Record of endangered animals with footage and info, plus hyperlinks to additional data. Check YOUR data of endangered animals with two FREE printable worksheets.
Endangered Animals
Examples of endangered animals embody mammals such because the tiger, chimpanzee, Asian elephant and sea otter; birds such because the Egyptian vulture and Galápagos penguin; reptiles such because the Alabama red-bellied cooter and inexperienced sea turtle; fish such because the humphead wrasse and whale shark; and amphibians such because the golden poison frog and Majorcan midwife toad.
On this web page is an inventory of endangered animals, with footage and info on every species. Be aware: the listing under is NOT definitive and incorporates only a fraction of the world’s endangered animals.
All the animals on the listing under are at present (as of Jan 2024) listed as “Endangered” by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature. (Web site)
The IUCN has a separate class, Critically Endangered, for the world’s most endangered animals. You’ll be able to see an inventory of critically endangered animals on this web page: Critically Endangered Species 2024: Record with Photos & Info
Endangered Animals Printable Worksheets PDF Obtain
Check your data of endangered animals with these FREE printable pdf query sheets. (No sign-up required; simply click on, obtain & print.)
Animal Index
Endangered Animals Record 2024
African Bush Elephant
- Scientific identify: Loxodonta Africana
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Africa
The African bush elephant (also referred to as the African savanna elephant) is the world’s largest dwelling land animal. Giant males can weigh as much as 10.4 metric tonnes / 11.46 brief tons (22,928.08 lb.).
Each female and male African bush elephants have tusks, that are tooth that undertaking out of the mouth.
Why are African bush elephants endangered?
The African bush elephant’s endangered standing is due primarily to unlawful poaching for his or her helpful ivory tusks, along with lack of their pure habitat.
African Spurred Tortoise
- Scientific identify: Centrochelys sulcata
- Sort of animal: Reptile
- The place discovered: Africa
The African spurred tortoise is the third-largest kind of tortoise on this planet, and the most important discovered on the mainland; solely the Galapagos tortoises and the Aldabran tortoise are bigger (these tortoises are discovered on islands).
The African spurred tortoise can attain lengths of 83 cm (33 in) and weights of 105 kg (231 lb.). It’s discovered within the Sahara Desert and the Sahel; a dry grassland / savanna area that stretches throughout Africa from Mauritania within the west to Ethiopia and Eritrea within the east.
Why are African spurred tortoises endangered?
Major causes for the African spurred tortoise’s endangered standing are habitat loss (as a consequence of farming and bush fires), seize for the pet commerce, and being hunted for meat.
African Wild Canine
- Scientific identify: Lycaon pictus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Africa
African wild canine are present in Sub-Saharan Africa (the a part of Africa south of the Sahara Desert). These endangered canids dwell in packs consisting of an alpha pair and their offspring. They hunt at daybreak and nightfall, pursuing prey akin to Thomson’s gazelles and different mid-sized antelopes.
The African wild canine is definitely recognized as a consequence of its patterned coat, which supplies the species its different identify of African Painted Canine.
It’s estimated that fewer than 1,500 grownup particular person African wild canine are left within the wild. The species’ inhabitants is fragmented over a large space.
Why are African wild canine endangered?
The largest risk to the African wild canine is habitat loss. This can be a species that wants a variety of area; a rising human inhabitants within the canine’ pure habitat restricts the world during which it will possibly hunt.
Alabama Crimson-Bellied Cooter
- Scientific identify: Pseudemys alabamensis
- Sort of animal: Reptile
- The place discovered: North America
The Alabama red-bellied cooter is a species of turtle present in Alabama’s Cellular–Tensaw River Delta, a 260,000 acre wetland area. The species is Alabama’s official state reptile.
The Alabama red-bellied cooter grows as much as 1 ft. / 30 cm in size and its plastron (the shell masking the turtle’s undersides) is orange in shade (therefore the species’ identify).
This endangered reptile belongs to the household Emydidae, whose members are also referred to as “pond turtles” or “terrapins”.
Why are Alabama red-bellied cooters endangered?
Alabama red-bellied cooters are endangered primarily as a consequence of habitat loss and unlawful seize on the market to the pet commerce. They’ll additionally develop into trapped and drown in fishing nets and crab pots.
Amazon River Dolphin / Boto
- Scientific Identify: Inia geoffrensis
- Sort of Animal: Mammal
- Household: Iniidae
The Amazon river dolphin, also referred to as the boto or pink river dolphin, is the most important river dolphin species. It’s discovered within the Amazon River and its tributaries.
