Species extinction is a growing global concern. When we ask, " Which animals are going extinct? " we touch upon a crucial environmental and ethical question. Many species are facing extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and human disturbance. In this article, we will explore some of the most endangered animals, the reasons for their declining numbers, and what actions can be taken to help.
Learn about extinction and endangerment
Before delving into specific endangered animals, it is important to understand the differences between extinct , endangered , and critically endangered species.
Extinction : A species no longer exists anywhere on Earth.
Endangered : A species is at high risk of extinction in the near future.
Critically endangered : Species facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
These categories are determined by conservation organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which maintains the IUCN Red List , the world’s most comprehensive inventory of species conservation status.
Which animals are going extinct?
The following are some animals that are currently critically endangered and may face extinction without urgent intervention:
1. Far Eastern Leopard
Status : Critically Endangered
Quantity : Less than 100
Habitat : The Amur leopard, found in the Russian Far East and Northeast China, is one of the world's rarest large cats. This beautiful animal is endangered due to habitat loss caused by deforestation, poaching, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway, but their numbers remain extremely low.
2. Javan rhinoceros
Status : Critically Endangered
Quantity : Less than 75 heads
Habitat : The Javan rhinoceros is one of the most endangered rhinoceros species in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. Poaching of rhinoceros horns and habitat loss have led to a sharp decline in their numbers. All the remaining rhinoceroses now live in a national park, making them extremely vulnerable to disease and natural disasters.
3. Vaquita
Status : Critically Endangered
Quantity : Less than 10
Habitat : The vaquita, a small porpoise native to the Gulf of California, is endangered due to illegal fishing, particularly gillnets used to catch totoaba in the Gulf of California. Fewer than 10 wild vaquitas remain, making it one of the most endangered marine mammals.
4. Sumatran orangutan
Status : Critically Endangered
Quantity : Approximately 14,000
Habitat : Sumatran orangutans on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, face severe threats from deforestation, palm oil plantations, and illegal hunting. These intelligent primates have lost vast amounts of habitat due to human activities, making it difficult for their populations to recover.
5. Hawksbill turtle
Status : Critically Endangered
Quantity : Unknown (but decreasing)
Habitat : The endangered status of hawksbill turtles in the tropical waters surrounding coral reefs is primarily attributed to disease. Their shells are used for jewelry and ornaments, so the illegal trade is one reason for their decline. Pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change have also contributed to their numbers.
6. Mountain gorillas
Status : Endangered
Quantity : Approximately 1,000
Habitat : The Virunga Mountains in Central Africa. Although mountain gorilla numbers have increased thanks to conservation efforts, they remain considered an endangered species. Poaching, habitat loss, and disease continue to threaten their survival. Tourism revenue helps fund conservation efforts, but continued vigilance is needed to protect these majestic animals.
7. Pangolin
Status : Critically Endangered (all eight species)
Population : Declining rapidly due to illicit trade
Habitat : Pangolins are the world's most trafficked mammals, hunted for their scales and meat. The illegal wildlife trade is a major driver of their extinction risk, and poaching remains rampant despite increased conservation efforts.
8. Giant Yangtze Turtle
Status : Critically Endangered
Population : 3 known individuals
Habitat : The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is endangered in China and Vietnam, with only a few known individuals remaining in the wild and in captivity. Habitat destruction and overhunting are the main reasons for its decline.
9. Central and Southern Great Eland
Status : Critically Endangered
Quantity : Less than 750
Habitat : Annamite Mountains, Vietnam, and Laos. The salamander , sometimes called the "Asian unicorn," is a rare and elusive mammal discovered in 1992. Habitat loss and poaching have severely impacted its numbers. Conservationists know very little about this mysterious animal, yet its population is extremely small.
10. African forest elephant
Status : Critically Endangered
Quantity : Estimated at 400,000 heads
Habitat : Forests of Central and West Africa . The African forest elephant is smaller than its steppe cousins, but faces a higher risk of extinction due to habitat destruction caused by ivory poaching and deforestation. Their numbers have declined sharply in recent years, prompting urgent conservation efforts.
Why did these animals become extinct?
Many factors contribute to animal extinction, including:
Habitat destruction : As the population grows, more and more land is used for agriculture, urban development and resource extraction, leading to a reduction in animal habitats.
Climate change : Rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and extreme events such as wildfires and droughts affect ecosystems and the animals that depend on them.
Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade : Many endangered animals are hunted for their fur, horns, and other body parts, which are often sold at high prices on the black market.
Pollution : Marine animals such as vaquitas and sea turtles are severely affected by plastic pollution, oil spills, and other forms of environmental degradation.
Invasive species : Non-native species can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, sometimes outcompeting or preying on native species.
