100 ENDANGERED ANIMALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD - BIOLOGY - 2025

Among critically endangered animals we can find mammals such as the spider monkey or the Asian cheetah, reptiles such as the crested iguana or hawksbill turtle, as well as birds such as the New Caledonian egotto or the Sumatran ground cuckoo.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world's highest authority on fauna and flora conservation.

In 1963, thanks to their efforts, the Red List of Threatened Species was created, developing a classification of the conservation status of animals and plants:

-The totally extinct animals (EX) or those that no longer live in the wild (EW) and live only in zoos.

-The critically endangered (CR), endangered (EN) and vulnerable (VU) animals are threatened.

-The almost threatened species or those in a good state of conservation are of less concern.

Critically endangered species (CR)

Chinese pangolin (

The Chinese pangolin inhabits India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma, Taiwan, and southern China, including the island of Hainan.

It has small brown scales and its size is medium. They are nocturnal, excellent tree climbers and swimmers. They feed on termites and ants, and roll into a ball as a defense mechanism.

European eel (

The European eel lives in the north of the Atlantic Ocean and in the seas that bathe Europe.

One of the threats, in addition to fishing, facing the European eel is an Asian nematode (Anguilicola crassus). Unlike the Japanese, the European eel has not developed tolerance to this parasite, which easily kills it, reduces its fertility or damages its swim bladder.

Vaquita marina (

The vaquita porpoise is one of the six species of porpoise. Its known population was 97 specimens in 2015, and in 2016 it had lost 40% of its population. It is in critical condition due to the use of gillnets.

This animal lives in the Gulf of California, where insufficient conservation measures have been taken to increase the population. Sea vaquitas live in shallow, cloudy lakes, swim shallow, and their backs stick out above the water's surface.

Their sightings have been recorded 11-50 meters deep and 11-25 kilometers from the coast. They prefer cloudy waters because of their high content of nutrients, which help attract small fish, squid and crustaceans.

Hummingbird of the sun

The sun hummingbird is endemic to the Western Cordillera of Colombia and was discovered in the Páramo de Frontino, but for years there have been no sightings.

Alexander Wetmore described it in 1953. In 2004 Niels Krabbe and other biologists rediscovered it in Frontino and in the Farallones del Citará. The taxonomy of this hummingbird is still debated.

Egoleto of New Caledonia (

The New Caledonian egotelo was scientifically described by English ornithologists Edgar Leopold Layard and his son Edgar Leopold Calthrop Layard in 1881.

This bird is nocturnal and has a facility for camouflage. English ornithologists discovered the bird when a specimen flew into the bedroom where they were staying in Tonghoué. At that time the species was already rare.

The most recent sightings were made in 1998, when a large specimen was seen in the Rivière Ni Valley. Due to the difficulty of finding them, the animals are considered to live in small groups.

Swinhoe tortoise (

The Swinhoe tortoise is a species of Asian tortoise Trionychidae. It is in a cryptic state, since only three exemplary elders remain in China; a fourth specimen was found in Hanoi, but died in 2016. In Vietnam it is a mythical animal that has not been seen for years.

Scientists thought it was already extinct due to hunting and the loss of its habitat, but periodically locals say they have seen them, although this has not been proven.

Chinese alligator (

The Chinese alligator is shy and docile. It belongs to the Alligatoridae family. It feeds on frogs and fish that it hunts underwater, although it can kill chickens, dogs, and other animals that it considers a threat.

An attack on human beings has never been recorded. Chinese alligators are becoming extinct due to human activity, mainly fishing for species that are the main part of their diet. About 300 specimens remain in the wild and as many in captivity.

Balearic Shearwater (

The Balearic shearwater or Baldritja was considered a subspecies of the pichoneta shearwater or the Mediterranean shearwater, but today it has been discovered that this is not the case. Its population has decreased rapidly due to alterations to its habitat, especially the breeding area.

It is a gregarious species and usually flies near the surface of the water because it feeds on fish and squid. It does not approach ships. The urbanization for tourism in the Balearic Islands and the introduction of animals, which compete with them for food or eat their young, are its main threats.

