List of Critically Endangered Species We Need to Protect Now

The words “Extinct” and “Endangered” are distressing labels no one wishes to associate with any animal species. As human beings, we inherently cherish wildlife, marveling at the grandeur of creatures like tigers and elephants. Preserving these animals is crucial. However, the relentless growth of the global population has led to an increasing encroachment on wildlife habitats. Lush rainforests and other crucial ecosystems are vanishing, making way for the production of consumer goods. These are just a couple of the many factors contributing to the devastating loss of numerous animal species.

Shockingly, the list of endangered species is alarmingly extensive. Currently, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) identifies 16 species as critically endangered, with an additional 27 species listed as endangered. Moreover, there are 27 species deemed vulnerable or near threatened. Animal Planet presents a slightly different perspective, listing 42 species as endangered, one less than the WWF’s record. This disparity might be attributed to varying data sources. For the purpose of this article, the list from the WWF will serve as the primary reference point.

What Is an Endangered Species?

When a species is classified as endangered, it signifies an alarmingly high risk of extinction. The term “extinction” denotes the complete disappearance of a species from the face of the Earth. Regrettably, the prevalence of endangered species remains a pressing concern, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts and environmental protection.

List of Endangered Species

List of Critically Endangered Species

These are the 16 species listed as critically endangered. Later facts about the top 5 of these wonderful animals will be provided.

• Amur Leopard
• Black Rhino
• Bornean Orangutan
• Cross River Gorilla
• Eastern Lowland Gorilla
• Hawksbill Turtle
• Javan Rhino
• Orangutan
• Saola
• Sumatran Elephant
• Sumatran Orangutan
• Sumatran Rhino
• Sunda Tiger
• Vaquita
• Western Lowland Gorilla
• Yangtze Finless Porpoise

List of Endangered Species

• African Wild Dog
• Asian Elephant
• Black-footed Ferret
• Blue Whale
• Bluefin Tuna
• Bonobo
• Bornean Elephant
• Chimpanzee
• Fin Whale
• Galapagos Penguin
• Ganges River Dolphin
• Green Turtle
• Hector’s Dolphin
• Humphead Wrasse
• Indian Elephant
• Indus River Dolphin
• Irrawaddy Dolphin
• Mountain Gorilla
• North Atlantic Right Whale
• Red Panda
• Sea Lion
• Sea Turtle
• Sei Whale
• Sri Lankan Elephant
• Tiger
• Whale
• Whale Shark

At the conclusion of the list, three significant species—Sea Turtles, Tigers, and Whales—are amalgamated. Among these, nearly all seven types of Sea Turtles are categorized as endangered, with the Hawksbill Sea Turtle occupying a spot on the critically endangered roster. Tigers are further divided into two sub-species: the continental and the Sundra. While the Sundra Tiger finds itself on the critically endangered list, the continental sub-species includes the Bengal, Malayan, Indochinese, and Amur (Siberian) tigers. The Sundra Tiger, in particular, is an island-dwelling tiger, with the Sumatran Tiger being the only other surviving island tiger apart from it. Additionally, three whale species—the Blue, Fin, and North Atlantic Right whales—face critical endangerment, although all species within this grouping are considered endangered.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the remaining populations of these species are estimated to be approximately 90,000 worldwide. While the breadth of this article allows for the discussion of all 43 endangered species, the primary focus will center on the 16 species classified as critically endangered. Delving into the intricate details of five of these remarkable animals will provide a comprehensive understanding, potentially introducing readers to species they may not have previously encountered.

Endangered Species | Facts & Pictures

List of Endangered Species with Interesting Facts

Amur Leopard

Nestled in the Russian Far East and parts of China, the Amur Leopards occupy the northernmost territory of the leopard species. Unlike their African savanna-dwelling counterparts, these leopards thrive in temperate forests and mountainous regions. A mere 84 Amur leopards remain in the wild, boasting a weight range of 70 to 105 pounds, making them relatively smaller in comparison to other big cats. Their impressive agility allows them to reach speeds of up to 37 miles per hour, leap 19 feet horizontally, and 10 feet vertically—an astonishing testament to their hunting prowess and intelligence. Equally impressive is their ability to carry off and conceal unfinished kills, showcasing their strength and resourcefulness.

Primarily solitary creatures, Amur leopards occasionally exhibit communal behavior, with males sometimes staying with females after mating to assist in raising their young. With a lifespan ranging between 10 to 15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity, the Amur leopard is recognized by various names, including the Far East leopard, the Manchurian leopard, and the Korean leopard.