As an Amazon river dolphin matures, its pores and skin adjustments from grey to pink in shade, ensuing within the species’ different identify of “pink river dolphin”.
The Amazon river dolphin is intently associated to the Bolivian, Orinoco and Araguaian river dolphins (all of that are present in South America); some scientists take into account some or all of those dolphins to be subspecies of the Amazon river dolphin, reasonably than separate species.
Why Are Amazon River Dolphins Endangered?
The Amazon river dolphin is endangered for various causes, together with: lack of meals as a result of presence of business fisheries; being caught as bycatch by native fishermen; being intentionally caught and used as bait by native fishermen; and air pollution of its habitat.
Uncover Extra With Energetic Wild
You’ll find out extra concerning the Amazon river dolphin on this web page: Amazon River Dolphin Info
Uncover extra freshwater animals on this web page: Freshwater Animals Record with Photos & Info
Arroyo Toad
- Scientific identify: Anaxyrus californicus
- Sort of animal: Amphibian
- The place discovered: North America
The arroyo toad is present in California, U.S.A. and Baja California, Mexico, the place it inhabits streams and washes (dry desert creeks that fill with water after rain). It’s small (2-3 in. / 5-7.5 cm) and stockily-built, with pale, olive-green / gray pores and skin.
Exterior of the mating season, the arroyo toad spends a lot of the day buried in sand or mud, rising at evening to forage for ants and different small bugs. In the course of the dry season, it enters a state of dormancy generally known as aestivation.
Why are arroyo toads endangered?
The arroyo toad inhabitants at present consists of fewer than 3,000 people and continues to lower. The species is endangered primarily as a consequence of habitat loss.
Asian Elephant
- Scientific identify: Elephas maximus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Asia
Asian elephants are the most important land animals in Asia, and the second-largest on this planet (after the African bush elephant, one other endangered species). A big male has a shoulder top of round 9 ft / 2.74 m, and weighs round 4 metric tonnes / 4.4 brief tons (8,818.49 lb.).
Asian elephants have smaller ears and smoother pores and skin than their African cousins. Solely the males have tusks.
Why are Asian elephants endangered?
Asian elephants are endangered as a consequence of poaching (male elephants are focused for his or her helpful ivory tusks) and habitat loss.
Aye-Aye
- Scientific identify: Daubentonia madagascariensis
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Madagascar
The aye-aye is a species of lemur that lives within the rainforests of Madagascar, an island situated within the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa.
The endangered mammal, which reaches a size of round 3 ft. (90 cm), together with its lengthy tail, is the world’s largest nocturnal primate.
The aye-aye finds meals by tapping on bushes with its fingers; it will possibly inform by the sound if there’s an insect grub hidden beneath the bark.
Why are aye-ayes endangered?
Some native individuals consider that the aye-aye brings dangerous luck, and the species has confronted persecution as a consequence of these beliefs. This, and habitat loss, are the principle causes that the aye-aye is endangered.
Barbary Macaque
- Scientific identify: Macaca sylvanus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Africa, Gibraltar
A small colony of Barbary macaques lives in Gibraltar (a British territory on the southern coast of Spain), making the species the one monkey to be discovered within the wild in Europe. Barbary macaques are additionally present in northern Africa.
In contrast to most different monkeys, the Barbary macaque lacks a tail. This has led to the species’ different identify of “Barbary ape” (apes lack tails).
Why are Barbary macaques endangered?
In Africa, the Barbary macaque lives in high-altitude forests, and in Gibraltar, in rocky coastal areas. It’s as a result of lack of its African habitat that the monkey is endangered.
Basking Shark
- Scientific identify: Cetorhinus maximus
- Sort of animal: Fish
- The place discovered: Oceans worldwide
The basking shark is the world’s second-largest fish. It grows to a median size of 26 ft / 7.9 m, however can attain lengths of as much as 28 ft / 8.5 m; solely the whale shark, one other endangered species, is bigger.
In contrast to most sharks, the basking shark is a filter feeder reasonably than an lively hunter. It swims via clouds of zooplankton (tiny ocean animals) with its massive mouth held large open, filtering the meals from the seawater with comb-like projections from its gills generally known as “gill rakers”.
Why are basking sharks endangered?
The basking shark is endangered as a consequence of overfishing. Though the species is not focused, it’s nonetheless caught unintentionally and, as a consequence of its surface-feeding habits, is often struck by boats.
- Scientific identify: Mustela nigripes
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: North America
A listing of endangered animals is not only about well-known animals akin to tigers and elephants; different, lesser-known species are additionally going through extinction.