It is considered that the Balearic shearwater could have produced a hybrid species with the Mediterranean shearwater, which could be a problem for its conservation.

Whitelegged Emerald from Munchique (

The white-legged emerald of Munchique lives in the Andes of Colombia at 2,200 - 2,800 meters of altitude. This blue hummingbird can be up to 8 centimeters in length.

The male is dark iridescent green and his forehead is emerald green. The female's coat is less conspicuous. It is considered that its critically endangered status is related to the decrease in the cultivation of lulo or naranjilla fruits, which was affected by pests.

Philippine crocodile (

The Philippine or Mindoro crocodile inhabits rivers and swampy areas of Mindanao and some of the Visayas. It is similar to the New Guinea crocodile and because of this they were long considered the same species.

It can reach 18 centimeters in height and a length of up to 254 cm for males, females are slightly smaller. Its snout is wide compared to that of other crocodiles.

Only 500-1000 are believed to be left living outside of captivity. There are government programs for breeding the animal in captivity and it is considered that the next 10 years will be key to determining its survival.

Ricord's iguana (

Ricord's iguana is endemic to Hispaniola. At present, in the south of the Dominican Republic, the only specimens of this species are preserved.

In 2008, a small population was discovered in Anse-a-Pitres, Haiti, until then it was believed that it was only conserved only in the Dominican Republic. The Ricord's iguana coexists with the rhinoceros iguana, which is abundant in the area.

Saiga (

The saiga lives in Central Asia in the steppes, from Russia to China through Mongolia; the largest population is recorded in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The saiga lives in semi-desert steppes, it feeds on plants, including some that are poisonous to other animals. They know how to swim and are very resistant, that is why they travel many kilometers a day, and they also like open, cold and dry spaces.

Thanks to the fossils found, it has been determined that its population extended from China to the Iberian Peninsula. In European territories it became extinct in the 18th century due to indiscriminate hunting for its horns and skins. In 2015, 120,000 specimens died in Kazakhstan, a third of the total population, due to the bacterium Pasteurella multocida.

Ganges shark (

The Ganges shark specializes in catching small fish. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, it is one of the 20 species of sharks on the "red list" in danger of extinction due to fishing.

Salmo carpio (

The Carpian Psalm lives in Italy, on Lake Garda, in the north of the country. Its taxonomy is still debated. Some argue that the species belongs to the genus Salmothymus instead of Salmo, although it may also be a hybridization.

The carpian psalm lives mostly at the bottom of the lake and feeds on benthic invertebrates, such as plankton and nekton.

Unlike other salmon, carp does not migrate. Their extinction is due to the destruction of their natural habitat, overfishing and pollution.

Mekong catfish (

The Mekong catfish is endemic to Southeast Asia and is considered one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. It is gray with stripes and has almost no barbels or teeth.

The Mekong wetlands biodiversity and sustainable use program declared them as one of the most important species to be protected. The causes of extinction are overfishing, dams and pollution.

The population has declined 80% in recent years. In the book The Kitchen of Anthropologists (1977) it is indicated that this fish was revered by the inhabitants of Laos and was also an important part of their diet. Its fishing is currently illegal in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, although Thailand allows its hunting under certain conditions.

Giant lizard of La Palma (

The giant lizard of La Palma is endemic to the La Palama island of the Canary Islands and feeds on xerophytic plants and shore bird eggs. This species had been declared extinct until its rediscovery in 2007. Although subsequent expeditions have not been able to find more specimens.

Its decline began when humans arrived on the islands 2,000 years ago. The introduction of cats and agriculture were their main threats. It was originally described as a subspecies of the Iron Giant Lizard, but later and upon being studied, the differences between the two species were discovered.

Kemp's ridley turtle

The olive ridley turtle lives in the Atlantic Ocean and is critically endangered due to fishing and pollution. During the oil plant spill in the Gulf of Mexico a few years ago, this species suffered greatly and its habitat was affected.