Tragically, the Amur leopard’s endangered status is predominantly attributed to poaching, driven by the high value of their coveted spotted coats. Accessibility to their forest habitats contributes to the vulnerability of these majestic creatures, as poachers continue to encroach upon their territory. Additionally, the Amur leopard’s prey species, such as the Roe deer, Sika deer, and Hare, face human-induced hunting pressures for both sustenance and monetary gain.

Black Rhino

African landscapes host the endangered Black Rhino, thriving in diverse habitats including semi-desert savannahs, woodlands, forests, and wetlands. With a dwindling population of approximately 5,600, these rhinos are the smaller of the two rhino species on the African continent, standing just over 5 feet tall and weighing between 1,700 to 3,100 pounds. Their distinctive hooked upper lip sets them apart from their White Rhino counterparts, impacting their dietary habits as well. Unlike the White Rhino, the Black Rhino’s hooked upper lip facilitates browsing, enabling them to feed on leaves from bushes and trees.

The Black Rhino’s existence remains critically imperiled due to relentless poaching activities driven by the lucrative illegal trade market for their horns. Additionally, the challenges posed by political instability and conflicts further hinder conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding these magnificent creatures. Despite ongoing conservation initiatives, the Black Rhino’s future hangs in the balance, necessitating sustained global efforts to protect and preserve this iconic species for generations to come.

Bornean Orangutan

The lush island of Borneo is home to the critically endangered Bornean Orangutans, encompassing three distinct sub-species: the Northwest, Northeast, and Central. Among these, the Northwest sub-species faces the most significant threat, with a rapidly declining population estimated to be approximately 104,700 remaining in the wild. Ranging in height from 3 to 5 feet and weighing anywhere between 60 to 220 pounds, Bornean orangutans boast a broader face, shorter beard, and darker coloration in comparison to their counterparts.

Playing a crucial role in the dispersion of plant seeds, Bornean orangutans significantly contribute to the maintenance of the forest’s ecological balance and vitality. Regrettably, their existence is jeopardized by various threats, including hunting activities, expansive logging operations—whether legal or illegal—mining activities, extensive conversion of forested lands into agricultural plots, and the thriving pet trade. Urgent conservation measures and sustainable management strategies are imperative to safeguard the Bornean orangutan population and preserve the rich biodiversity of Borneo’s vibrant ecosystems.

Cross River Gorilla

In the remote regions of Cameroon and Nigeria, the critically endangered Cross River Gorillas inhabit a limited expanse of approximately 3,000 square miles, encompassing rugged terrain that fosters their wariness of human interaction. This cautious disposition poses challenges in accurately assessing their population, with estimates ranging from 200 to 300 individuals remaining in the wild. Standing between 4 and 5 1/2 feet tall when upright and weighing up to 440 pounds, Cross River Gorillas distinguish themselves from other gorilla species through variations in skull and tooth dimensions.

Unfortunately, the progressive conversion of forests into agricultural land poses a significant threat to their habitat, exacerbating the challenges faced by these majestic creatures. Compounded by the detrimental impact of poaching activities, the survival of the Cross River Gorillas remains a critical concern, emphasizing the urgency of implementing robust conservation strategies and protective measures to ensure the preservation of this distinct primate species for future generations.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla

In the verdant expanse of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Eastern Lowland Gorillas find refuge within the embrace of the lowland tropical rainforests. With a dwindling population estimated at approximately 8,500, these gorillas represent the largest among the four distinct sub-species. Distinguished by their robust physique, large hands, and short muzzles, the Eastern Lowland Gorillas stand between 4 and 5 1/2 feet tall, tipping the scales at a weight of up to 440 pounds, akin to their Cross River gorilla counterparts.

The Eastern Lowland Gorillas face a myriad of threats, including the destabilizing effects of civil unrest, persistent poaching activities, detrimental mining operations, and the pervasive issue of deforestation. These combined challenges have triggered a staggering 50% decline in their population since the 1990s, accentuating the urgency of concerted conservation efforts and protective measures to safeguard their existence.

Amidst these perils, numerous organizations remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving these magnificent creatures and their imperiled habitats. While this article sheds light on a handful of endangered animals, delving deeper into the lives of these diverse species promises to foster a profound appreciation for the irreplaceable joy and wonder that animals bring into our lives.