The black-footed ferret is one such animal. Present in North America, it’s a member of the household Mustelidae, which additionally contains weasels, badgers, the wolverine, and associated animals.
In 1979 the black footed ferret was considered extinct within the wild, however in 1981 a small inhabitants was found in Wyoming.
A captive breeding program noticed the species being reintroduced in a number of places in North America.
Though a number of 1000’s of black footed ferrets have been reintroduced for the reason that 1990’s, immediately’s wild inhabitants consists of simply 206 adults.
Why are black-footed ferrets endangered?
Black-footed ferrets are endangered as a consequence of persecution of its important prey supply, prairie canine. The black-footed ferret’s fortunes are instantly linked to the supply of those prey animals. Prairie canine are able to damaging crops, and have been subsequently persecuted by farmers. This, along with habitat loss, led to a fall in prairie canine populations, and a resultant decline within the black footed ferret inhabitants.
Black-Headed Spider Monkey
- Scientific identify: Ateles fusciceps
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Central & South America
The black-headed spider monkey is an endangered monkey present in tropical and subtropical forests in Colombia, Ecuador and Panama.
The black-headed spider monkey has black or darkish brown fur (it is usually generally known as the brown-headed spider monkey). Like all spider monkeys it has extraordinarily lengthy limbs and a protracted, prehensile tail. (Prehensile means “in a position to seize”.) The tail is used like a “fifth hand” whereas the monkey is climbing.
Of the seven species of spider monkey, 5 (together with the black-headed spider monkey) are endangered, one is critically endangered, and one is rated “Weak”.
Why are black-headed spider monkeys endangered?
The black-headed spider monkey is endangered as a consequence of being hunted for meals, and by the loss and fragmentation of its forest habitat.
Blue Speckled Tree Monitor
- Scientific identify: Varanus macraei
- Sort of animal: Reptile
- The place discovered: Asia
The blue-speckled tree monitor is a monitor lizard discovered solely on Batanta island, a part of the island nation of Indonesia. The species, which is also referred to as the blue-spotted tree monitor, grows to round 3.5 ft (1.1 m) in size, and it’s black with blue scale patterns.
Geared up with a protracted, prehensile tail that helps it climb, the blue-speckled tree monitor is essentially arboreal (tree-living). It’s present in tropical forests.
Why are blue-speckled tree displays endangered?
The blue-speckled tree monitor is focused by hunters who acquire dwell specimens on the market to the pet commerce. Deforestation is one other risk to the species.
Blue Whale
- Scientific identify: Balaenoptera musculus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Oceans worldwide
Blue whales are the most important animals ever to have lived on the Earth; they’re larger than the most important dinosaurs. Blue whales can weigh as much as 200 tons, but their eating regimen consists nearly totally of tiny crustaceans referred to as krill.
Why are blue whales endangered?
Blue whales are endangered as a consequence of historic overhunting. The species was as soon as hunted nearly to extinction. At the moment, the blue whale is protected worldwide and is making a sluggish restoration. Nonetheless, with a inhabitants that at present numbers between 5,000 and 15,000 grownup people, the blue whale stays an endangered species.
Bonobo
- Scientific identify: Pan paniscus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Africa
Bonobos are similar to chimpanzees (each species belong to the genus Pan), however are normally barely smaller, with longer legs and darker faces. Bonobos are discovered within the tropical forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa.
Why are bonobos endangered?
The bonobo is endangered as a consequence of poaching (searching of the bonobo for bushmeat continues regardless of being banned) and habitat loss attributable to logging and slash and burn agriculture.
- You’ll find out extra about bonobos on this web page: Bonobo Info
Chimpanzee
- Scientific identify: Pan troglodytes
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Africa
Chimpanzees are primates that dwell within the forests of central Africa. They’re our nearest dwelling kinfolk, sharing round 98% of our genes. They belong to the good ape household Hominidae, together with people, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans.
These clever apes are among the many only a few animals identified to make use of instruments. Chimpanzees have been noticed utilizing sticks to extract bugs akin to termites and bees from their nests, and stones to crack open nuts.
Why are chimpanzees endangered?
The best risk to the chimpanzee is poaching; regardless of being protected, the species is focused by hunters for its meat.
Dhole
- Scientific identify: Cuon alpinus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Asia
Also called the Asian wild canine, the dhole is a canid (member of the canine household, Canidae) present in a number of Asian international locations, together with India, Bangladesh and China, and likewise the islands of Sumatra and Java.