Their eating habits and cycles are well documented. Their breeding season is from April to August. The females spawn on the beach, preferring areas with dunes or swamps. The number of nesting females decreases every year.

Red Wolf (

The red wolf lives in the United States, Mexico and, perhaps, Canada. This species of wolf is a hybrid between the wolf and the coyote (Canis latrans).

Thanks to captive breeding programs, its population has been maintained. According to the latest genetic analyzes and fossil findings, it has been shown that this species is indigenous, since it was long believed that this was not the case and its taxonomy was highly disputed.

Bactrian camel (

The Bactrian or Asian camel is critically endangered due to herders herding with domestic animals. They live freely in desert areas of Mongolia and the Chinese region of Xinjiang, where they constantly migrate in small groups of 6 and 30 individuals.

They are robust and their legs are shorter than that of Arabian camels. It consists of two humps and its coat is varied. It survives in extreme weather conditions and possesses great strength and physical endurance that allows it to travel 45-50 kilometers a day.

Bulmer's Fruit Bat (

Image via: Huffington Post Canada

The first fossils of the Bulmer's Fruit bat were found in the 1970s on a mountain in New Guinea. After being examined, the species was declared extinct in the Ice Age, until a colony was discovered in 1992.

These animals live in caves and their population drops drastically despite the measures taken for their conservation.

Snow Leopard (

Snow leopards or irbis are cats that inhabit Central Asia in mountainous regions. They are solitary animals, except during the mating season. They also hunt alone and their favorite prey are ibex, musk deer or wild goats.

It can inhabit altitudes of more than 6,000 meters. This species is threatened because its skin is used to make coats. They reach adulthood at two years and can have 5 babies. It is interesting to note that this is the only species of its genus that does not roar.

Spider monkey (Ateles fusciceps)

The black-headed spider monkey has decreased its population by 80% in the last 50 years. Their situation in critical danger is due to the loss of their habitat, fragmentation of their territory, hunting and deforestation.

In Colombia, the Magdalena marimonda is bred in captivity at the Ocarros Zoo in Villavicencio, the Cali Zoo and the Santa Cruz Zoo in San José del Tequendama.

Morelet's frog (

It is critically endangered due to loss of habitat and chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by a fungus.

Morelet's frog previously inhabited Mexico, Honduras, and central El Salvador. According to the latest scientific expeditions, this amphibian has disappeared from most of these places. It is considered that no more than 1,500 copies remain.

In Guatemala and Honduras, due to the destruction of its habitat, it has almost completely disappeared.

Sumatran ground cuckoo (Carpococcyx viridis)

The Sumatran ground cuckoo is in critical condition. This cuculiform bird was rediscovered and photographed by Andjar Rafiastanto in 1997 in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park. Before this find, it was considered extinct and only eight dissected specimens exhibited in museums were known.

It is estimated that its population does not amount to more than 250 specimens. Their song was recorded in 2007 and this recording will be used to catch more specimens in the future. This endemic Indonesian animal can reach 55 centimeters.

Apache trout (

Apache trout is a fish from the salmonid family that lives in the basins of the Salt and Colorado rivers, both in Arizona. They live in rivers and lakes with clean and cold waters, in high mountains above 2,500 meters.

Its population has decreased by 95% because it competes for its habitat with brook trout and common trout. There are hybrid species of Apache trout and rainbow trout. Apache trout is popular in sport fishing, which also contributes to its demise.

Galapagos Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata)

This bird nests only on the island of Hispaniola of the Galapagos Islands. Despite being protected by the Galapagos National Park, it is critically endangered due to tourism and illegal fishing.

Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)

The kakapo or night parrot is endemic to New Zealand and is famous because it is the only parrot that does not fly, as it is very heavy. It is one of the longest-lived birds in the world, the only representative of the genus Strigops and the subfamily Strigopinae.

It survived the introduction of birds and other invasive species and deforestation, but there are only 131 known and classified living specimens.

Scientists believe that these birds lost the ability to fly because they were not facing any land predators. Its biggest predator was the giant daytime eagle.

