Introduction
The natural world is indeed filled with an incredible amount of life, but a lot of species are on the verge of extinction due to habitat destruction, climate change, and human activities. Some of these animals are so rare that only a few individuals remain in the wild, making each conservation effort essential to their survival.
In this article, we shall record the 10 most rare and endangered species in the world, taking some of their stories and the immediate steps that should be taken to save them from this earth.
10. Amur Leopard – The Rarest Big Cat
Scientific Name: Panthera pardus orientalis
Location: Russia, China
Table of Contents
Why It’s Endangered:
- Only 120 Amur leopards are in existence in the wilds. They are very rare, so there are not many big cats like this one.
- Loss of the place where they live and catching are reasons why they have become fewer.
- They are killed for gorgeous clothes made from animals with multicolor hair.
Conservation Activities:
- Strict anti-poaching laws have been put in place.
- Russia set up the Land of the Leopard National Park to protect them.
Fun Fact:
Amur leopards can jump more than 10 feet (3 meters) high and run at speeds of 37 mph (60 km/h)!
9. Vaquita – The World’s Rarest Marine Mammal
Scientific Name: Phocoena sinus
Location: Gulf of California, Mexico
Why It’s Endangered:
- Less than 10 individuals make vaquitas one of the most endangered marine species.
- Gillnets trap and kill them accidentally.
Conservation Efforts:
- The Mexican government banned gillnet fishing around the vaquita’s habitat.
- International organizations are working to raise awareness and enforce the laws.
Fun Fact:
Vaquitas are shy and are rarely seen, making them among the most mysterious marine animals.
8. Pangolin – Most Trafficked Mammal
Scientific name: Manis spp.
Location: Africa, Asia
Why They’re Endangered:
- More than 100,000 pangolins are poached for their scales and meat.
- Their scales are believed to have medicinal properties.
Conservation Efforts:
- The international laws prohibit the trade of pangolins.
- Anti-poaching campaigns and rescue programs are in place.
Fun Fact:
They have long, sticky tongues, which could be longer than their entire body!
7. Javan Rhino – The Shy Rhinos
Scientific name: Rhinoceros sondaicus
Location: Indonesia
Why They’re Endangered:
- Only about 80 individuals, all in the Ujung Kulon National Park, remain.
- The loss of their habitat and poaching for their horns has greatly reduced their population.
Conservation Efforts:
- The last few Javan rhinos were given complete protection by the Indonesian government.
- Conservationists are extending their habitat.
Fun Fact:
Unlike other rhinos, they are shy and tend to avoid humans; hence they are extremely difficult to study.
6. Saola – The “Asian Unicorn”
Scientific Name: Pseudoryx nghetinhensis
Location: Laos, Vietnam
Why It’s Endangered:
- Fewer than 100 individuals are believed to be extant.
- They fall victim to snares meant to ensnare other animals.
Conservation Efforts:
- Conservationists are trying to find the Saola in the wild so that breeding programs will be possible.
- Efforts are being increased to stop the illegal hunting.
Fun Fact:
The Saola was just identified in 1992, making it one of the most mysterious animals on Earth!
5. Kakapo-World’s Rarest Parrot
Scientific Name: Strigops habroptilus
Location: New Zealand
Why it’s endangered:
- Under 250 of them exist.
- They have been nearly wiped out by introduced predators, such as rats and cats.
Conservation Activities:
- Conservationists created predator-free islands for the kakapo.
- A breeding program has made efforts toward increasing their population.
Fun Fact:
The kakapo is the only flightless parrot and emits a mighty musky odor, which makes it easier for predators to smell them out.
4. Axolotl-“Walking Fish”
Scientific Name: Ambystoma mexicanum
Location: Mexico
Why it’s endangered:
- Pollution and habitat destruction destroy their numbers at extremely rapid rates.
- Further decline due to the trade in pets and laboratory use.
Conservation Efforts:
- Protected areas have been created in the lakes of Mexico City.
- Scientists breed axolotls to restore wild populations.
Fun Fact:
Axolotls can regrow entire limbs, hearts, and even parts of their brain!
3. Amur is the largest and rarest conscious cat
Scientific Name: Panthera tigris altaica
Location: Russia, China
Why it’s endangered:
- Habitat destruction and poaching for their fur and bones are responsible for its decline.
- Less than five hundred exist in the wild.
Conservation Activities:
- The anti-poaching laws were tightened.
- Conservationists expanded protected areas.
Fun Fact:
Amur tigers can survive the cold temperatures that can go as low as -40°F (-40°C)!
2. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle-rarest turtle
Scientific Name: Rafetus swinhoei
Location: China, Vietnam
Why it’s endangered:
- Only three individuals are known to exist.
- Habitat destruction and pollution have sealed their doom.
Conservation Efforts:
- Scientists are looking for undiscovered turtles to start a breeding program.
Fun Fact:
This turtle can live over 100 years, although they rarely reproduce in captivity.
1. Hawaiian Crow-The Extinct-in-the-Wild Bird
Scientific Name: Corvus hawaiiensis
Origin: Hawaii
Reason for Endangerment:
- Habitat destruction and predators such as rats and cats offered final forces that wiped out wild populations.
- The last wild individual of a Hawaiian Crow was seen in 2002.
Conservation Efforts:
- The diffusion of captive programs is attempting to reintroduce them to the wild.
Fact:
Hawaii’s crows are some of the only birds known to use tools to help them forage for food!
FAQs
- Which is the rarest animal in the world?
It’s the Yangtze giant softshell turtle, as it has only three living individuals.
- Why are these species endangered?
The main causes of most species being endangered include habitat loss, poaching, pollution, and climate change.
- Can these species be saved?
Yes! The breeding programs and habitat protection efforts are helping some species to recover.
- What can I do to help endangered animals?
You can lend your help by supporting conservation organizations, reducing plastic waste, and spreading awareness.
- Are there any species that have been successfully saved?
Yes! The California Condor and the Black-Footed Ferret, once nearly extinct, have established a comeback through conservation efforts.
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