Regardless of its massive vary, the dhole’s inhabitants is skinny and fragmented. The whole grownup wild inhabitants of dholes is believed to quantity a most of two,215 people.
Why are dholes endangered?
One of many important causes that the dhole is endangered is competitors with human hunters. Overhunting of the dhole’s pure prey by people creates a shortage of meals for the canine. Habitat loss has additionally performed a big half within the species’ endangered standing.
- You’ll find out extra about dholes on this web page: Dhole Info
Egyptian Vulture
- Scientific identify: Neophron percnopterus
- Sort of animal: Chicken
- The place discovered: Africa, Asia, Europe
The Egyptian vulture is discovered throughout a big a part of southern Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. It’s a putting fowl with white plumage, a yellow face and a 5.58 ft. / 1.7 meter most wingspan.
Like most vultures, the Egyptian vulture is primarily a scavenger.
Why are Egyptian vultures endangered?
At the moment, a lot of the carrion eaten by the Egyptian vulture incorporates both poison or lead shot, which finally proves deadly for the scavenger. As well as, medication administered to livestock upon whose carcasses the vulture preys are dangerous to the fowl. Collisions with wind generators and electrical cables additionally cut back the fowl’s inhabitants.
European Rabbit
- Scientific identify: Oryctolagus cuniculus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Native to Europe, launched to the Americas, Africa and Australia
The European rabbit is a typical sight in some components of the world, however in its native Spain, Portugal and southern France, the species’ inhabitants has declined considerably lately, inflicting the species to develop into endangered.
The rabbit, one in every of 77 species of rabbits and hares (supply), was launched to areas as far afield because the Americas and Australia. As a result of injury the species could cause to crops, it got here to be thought-about a pest in lots of areas during which it had been launched.
One methodology of controlling launched populations of European rabbits was the deliberate introduction of the illness Myxomatosis. This illness, along with one other, Rabbit Haemorrhagic Illness, has been accountable for wiping out massive numbers of European rabbits not solely in areas to which the species was launched, but additionally in its native vary.
The decline of the European rabbit has led to the decline of one in every of its important predators: the Iberian lynx.
Why Is The European Rabbit Endangered?
The European rabbit is endangered primarily as a result of introduction of the illness Myxomatosis.
Galápagos Penguin
- Scientific identify: Spheniscus mendiculus
- Sort of animal: Chicken
- The place discovered: Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos penguin is discovered on the Galápagos Islands, an island group within the Pacific Ocean 563 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The Galápagos penguin is the one penguin discovered north of the equator. It’s the second-smallest penguin: solely the little penguin is smaller.
Why are Galápagos penguins endangered?
The Galápagos penguin’s inhabitants is strongly affected by ENSO (the El Niño-Southern Oscillation), a cycle of heat and chilly sea temperatures within the Jap Pacific Ocean. In El Niño years, the water temperature rises, inflicting meals to develop into scarce for the penguins.
- You’ll find out extra concerning the penguins on this web page: Penguin Info
Galápagos Sea Lion
- Scientific identify: Zalophus wollebaeki
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos sea lion lives on the coast of the Galápagos islands. It’s the smallest sea lion species. There are solely round 10,000 Galápagos sea lions left within the wild.
Why are Galápagos sea lions endangered?
Just like the Galápagos penguin, the Galápagos sea lion is affected by El Niño occasions. These trigger a discount within the quantity of obtainable meals and a resultant poor breeding season. Illness (presumably unfold by canine) additionally causes vital declines within the sea lion’s inhabitants.
Big Abalone
- Scientific identify: Haliotis gigantea
- Sort of animal: Mollusk
- The place discovered: Oceans surrounding Japan
The enormous abalone is a sea snail discovered within the seas off of Japan and South Korea. It grows to a diameter of round 23.3 cm / 9.17 in. and, like all abalones, has a row of respiratory holes on its shell.
Abalones, like all sea snails, are mollusks belonging to the category Gastropoda. This group is house to all snails (together with land-living varieties) and slugs.
Many abalones, together with the enormous abalone, are harvested for meals, and overfishing is a principal explanation for the species’ endangered standing. The lack of the seaweed beds upon which the enormous abalone is discovered is one other contributing issue.
Big Otter
- Scientific identify: Pteronura brasiliensis
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: South America
The enormous otter is a species of otter present in South America. It’s current within the Amazon River and the Pantanal (an enormous tropical wetland). Like different otters, it’s a semi-aquatic hunter. Its eating regimen consists nearly totally of fish.
As its identify suggests, the enormous otter is without doubt one of the bigger otter species, reaching 1.8 m / 5 ft 11 in. in size. Like different otters, it’s a member of the weasel household, Mustelidae.