Due to the introduced fauna (cats, rats, stoats), almost all the kakapos died. In 1890 the first efforts for its conservation were carried out, which were unsuccessful. In 1980 the Kakapo Recovery Plan was implemented. Live specimens inhabit two predator-free islands: Chalky Island and Codfish Island, where ecologists and scientists monitor them.

Helm Hornbill (

The helmeted hornbill is an endemic bird to the Malay Peninsula and the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. It is the official bird of West Borneo. There are no known subspecies of it.

It feeds on fruit, especially figs. It also consumes insects or similar prey. It is sedentary, unlike other calaos, and groups to defend itself.

Males wear helmets when attacking their enemies during territorial fights. The Punan Bah people of Malaysia believe that the hornbill is the guardian of the river between life and death. Several indigenous peoples use their feathers as ornaments.

Black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

The Europeans who came to Africa at the beginning of the 20th century to colonize and create farms and plantations are responsible for the beginning of the decline of the black rhino population.

White-headed marmoset (

The white-headed marmoset is a small species of monkey found in the forests of South America.

Due to its relatively small size, it has a considerable number of predators within its natural environment. Wild cats, dogs, snakes and birds of prey are the top predators, along with humans destroying their natural habitat.

Java Rhino (

The Javan rhino is a species of rhinoceros native to Southeast Asia. Humans are their greatest threat because they are hunted for their horns.

Iberia mount frog (

The Mount Iberia frog is a tiny species of frog native to the forests of Mount Iberia. It is an incredibly sensitive animal that is easily affected by changes in its environment, including pollution and deforestation.

Saola (

The saola is a species of antelope native to the forests of the north-central border of Vietnam and Laos. Their greatest threat is hunting for their horns, which are a trophy among the locals.

Sumatran elephant (

The Sumatran elephant is a subspecies of Asian elephant that includes the Indian elephant, the Sumatran elephant, the Sri Lankan elephant, and the Borneo elephant.

Their population has seriously declined, as they have lost more than 80% of their natural habitat due to deforestation from palm oil plantations.

Sumatran orangutan (

The Sumatran orangutan is one of two species of orangutans in Asia, and is native to the Sumatra island of Indonesia.

Although hunting has devastated populations in certain areas, it is the loss of large areas of their natural habitats that has been their greatest threat.

Sumatran rhinoceros (

The Sumatran rhinoceros is the smallest of the five species of rhinoceros, and unlike the other Asian rhinos, it has two horns.

Humans are their greatest threat, as they have been hunted for their horns for decades.

Western Cross River gorilla (

It is one of the two subspecies of western gorilla found in the jungles of the African continent.

Their greatest threat is the loss of their habitat due to deforestation and poaching. Parts of its territory have also been occupied by civil unrest in recent years.

Northern wombat (

The northern wombat is a medium-sized marsupial, found only in a 3 km ^{2 range} within the 33 km ² of Epping Forest National Park in Queensland.

Their numbers have been declining rapidly due to the loss of their habitat and hunting by humans who believe they are an agricultural pest.

Galápagos Petrel (

The Galápagos petrel is large and has long wings. One of their greatest threats is introduced mammals, which preyed on and disturbed their nesting colonies. Also the presence of the black rat (Rattus rattus), which eats the eggs and kills their young, is one of the causes of the decline in its population.

Its reproduction period is approximately eight months. A study in 2002 showed that the most active breeding season is March, late October, and the first two weeks of August.

Fiji crested iguana (

The Fijian crested iguana is threatened by habitat loss, which has been transformed by agricultural activity, storms, fires, and invasive alien plants.

Wild cats (Felis catus) are one of its main predators. Competition with wild goats for food and territory also affects them.

Since wild goats were introduced in 1972, the island's vegetation has been severely reduced by grazing and fires. The iguana population increased after the government implemented the removal of all goats from the island.

