poaching, bush-meat hunting and disease, such as Ebola, according to the WWF. This has made it increasingly difficult for conservationists to protect the most threatened species on the planet. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cheloniidae and Dermochelyidae families. Commercial whaling still remains a threat, as well as habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Gorillas are a common sight in popular culture, from award-winning movies to chocolate adverts, yet many species of gorillas sit high on the endangered species list. The nongovernmental organization was founded in 1961 and works across the world to protect our planet, habitats and species. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Elephas maximus borneensis. Despite their supreme status, they are endangered species, with an estimated population of only 10,000 to 25,0000. Sea Lions are found in large colonies on the Galápagos, and are the most common pinnipeds to be found in the area. With a population of more than 1,000, the mountain gorilla lives in just two areas, the Virunga Mountains, along the borders of Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Gorillas. Conservation status: Critically endangered The Sumatran orangutan used to roam the rainforests on island of Sumatra. Outside breeding season in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand. It is a huge woodpecker that was extinct until 2004. 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