Beforehand the sufferer of overhunting for its pelt, the enormous otter immediately is threatened by human encroachment into its habitat, in addition to by air pollution and illness.
Golden Lion Tamarin
- Scientific identify: Leontopithecus rosalia
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: South America
The golden lion tamarin is a monkey that lives in Brazil’s Atlantic Coastal Forest.
The species belongs to a bunch of primates referred to as the New World monkeys. This group cut up from the Previous World monkeys round 40 million years in the past. The nostrils of New World monkeys open to the edges, whereas these of Previous World monkeys open downwards.
Why are golden lion tamarins endangered?
The first explanation for the golden lion tamarin’s endangered standing is deforestation. Over 85% of the Atlantic Coastal Forest during which the monkey lives has been destroyed. As well as, the golden lion tamarin is hunted on the market to the pet commerce.
Golden Poison Frog
- Scientific identify: Phyllobates terribilis
- Sort of animal: Amphibian
- The place discovered: South America
The golden poison frog is a brightly-colored frog that lives within the rainforests of Colombia. It’s the largest species of poison dart frog, reaching a size of 55 mm / 2.17 in. In addition to its attribute yellow, the species’ pores and skin may also be inexperienced or orange in shade.
The golden poison frog’s vivid coloration warns potential predators that it’s toxic. The species is taken into account by many to be the world’s most toxic vertebrate.
Why are golden poison frogs endangered?
Like many rainforest animals, the first risk to the golden poison frog is deforestation.
Inexperienced Eyed Bushfrog
- Scientific identify: Raorchestes chlorosomma
- Sort of animal: Amphibian
- The place discovered: Asia
The green-eyed bushfrog is a critically endangered amphibian present in evergreen forests on the slopes of the Western Ghats mountain vary in India.
In contrast to many frogs, the green-eyed bushfrog (and different frogs of genus Raorchestes) skips the tadpole stage of its growth, hatching instantly from its egg as a frog.
Why Are Inexperienced Eyed Bushfrogs Endangered?
The green-eyed bushfrog is endangered as a consequence of habitat loss attributable to plantations of crops akin to tea and eucalyptus.
Inexperienced Sea Turtle
- Scientific identify: Chelonia mydas
- Sort of animal: Reptile
- The place discovered: Tropical and Subtropical Oceans Worldwide
The inexperienced sea turtle is one in every of seven dwelling species of sea turtle, and one in every of six within the household Cheloniidae (the “odd one out” is the leatherback sea turtle, which is within the household Dermochelyidae).
The inexperienced sea turtle is present in tropical and subtropical waters all all over the world. It’s a migratory species, swimming between its feeding and nesting websites. These journeys take some people over 1,600 mi / 2,600 km.
Why are inexperienced sea turtles endangered?
Threats to the inexperienced sea turtle embody the harvesting of each eggs and turtles by people from the turtle’s nesting grounds, and the unintentional seize of turtles in nets and lengthy traces meant for fish.
Human growth of the turtle’s conventional nesting websites has additionally performed a component within the inexperienced sea turtle’s endangered standing.
Gray Parrot
- Scientific identify: Psittacus erithacus
- Sort of animal: Chicken
- The place discovered: Africa
The gray parrot, regardless of being a preferred pet, is endangered within the wild. The species is present in tropical forests in Africa. It’s primarily frugivorous (fruit-eating).
The gray parrot is without doubt one of the most clever birds, and is ready to mimic the human voice and different environmental sounds.
Why are gray parrots endangered?
The first risk to the gray parrot is the seize of untamed birds on the market to the pet business. Deforestation can also be enjoying a component within the fowl’s decline.
Humphead Wrasse
- Scientific identify: Cheilinus undulatus
- Sort of animal: Fish
- The place discovered: Indo-Pacific
The humphead wrasse, also referred to as the enormous wrasse, is a coral reef fish that lives within the Indo-Pacific (an space that mixes the Indian Ocean, and the western and central Pacific Ocean).
Male humphead wrasses develop to lengths of as much as 6.56 ft / 2m; females are considerably smaller. Like all wrasses, some females – normally the most important – flip into males. This course of is named “protogynous hermaphroditism”.
The humphead wrasse’s “hump” – the bulge on its brow – will get larger because the fish will get older.
Why are humphead wrasses endangered?
The humphead wrasse is taken into account a delicacy in a number of Asian international locations and is closely hunted in consequence.