Hawksbill turtle (

The hawksbill turtle is the only one in the genus retmochelys. It has two subspecies: Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata, which lives in the Atlantic Ocean, and Eretmochelys imbricata bissa, which lives in the Indo-Pacific region.

They are in critical condition due to fishing and pollution, factors that affect their life cycle.

Its appearance is similar to that of sea turtles. It is distinguished by its pointed, curved beak and the serrated edges of its shell. It spends much of its life in the open sea, but its sightings occur in shallow lagoons and coral reefs.

In China and Japan it is considered a delicious delicacy and the shells are used for crafts. All these commercial uses mean that many countries do not adopt protection policies.

Malabar Large-spotted Civet (

The Malabar large-spotted civet is a common carnivorous mammal off the coast of Kerala and Karnataka in southern India. Since the beginning of the 20th century, its population has decreased due to its use in the production of civet musk.

In 1990, south of Malabar, isolated populations were still considered to exist and in 1999 at least 250 mature individuals were believed to be living in their natural habitat.

Their main threat is the fragmentation of the population, which does not allow them to mate and increase the number of specimens. They are captured by dogs, especially when they try to steal poultry.

Asiatic cheetah (

The Asian cheetah, endemic to Iran, is a rare subspecies of cheetah. It is critically endangered due to its low fertility rate, high offspring mortality and the difficulty of captive breeding.

This unusual feline hunts in a group and uses its speed to do so. It lives in a very fragmented way, which made its extinction in India possible. Living far from each other makes reproduction impossible.

It is the fastest of all land animals and reaches up to 112 km / h. It also stands out for its acceleration capacity, which matches that of many vehicles. It is estimated that no more than 100 specimens remain and all of them inhabit Iran.

South African riparian rabbit (

The South African Riparian Rabbit or Bushmen Rabbit is the only member of the genus Bunolagus. This lagomorphic mammal is rare and has been little studied. It lives in South Africa, in the center and south of the Karoo desert.

It can measure up to 50 centimeters in length, the males being larger than the females. They are characterized by having a "mustache" or black stripe over their mouth. Its fur is soft and gray. Males are monogamous.

Newborns are born blind and hairless. They are cared for by their mother until they can fend for themselves. Black eagles are one of its common predators.

Mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

The mountain gorilla (beringei beringei) is a subspecies of eastern gorilla that lives in the Virunga Mountains in Central Africa. Its population is distributed in three national parks: the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park. Also a part of its population lives in the Bwindi forest.

Thanks to the movie Gorillas in the Fog and Dian Fossey the species is well known. 900 individuals are counted. According to a census in 2003, the population is increasing. The main threats to the species are illegal hunting, loss of habitat and the spread of human diseases.

Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr)

There are only approximately 250 specimens of Arabian leopards that are distributed in two subpopulations: Arabian Peninsula (Yemen and Oman) and in the Negev desert in Israel. Only 20 specimens are recorded in the Negev and it is considered almost extinct.

Due to crosses with other leopards, hybrids have been produced and the appearance of congenital diseases and infertility of females in the future is feared. This species is considered the smallest leopard in the world: males do not exceed 30 kilos and females 20.

They feed on Nubian ibex, hares, damans and other small mammals. These animals have also reduced their numbers.

They are solitary except in the breeding season. In Yemen there is a captive breeding program and thus the population is expected to increase. Its main threat is hunting, as it is considered a trophy in these countries.

Bornean orangutan (

The Bornean orangutan is endemic to Indonesia and its main threats are logging of forests, illegal trafficking of its skin or bones, and fires. They are increasingly threatened by the trade for their meat and, lately, they are even being sold as pets.

In these cases the mothers are killed and their young are captured, which will be trained and sold as pets. This animal that has lived for 10,000 years in these territories, saw its population decreased by 14% only in the last years of the 20th century.

Dwarf boar (

The dwarf wild boar inhabits Bhutan, northern India, and southern Nepal. It is an artiodactyl mammal that possibly belongs to the Suidae family, although its taxonomy is still debated.

It is small, about the size of a rabbit. According to scientific research, thanks to its characteristics a new genus or family could be created to classify it.

