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Top 10 Most Endangered Species

Top 10 Most Endangered Species
Top 10 Most Endangered Species. Images via Deposit Photos and naturefinest

First off, the most important lesson here is that biodiversity is critical for maintaining a healthy ecosystem on Earth. However, many species are so close to becoming extinct. This is all due to human activities, such as climate change and habitat destruction. Join us as we discover the top 10 most endangered species globally. highlighting the urgent need for concerted conservation efforts.

1. Javan Rhino

Javan rhino
Javans Rhinos are the most threatened out of all five rhinos. Image by ClickImages via depositphotos.com

The Javan Rhino is one of the rarest large mammals in the world. There are less than 75 individuals remaining in the wild. These rhinos are situated to the Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia. The cause is due to habitat loss, poaching for their horns and limited genetic diversity.

2. Vaquita

vaquita
Two vaquitas. The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is a critically endangered porpoise species endemic to the northern part of the Gulf of California. It is considered the smallest and most endangered cetacean in the world. Paula Olson, NOAA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

There are less than 10 individuals remaining. Illegal gillnet fishing for the totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine, has killed off their population.

3. Mountain Gorilla

Gorilla
Group of mountain gorillas. Image by pljvv1 via depositphotos.com

Mountain Gorillas live in the forests of the Virunga Mountains, in Rwanda, Uganda. With around 1,000 gorillas left, they are threatened from habitat destruction, poaching, disease and civil unrest. Conservation initiatives, including anti-poaching patrols and veterinary care, have shown positive results.

4. Sumatran Orangutan

Sumatran Orangutan endangered animal
Sumatran Orangutan endangered animal. Image via Pexels

The Sumatran Orangutan is critically endangered due to deforestation, illegal logging, and human-wildlife conflict. Fewer than 14,000 individuals remain in the wild! These great apes are dependant on the forests of Sumatra, Indonesia.

5. Amur Leopard

Three-month-old Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis). Image via Depositphotos

The Amur Leopard is one of the world’s most endangered big cats. There are only around 100 individuals remaining.

6. Hawksbill Turtle

Sea turtle
Hawksbill sea turtle swimming in Indian ocean in Seychelles. Image via Depositphotos

Hawksbill Turtles are critically endangered due to illegal trade in their shells, habitat loss and climate change. Found in tropical oceans worldwide, their population has plummeted by more than 80% over the past century.

7. Cross River Gorilla

cross river gorilla
Cross River gorilla. Julielangford, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Cross River Gorilla, a subspecies of the Western Gorilla, lives by the border region between Nigeria and Cameroon. With fewer than 300 individuals remaining, they are threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.

8. Saola

Saola
Saola. Image by @naturefinest via YouTube

Known as the “Asian unicorn,” the Saola is one of the rarest large mammals. They face threats from habitat loss and poaching.

9. Sumatran Tiger

A closeup of a Sumatran Tiger at Point Defiance Zoo. Image via Depositphotos

The Sumatran Tiger (the smallest surviving tiger subspecies) is critically endangered with fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the wild.

10. Yangtze Finless Porpoise

Image by Huangdan2060, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Yangtze Finless Porpoise, found only in the Yangtze River in China, is critically endangered with fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining. Pollution, habitat loss, and increased river traffic pose significant threats.

Bottom Line

Overall, this article shows us the urgent need for conservation efforts. Because by protecting habitats, combating illegal trade and promoting sustainable practices, we are able to prevent these species from disappearing forever. Each of these animals plays an important role in their respective ecosystems. Therefore, their survival is linked to the health of our whole planet.

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