Iberian Lynx
- Scientific identify: Lynx pardinus
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Europe (Spain)
The Iberian Lynx is a member of the cat household Felidae native to the Iberian Peninsula. It’s notably smaller than its cousin the Eurasian lynx, with a physique size starting from round 69 to 82 cm / 27 to 32 inches.
Like different lynxes (the group can also be house to the Eurasian lynx, Canada lynx and bobcat), the Iberian Lynx has a particular brief tail, tufted ears and beard-like facial ruff.
This elusive carnivore primarily preys on rabbits and inhabits Mediterranean forests and scrublands.
Sadly, the Iberian Lynx is without doubt one of the world’s most endangered cat species, going through threats from habitat loss and a declining European rabbit inhabitants. As a consequence of conservation initiatives, nevertheless, the inhabitants of this endangered cat is slowly growing.
Why Is The Iberian Lynx Endangered?
The Iberian lynx is endangered as a consequence of shortage of its important prey, the European rabbit (one other endangered animal), and habitat loss.
Majorcan Midwife Toad
- Scientific identify: Alytes muletensis
- Sort of animal: Amphibian
- The place discovered: Majorca
The Majorcan midwife toad is an endangered amphibian discovered solely on the Spanish island of Majorca within the Mediterranean Sea.
After fertilizing strings of eggs produced by the feminine, the male Majorcan midwife toad carries them on his again for cover. When the eggs are able to hatch, he deposits them in an acceptable physique of shallow water. The Majorcan midwife toad is one in every of a number of species of “midwife” toads during which this habits is seen.
Why are Majorcan midwife toads endangered?
The principle risk to the Majorcan midwife toad is competitors from non-native species which were launched to the island. These embody the Viperine Snake (Natrix maura) and Perez’s Frog (Rana perezi).
Marine Otter
- Scientific identify: Lontra felina
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: South America
The marine otter is one in every of two otters present in saltwater habitats, the opposite being the ocean otter. Whereas the ocean otter is nearly absolutely aquatic, spending a lot of its life within the sea, the marine otter is semi-aquatic, dividing its time between the land and water.
One of many smallest otters, the marine otter reaches lengths of as much as 115 cm / 43.3 in. It lives on the shore in areas with ample seaweed, and prefers rocky areas with caves for shelter.
The principle risk to the marine otter is habitat loss as a consequence of city growth of its habitat and competitors with small-scale fisheries for meals.
Okapi
- Scientific identify: Okapia johnstoni
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Africa
The okapi lives deep within the rainforests of Democratic Republic of the Congo, a rustic in central Africa.
Regardless of wanting like a cross between a zebra and a deer, the okapi is definitely one in every of two species within the household Giraffidae. The opposite species within the household, and the okapi’s closest relation within the animal kingdom, is the giraffe.
The stripes on an okapi’s legs and hind quarters act as camouflage, serving to to interrupt up the okapi’s define because it strikes via bushes and foliage.
Why are okapis endangered?
The principle risk to the okapi is deforestation. The species can also be hunted for its meat and pores and skin.
- You’ll find out extra concerning the okapi on this web page: Okapi Info
Puritan Tiger Beetle
- Scientific identify: Cicindela puritana
- Sort of animal: Insect
- The place discovered: North America
The puritan tiger beetle is a species of tiger beetle present in a restricted variety of places alongside the Chesapeake Bay and Connecticut River within the northwestern United States.
Tiger beetles are beetles within the subfamily Cicindelinae. They’re identified for his or her predatory habits and talent to run at excessive speeds.
Why are puritan tiger beetles endangered?
The puritan tiger beetle’s inhabitants is threatened by pure adjustments and human disturbance to its pure habitat.
Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing
- Scientific identify: Ornithoptera alexandrae
- Sort of animal: Insect
- The place discovered: Asia
The Queen Alexandra’s birdwing is the world’s largest butterfly species. The feminine, which is bigger however much less colourful than the male, has a most wingspan of round 11 in. / 28 cm.
This endangered butterfly is discovered solely within the rainforest of the Oro Province in Papua New Guinea. It was found by English naturalist Albert Stewart Meek, and named after Alexandra of Denmark, spouse of King-Emperor Edward VII of Britain.
Why is the Queen Alexandra’s birdwing butterfly endangered?
The Queen Alexandra’s birdwing has develop into endangered as a consequence of deforestation. The forests during which it’s discovered are being destroyed to make approach for plantations of crops akin to oil palm.