Common sturgeon (Acipenser sturio)

The common or marion sturgeon is the most representative species of the genus Acipenser. This species is anadromous: it lives in the sea but reproduces in fresh water. It lives in depths of 5 to 60 meters and feeds on invertebrates: crustaceans, worms and mollusks.

After reaching their youth, they migrate to the mouths of rivers and remain in estuaries for a year or more. They are threatened by the nets, which accidentally capture them, the regulation of the channels and the decrease in flows thanks to the dams, the pollution and the extraction of materials from the rivers.

Comoros Coelacanth (

The Comoro Coelacanth lives west of the Indian Ocean, off the coasts of Comoros and South Africa. It was believed extinct, until a new specimen was captured in 1938.

Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, director of the Museum of East London (South Africa), received the news in 1938 that they had caught an unknown blue fish. The specimen was taken to a museum and studied, although its conservation was difficult.

James Leonard Brierley Smith, an ichthyologist at Rhodes University, studied the museum specimen, described it scientifically, and gave it his name. In 1952, after years of searching, a second specimen was found.

Yangtze paddlefish (

Yangtze paddlefish inhabit the waters of China's Yangtze River. It is in serious danger of extinction due to hunting, pollution and prey.

There have been no sightings of the species in about 10 years, but it still hasn't been declared extinct. Scientists consider that the population is too low to guarantee the survival of the species.

Samarugo (

The samarugo or samaruc lives on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. It is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, along with the fartet (Aphanius iberus) and the salinete (Aphanius baeticus). This species and others of its genus are known colloquially as 'killies' and inhabit tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world except for Oceania and Northeast Asia.

Its main threat has been the introduction of the gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki), a fish that threatens to remove the samarugo from its habitat.

Striped box turtle (Cuora trifasciata)

The striped box turtle inhabits southern China. Other turtle populations that inhabit Laos and Vietnam have been determined to be representatives of other species.

The situation of these turtles is serious. Their disappearance would not only affect the ecosystem but also the economy, since they are highly consumed by the Chinese. There are even striped turtle farms intended for consumption. This business is very lucrative.

It was determined that this turtle has mixed with hybrids and other species which could cause congenital problems.

Chaquirado lizard (Heloderma horridum)

The chaquirado lizard of the Motagua valley is poisonous and is the only allopatric subspecies, an endemic species of the dry forests of Guatemala. This subspecies is very rare and is in a critical state of conservation.

It is considered that there are less than 200 specimens that live in their natural habitat. These lizards have mated with chaquirados lizards creating hybrids that could contract congenital diseases.

Palmeria dolei ('Akohekohe in Hawaiian

The Palmeria dolei is a Hawaiian bird, the only representative of the Palmeria genus. It lives on the island of Maui, in the Hawaiian tropical forests. It is estimated that there are about 3,800 specimens in their natural habitat.

These animals live near a volcano. They can measure between 17 and 18 cm. Adults are shiny black with white stripes on the sides. Their feathers are orange on the wings, reddish behind the eyes, and golden on the crests of their heads. The young produce sounds and songs to attract females.

Endangered species (EN)

Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)

The Mediterranean monk seal is a very rare pinniped mammal. Formerly it inhabited the entire Mediterranean and the North African Atlantic. It was cited in historical sources for the first time by Homer in The Odyssey.

Its oldest fossils date from Magdalenian and Epipaleolithic. The caveman not only ate these seals, but used their skin and fat.

In the 50s the last specimens that inhabited Mallorca and the Canary Islands were hunted. In 1958 Lluís Gasull from the Societat D'Historia Natural measured the corpse of the last seal from the Balearic Islands. It measured 2.52 meters.

Amur tiger or Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata)

It is in danger due to poaching.

The Amur tiger inhabits the evergreen forests and mixed forests of the extreme southeast of Russia, in the region of the Amur River and the border between Russia and China. Until 2009, thanks to genetic studies on mitochondrial DNA, it was discovered that its DNA differs very little from the Caspian tiger, which is considered extinct.

