Thanks to habitat destruction and climate change, many species of extraordinary animals are going extinct. These species hold immense ecological value and play crucial roles in their ecosystems. These are ten species on the brink of extinction.
1. Red-Crested Tree Rat
In May 2011, two biologists who were camping in a field spotted a red-crested tree rat. This was the first time one was spotted in 113 years. No one knows how many of these beautiful creatures exist, but they have been listed as “critically endangered.”
2. White Rhinoceros
It’s no secret that all rhinos are currently struggling with poaching and the destruction of their natural habitat. Currently, there are only three left: one male named Sudan and two females named Fatu and Najin.
3. Red River Giant Softshell Turtles
Red River giant softshell turtles are so endangered that only three are left. Two live in the Suzhou Zoo in China, and one lives in the Dong Mo Lake in Vietnam. This is because of China’s industrialization and the push for renewable energy.
4. Hainan Gibbon
The Hainan gibbon is the world’s most endangered primate. Their natural habitat on the Hainan islands in the South China Sea has been destroyed by deforestation. They are dangerously close to being completely wiped out.
5. Madagascar Pochard
The Madagascar pochard has been named the world’s rarest bird. Humans have taken over its natural habitat to cultivate rice. It’s found in a single wetland, which doesn’t have enough food to sustain its population.
6. Seychelles Sheath-Tailed Bat
At a time, the Seychelles Sheath-Tailed bat flourished across the Seychelles islands, but thanks to the introduction of non-native predatory barn owls and the rise of coconut plantations, there are less than 100 left on Earth.
7. Amur Leopard
The Amur leopard is the world’s rarest big cat, with only 57 left. But believe it or not, this is a good thing! In 2007, there were only 30 left, but conservationist efforts have helped double their numbers.
8. Javan Rhinoceros
Javan rhinos have been hunted for decades because of the value of their tusks on the black market. Currently, they can only be found in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia.
9. Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth
The pygmy three-toed sloth has only been recognized as a species since 2001, and since then, it has suffered immensely. It can only be found on Isla Escudo de Veragus, and unfortunately, over the years, its already small habitat of mangrove forests has been destroyed.
10. Saola
Saola is a food source for many animals, including tigers and even human beings. Many people in Laos and Vietnam depend on Saolas for meat, which has caused their population to plummet.
Source: There Are Fewer Than 100 Of These Animals Left In The Entire World