Crimson Hills Salamander
- Scientific identify: Phaeognathus hubrichti
- Sort of animal: Amphibian
- The place discovered: North America
Present in solely two small areas of Alabama, United States, the Crimson Hills salamander is a mid to massive grey/brown salamander that grows to lengths of round 10 in / 25.4 cm. The species is the state amphibian of Alabama.
Why are Crimson Hills salamanders endangered?
The Crimson Hills salamander is discovered primarily on land owned by non-public timber corporations. Forestry methods utilized by the businesses are sometimes detrimental to the species.
Initiatives aimed to reverse the amphibian’s decline embody acquisition of land by The Nature Conservancy, an American non-profit group. (Supply)
Crimson Panda
- Scientific identify: Ailurus fulgens
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Asia
The pink panda is present in temperate forests on the slopes of the Himalayas in Asia. Regardless of its identify, the pink panda will not be a bear; its closest kinfolk within the animal kingdom are the mustelids (members of the weasel household).
The pink panda primarily eats bamboo, supplementing its eating regimen with different plant materials and small animals and eggs. As a consequence of its low-energy bamboo-based eating regimen, the pink panda spends most of its life both consuming or sleeping.
Why are pink pandas endangered?
The principle risk to the pink panda is habitat loss, as a consequence of a rising human inhabitants in its pure habitat, and deforestation.
Sea Otter
- Scientific identify: Enhydra lutris
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: North Pacific Ocean
The ocean otter is the heaviest mustelid (member of the weasel household Mustelidae) however one of many smallest marine mammals. It has the thickest fur of any animal. It depends on its fur for insulation, as, in contrast to most different marine mammals, it lacks a layer of blubber.
The ocean otter is understood for its rafting habits, during which between 10 and 100 sea otters float on their backs on the floor of the ocean, typically anchoring themselves to kelp to forestall themselves from drifting.
Why are sea otters endangered?
Threats to the ocean otter embody oil spills and unintentional seize in fishing nets.
Secretarybird
- Scientific identify: Sagittarius serpentarius
- Sort of animal: Chicken
- The place discovered: Africa
The secretarybird (also referred to as the secretary fowl) is a big, long-legged fowl of prey present in grasslands and savannas in sub-Saharan Africa. Though it will possibly fly, the species is principally terrestrial (land-living). It spends many of the day on the bottom and roosts in bushes at evening.
The secretarybird hunts on foot. Its prey contains bugs and small vertebrates, together with mice, mongooses and lizards. The secretarybird is legendary for its means to prey on venomous snakes akin to cobras and adders.
Why are secretarybirds endangered?
Like many endangered animals, the principle risk to the secretarybird is habitat loss attributable to farming and urbanization.
South Asian River Dolphins
- Scientific identify: Platanista gangetica (Ganges River dolphin); Platanista minor (Indus River dolphin)
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Asia
Beforehand thought-about to be subspecies of a single species, the Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) and Indus River dolphin (Platanista minor) at the moment are thought-about to be separate species. Each species of South Asian river dolphins are endangered.
Like different cetaceans (the animal group that’s house to all whales, dolphins and porpoises) Asian river dolphins are aquatic mammals, though in contrast to most different members of this group, south Asian river dolphins dwell in freshwater, reasonably than marine, habitats.
The south Asian river dolphins are nearly totally blind (though their eyes might be able to detect adjustments in gentle) and hunt utilizing echolocation. (The murky waters during which the dolphins dwell deem regular eyesight pointless.)
Why are south Asian river dolphins endangered?
Dams and different artifical obstructions within the rivers during which South Asian river dolphins dwell have prompted the species’ populations to develop into fragmented. The constructions have additionally had a detrimental impact on the dolphins’ habitat and meals provide. Air pollution and gillnetting are further elements within the species’ endangered standing.
Southern Plains Bumblebee
- Scientific identify: Bombus fraternus
- Sort of animal: Insect
- The place discovered: North America
The southern plains bumblebee is an endangered bumblebee species discovered within the southeastern United States. It may be recognized by the black band on the rear of its primarily pale yellow thorax, the pale yellow and black coloration of the entrance and rear of its stomach respectively, and the “flat”, reasonably than “fluffy” look of its brief hair.
Crops on which the southern plains bumblebee feeds on embody milkweeds, prairie clovers, cassias and blazing stars.
Why are southern plains bumblebees endangered?
The principle risk to the southern plains bumblebee is the conversion of its native grassland habitat into fields for crops.
Steppe Eagle
- Scientific identify: Aquila nipalensis
- Sort of animal: Chicken
- The place discovered: Asia
The Steppe eagle is a big fowl of prey native to the Eurasian steppes. It’s one in every of 14 “true eagles” of genus Aquila (supply).
