Wildlife is home to dozens of creatures, each more wondrous than the next. Sometimes mysterious, sometimes terrifying, and sometimes incomprehensible, nature's creations have long amazed and fascinated humans. But unfortunately, some of these creatures face a multitude of ever-growing challenges. Some species are abandoning their habitats due to habitat destruction and are struggling to adapt to new life. Others struggle to hide and survive from ruthless predators. Others are trying to escape the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Sadly, however, some animals are not succeeding in their struggle for survival, despite various factors. That's why more and more species are added to the list of "endangered animals" every day.
While various humanitarian organizations are working hard to ensure the continued survival of these endangered species, the increasingly destructive human impact is making the threat of extinction a growing concern. Here are 10 endangered species, from the Sumatran tiger to the African forest elephant.
1. Amur leopard
One of the animals on the brink of extinction is the Amur leopard. Sadly, only 120 individuals of this species remain, living in the eastern regions of Russia. For this reason, Amur leopards are considered one of the "rarest cats in the world." The main reason these creatures are on the endangered list is poaching and deforestation.
2. Black rhinoceros
Unfortunately, black rhinos aren't the only rhinoceros species threatened with extinction. Like the black rhino, the Sumatran and Javan rhinos are also endangered. However, it's safe to say that black rhinos are one step ahead of other species in the fight for survival. According to research conducted by the International Rhino Federation, the black rhino population has increased by 12 percent since 2015. However, these creatures, which inhabit southern and eastern Africa, remain endangered.
3. Bornean orangutan
The island of Borneo, located near Indonesia and Malaysia, is the only natural habitat of the Bornean orangutan. Bornean orangutans are one of many endangered orangutan species. The population of Bornean orangutans, considered one of the largest tree-dwelling primates, has declined by 50 percent over the past 60 years. The main reason for this dramatic decline is illegal hunting.
4. African forest elephant
These creatures, native to the forested regions of West Africa, are the smallest living elephant species. They are also one of two elephant species in Africa. However, they are endangered due to deforestation and illegal hunting. The number of African forest elephants alive today is unknown. However, their population is estimated to have declined by more than 60 percent since 2002.
5. Sumatran tiger
The Sumatran tiger, native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is the last remaining tiger species on the island. However, this species is also on the brink of extinction. The forests necessary for the Sumatran tiger's survival are rapidly being converted into agricultural land. This makes it extremely difficult for them to access the nutrients they need. Furthermore, Sumatran tigers are known to be illegally hunted for export to various parts of the world, which has a profoundly negative impact on their lives.
6. Chinese lizard
The Chinese pangolin is one of four pangolin species native to Asia. These mysterious creatures, like the others on our list, face a difficult struggle for survival. The Chinese pangolin's greatest enemy is humans. Intensive consumption of pangolin meat in China is leading to a gradual decline in their numbers. On the other hand, pangolin scales are an extremely important and widely used substance in traditional Chinese medicine. For this reason, pangolins are a prime target for many hunters, especially in China.
7. California Condor
The California condor, North America's largest land bird, is a living species clinging to life! Because in 1987, the species was declared extinct! However, today, there are only 336 California condors left in the wild.
After the California condor was declared extinct, a small group of 27 birds was captured. This small group was then included in a special breeding and conservation program. This resulted in a significant increase in the species' population. However, California condors still face an uphill battle for survival.
8. Blue Flycatcher
The blue flycatcher was once one of the dominant bird species on the Indonesian islands of Java and Panaitan. However, these days, blue flycatchers are virtually impossible to spot in the wild. Experts estimate that the species' population has declined by more than 90 percent. Hunters are the cause of the species' extinction in the wild. In many regions, particularly in Asia, blue flycatchers are kept in captivity as "cage birds.".
The peacock tarantula is a striking creature with vibrant colors. However, you'll have to be extremely lucky to see it up close. This creature, native to India's deciduous forests, has had its habitat largely destroyed. For this reason, the peacock tarantula is ranked number one on the list of endangered animals.
10. Yangtze Turtle
The Yangtze turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world. Sadly, only a few surviving members of this species remain. A female Yangtze turtle living in captivity in China died in 2019, leading to the species being presumed extinct. However, in late 2020, scientists used DNA analysis to identify a female Yangtze turtle living in a lake in Vietnam. It was later discovered that another male Yangtze turtle lived in the same area.