In the animal kingdom, rarity can take many forms. Some species are rare because they’ve always existed in small numbers, while others are vanishing before our eyes due to human impact.
Even familiar and seemingly abundant species, like the vast herds of African antelopes, are now facing an alarming risk of extinction.1
Here, we’re shining a light on some of the rarest animals on Earth whose survival is at risk.
1. Vaquita (Phocoena sinus)
The vaquita, a small porpoise found only in the Gulf of California, is critically endangered, with a population estimated to be around 10 remaining. The primary cause of its rarity is accidental entanglement in gillnets used for illegal fishing of another endangered species, the totoaba fish.
2. Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
The Javan rhinoceros is one of the most endangered large mammals on Earth, with an estimated population of only 76 individuals living in a single national park in Indonesia. Poaching for its horn, which is highly valued in traditional medicine, and habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and human settlements are the main reasons for its decline.
3. Hainan Gibbon (Nomascus hainanus)
The Hainan gibbon, a species of ape endemic to Hainan Island in China, is considered the world’s rarest primate, with only about 30 individuals remaining. The main threats to its survival are habitat destruction due to deforestation and illegal logging, as well as hunting for traditional medicine and the pet trade.
4. Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii)
The northern hairy-nosed wombat is a critically endangered marsupial found in a single location in Queensland, Australia. With an estimated population of only around 300 individuals, this species is threatened by habitat loss due to grazing pressure, drought, and competition with other animals.
5. Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)
The Amur leopard, a subspecies of leopard native to the Russian Far East and northeastern China, is critically endangered, with only about 100 individuals remaining in the wild. The main threats to its survival are poaching for its fur and habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment.
6. Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)
The saola, a critically endangered bovine species discovered in Vietnam in 1992, is often referred to as the “Asian unicorn” due to its elusive nature. With an estimated population of less than 100 individuals, this species is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to logging and agricultural expansion, as well as hunting for its meat and horns.
7. Angelshark (Squatina squatina)
The angelshark, a species of shark found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, has experienced a decline in population due to overfishing and habitat degradation. With an estimated population of less than 500 mature individuals, this species is now classified as critically endangered.
8. Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)
The Chinese giant salamander, the world’s largest amphibian, is critically endangered due to overhunting for its meat, which is considered a delicacy in China, and habitat loss caused by pollution and dam construction. The remaining population is fragmented and declining rapidly.
9. Red Wolf (Canis rufus)
The red wolf, a critically endangered species native to the southeastern United States, was once declared extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and interbreeding with coyotes. A reintroduction program has been established, but the population remains small and vulnerable due to ongoing threats from interbreeding and human aggression.
10. Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)
The Philippine eagle, also known as the monkey-eating eagle, is the national bird of the Philippines and one of the world’s rarest and most powerful birds of prey. With an estimated population of less than 400 individuals, this species is threatened by habitat destruction due to deforestation, hunting, and illegal trapping for the pet trade.
While extinction is a natural process, human activity has accelerated the disappearance of many species beyond the planet’s natural rhythms.
The good news is that conservation efforts are making a difference, from habitat restoration to breeding programs. But we need to act now and act decisively to preserve these unique creatures.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.