Earth is home to countless fascinating animals of all shapes and sizes. Sadly, many species’ populations have decreased in recent years because of human activity. Some of them are now dangerously close to extinction. These are three of the world’s most endangered animals.
#1: The Northern White Rhino
The Northern White Rhinoceros grazes in the grasslands of Eastern Africa. In 1960, there were over 2,000. Due to poaching, that number decreased to 15 in 1980. That number has only gone down since then. International agencies had to remove their horns to protect them from poachers. Sadly, the last male died in 2014. Now, only two remain, and they are both female, making the species functionally extinct. Named Najin and Fatu, they are both under the protection of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, where armed guards stand watch 24/7.
#2: The Vaquita
While not as close to extinction as the White Rhino, the Vaquita is regarded as the most endangered sea animal. This whale species once swam freely off the coast of Baja California. However, since fishing boats began setting up nets, their numbers have begun to dwindle. Today, there are estimated to be only 6 of them left. In 2008, Mexico attempted to ban the nets that kill Vaquitas, but that has not stopped poachers from setting them up. They are currently labeled critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that they will ever recover due to the continued poaching and inadequate conservation efforts.
#3: The Amur Leopard
Native to the mountainous regions of China and Russia, the Amur Leopard is down to about 20 individuals. The species has suffered from habitat loss due to deforestation and industrialization. They are also labeled critically endangered by the IUCN Red List. The population will likely continue to fall because of continued habitat loss.
These are three of the most endangered animals in the world. Although they are critically close to extinction, there are countless other species that are also endangered. The best way to help them is to support wildlife refuges and conservation.