The Steppe eagle is a big raptor, with a physique size of 62 to 81 cm / 24.5 to 32 inches and a wingspan reaching as much as 2.2 meters / 7.22 ft.
This endangered fowl is distinguished by its brown plumage, darker on the wings and tail, and a lighter, typically streaked, underbelly. Its highly effective hooked beak and sharp talons are typical of eagles and different predatory birds.
The Steppe eagle’s eager eyesight is customized for recognizing prey over huge open landscapes. It primarily feeds on small mammals and carrion. These migratory birds are notable for his or her lengthy flights, touring nice distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
Why Is The Steppe Eagle Endangered?
The Steppe eagle is endangered as a consequence of habitat loss, electrocution from energy traces, and poisoning from rodent-control poisons.
Tasmanian Satan
- Scientific identify: Sarcophilus harrisii
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Australia
The Tasmanian satan is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial. It’s a member of the household Dasyuridae, which additionally incorporates the quolls and different primarily carnivorous / insectivorous marsupials.
Most wild Tasmanian devils are discovered on the Australian island state of Tasmania. A small quantity have not too long ago been reintroduced onto the Australian mainland.
The Tasmanian satan will get its identify for its terrifying night-time screeches and aggressive feeding habits.
Why are Tasmanian devils endangered?
The Tasmanian satan is endangered as a result of unfold of Satan Facial Tumor Illness (DFTD), which has prompted a big decline within the species’ inhabitants.
Tiger
- Scientific identify: Panthera tigris
- Sort of animal: Mammal
- The place discovered: Asia
The tiger is the most important member of the cat household Felidae. Regardless of being one of many world’s most recognizable animals, the tiger’s wild inhabitants consists of underneath 3,200 grownup people. Most wild tigers are present in southern Asia, though a separate inhabitants exists in Siberia.
Tigers are in a position to dwell in a variety of habitats, together with each tropical and boreal forests.
Why are tigers endangered?
The tiger is endangered primarily as a consequence of poaching and deforestation. Regardless of its protected standing, the tiger continues to be illegally hunted, each for its disguise and for different physique components, that are utilized in conventional Asian drugs.
Tiger Chameleon
- Scientific identify: Archaius tigris
- Sort of animal: Reptile
- The place discovered: The Seychelles
The tiger chameleon is an endangered reptile discovered solely on the Seychelles, an African island nation within the Indian Ocean. The species is round 6.3 in / 16 cm in size, and has a particular cluster of spiky growths on its chin. It hunts bugs utilizing its extendable sticky tongue.
Why are tiger chameleons endangered?
The principle risk to the tiger chameleon is the introduction of the non-native tree, Cinnamomum verum, which is dominating native species.
Whale Shark
- Scientific identify: Rhincodon typus
- Sort of animal: Fish
- The place discovered: Tropical oceans worldwide
The whale shark, which reaches lengths of as much as 62 ft. / 18.8 m, is the world’s largest fish species.
In contrast to all however two of the over 500 different species of sharks, the whale shark it’s a filter feeder. (The opposite two filter-feeding sharks are the basking shark, which can also be endangered, and the megamouth shark, which isn’t at present threatened.)
Regardless of its nice dimension, the whale shark eating regimen consists of plankton – small organisms that drift within the water.
The whale shark is normally discovered close to the floor of the ocean, however is understood to dive to depths of 1.2 miles / 1.928 km.
Why are whale sharks endangered?
The whale shark is endangered as a consequence of searching (each focused and unintentional). It is usually the sufferer of vessel strikes.
Whooping Crane
- Scientific identify: Grus americana
- Sort of animal: Chicken
- The place discovered: North America
The whooping crane is a long-necked, long-legged fowl whose white plumage distinguishes it from the far more widespread sandhill crane (whose plumage is mostly grey-brown). It’s the tallest, and one of many heaviest, birds of North America.
The wild inhabitants of whooping cranes at present numbers round 250 grownup people (as a consequence of current breeding successes this quantity may very well be considerably bigger). Most spend summers in Canada’s Wooden Buffalo Nationwide Park, and overwinter in wetlands in Texas, USA.
The species is known as for its extraordinarily loud whooping name.
Why are whooping cranes endangered?
The whooping crane turned an endangered species as a consequence of overhunting and habitat loss. At the moment its restoration is affected by collisions with powerlines, drought and growth of its pure habitat.
Endangered Animals Record: Conclusion and Credit
Sources of data for this web page embody the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature (web site) and the IUCN RedList.