The world is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, but some species are teetering on the edge of extinction. From elusive forest dwellers to marine mammals struggling against human threats, these rare animals are among the most critically endangered on the planet.
1. Northern White Rhinoceros
The northern white rhinoceros is on the brink of extinction, with only two females left at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. With no living males remaining, natural reproduction is impossible. But researchers are doing everything in their power to keep the species alive. They are currently trying in vitro fertilization using stored sperm from deceased males combined with eggs from the remaining females to create viable embryos. These efforts have created 30 northern white rhino embryos, which are cryopreserved in laboratories in Berlin, Germany, and Cremona, Italy.
2. Amur Leopard
At a time, the Amur Leopard was the rarest big cat in the world. But its population has grown from 30 individuals in 2007 to an estimated 60 to 80 in the wild as of 2025. These gorgeous animals can be found in the temperate forests of southeastern Russia and northeastern China. They are highly threatened thanks to poaching for their luxurious fur, habitat destruction, and human encroachment.
3. Sumatran Rhino
Less than 80 Sumatran Rhinos remain in isolated pockets of Indonesian forests, which means that these animals are one of the world’s most critically endangered mammals. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and poaching have devastated their numbers, leaving them scattered and vulnerable to further decline. Conservationists are working hard to protect these rhinos through captive breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts.
4. Javan Rhino
Less than 60 Javan Rhinos remain in Ujung Kulon National Park, Indonesia. These rhinos’ limited genetic diversity poses a significant risk and makes them highly susceptible to disease and environmental changes. Additionally, the threat of natural disasters, such as tsunamis and volcanic eruptions, puts the entire population at risk.
5. Hainan Gibbon
The Hainan gibbon is the world’s rarest primate. These rare animals can be found on the Hainan Island in China. These gorgeous animals have been pushed to the brink of extinction thanks to decades of habitat destruction due to agriculture and infrastructure development. Conservationists have launched habitat restoration projects and community education programs to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the species.
6. Saola
The Saola was first discovered in 1992 and is one of the world’s most elusive and mysterious animals. It has been estimated that less than 100 individuals remain. This rare species, which is often referred to as the “Asian Unicorn,” is threatened by poaching, as it often gets trapped in snares set for other animals.
7. Vaquita
The vaquita, the world’s rarest marine mammal, is in dire straits, with less than ten individuals remaining. These incredible creatures can only be found in the northern Gulf of California, Mexico. Over the years, their numbers have dropped due to accidental entanglement in gillnets used for illegal totoaba fishing. Conservation measures have been implemented, including gillnet bans, nighttime fishing restrictions, and monitored entry and exit points for vessels in protected zones.
8. African Forest Elephant
The African Forest Elephant’s numbers are dropping fast thanks to relentless poaching for ivory and habitat destruction caused by deforestation. These elephants play an important role in their ecosystems by dispersing seeds and maintaining the health of rainforests. Conservationists are focusing on anti-poaching efforts and habitat protection to ensure their survival.
9. Sumatran Orangutan
The Sumatran orangutan has been listed as critically endangered because of habitat loss and fragmentation driven by palm oil plantations and illegal wildlife trade. Conservation initiatives are centered on reforestation, protecting existing habitats, and rescuing and rehabilitating displaced individuals.
10. Black Rhino
The Black Rhino was once on the brink of extinction, but now, it has made a modest comeback, though it remains highly threatened. Their biggest threat is poaching for their horns. Conservationists are still working on anti-poaching patrols.
11. Dama Gazelle
About 100 to 200 Dama Gazelle are left in the wild. It is one of the most endangered antelope species in the world. Their numbers have dropped due to poaching and habitat loss due to livestock overgrazing. Conservation efforts are focusing on captive breeding and reintroduction programs that aim to restore populations in protected areas.
12. Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat
At a time, fewer than 35 Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombats remained. But this gorgeous creature has made a remarkable recovery. Their numbers now exceed 300 due to dedicated conservation efforts, though they remain at risk due to habitat loss, competition with cattle for food, and predation by wild dogs.