For this reason, many scientists affirm that they are the same species. If the same, then the extent of their habitat would be from the Caspian to southeastern Russia. Thanks to the Siberian Tiger Project in the Sijote Alin reserve, started in 1992, it has been possible to increase the tiger population.

Within Russia's Amur region, tigers are concentrated in the Krai of Primorye and Khabarovsk. They compete with other predators for their prey such as bears, lynxes, leopards, and wolves.

Red colobus monkey (

The red colobus monkey is one of the oldest monkey species in the world. Its scientific name is Piliocolobus badius and it lives from Senegal to Ghana in Africa. Its decrease is due to hunting for its fur.

Its relative, the Zanzibar red colobus, is also in danger of extinction. This animal is preyed upon by chimpanzees and sometimes transmits their diseases, causing epidemics.

In 1994, the colobus infected chimpanzees with Ebola. Three subspecies of the red colobus are recognized and one of these is considered extinct. Only between 1,500 and 3,000 Zanzibar colobus are estimated to remain, with the majority living in the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park.

Mexican Prairie Dog (Cynomys mexicanus)

The Mexican prairie dog is in danger because it has been treated like a pest of farm fields. Currently there are members of this species in less than 600 km².

Borneo elephant (

The Borneo elephant is a subspecies of the Asian elephant that includes the Indian elephant, the Sumatran elephant, the Sri-Lankan elephant, and the Borneo elephant.

Much of the natural habitat of Borneo's elephants has been destroyed to grow palm oil plantations and there are thought to be fewer than 1,000 individuals in Sabah.

Dragoncito of the Cordillera de Verapaz (Abronia aurita)

This species is endemic to the highlands of the Sierra de Xucaneb in the department of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.

This species is on the “endangered” list because it has a very restricted distribution, occurs in one location, and experiences a continuous decline in the extent and quality of its habitat due to the conversion of the forest for activities.

There is little quantitative data on population size and trends for this species.

The main threat is deforestation for agricultural purposes. The forest habitat of this species is highly degraded and fragmented.

Talaud Flying Fox (Acerodon humilis)

It is a restricted range species known from two islands: Salebabu and Karekaleng. It extends over a territory of approximately 1500 km².

It is severely fragmented and its forest habitat is declining due to logging. Also the number of individuals is decreasing due to hunting.

This appears to be a forest-dependent species, but little information is available. It is believed to be conspicuous due to its perching habit. It is surprising that they have not been recorded more commonly.

The main threats to this species include hunting and loss of habitat due to logging.

There is a protected area in the range of the species (Karekalang Selatan Hunting Park), but the level of protection of the species remains unknown within this park.

Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

This species is known from all the Siberian rivers that flow into the Kara, Laptev and Eastern Siberian Seas.

It is also native to the Irtysh River in northwestern Xin Jiang Province, China. However, wild populations were killed in this area in the 1950s; the small population that remains in the place comes from those who survived.

The total population of Siberian sturgeon is unknown. Direct counts and fishery statistics exist, but are incomplete.

However, since the 1930s there has been a decrease in sturgeon catches in the main rivers of Siberia.

Population declines across the species range is the result of overfishing, damming, and poaching. Commercial fisheries are currently prohibited in river basins.

Most of the historically established 'conservation' measures for the Siberian sturgeon were established and controlled at the local and national level.

Their objectives are often to secure fishing rights, supporting local stock levels. Commercial fishing in Russian stocks is now prohibited.

During the last 10 years, the eggs of this species (originating in Russia) are raised in Chinese hatcheries and the young are released in the upper parts of the Irtysh River, in the northwestern part of Xin Jiang province, China.

No information is currently available on population numbers.

Dragon of the Sierra de Santa Marta (Abronia chiszari)

This is an arboreal species found in the canopy of the cloud forest and rainforest. These lizards are restricted to forests with tall, mature trees.

This species is threatened by deforestation, mainly through the conversion of forested areas for agricultural use, and the clearing of forests for timber extraction.

It is listed as "endangered" because its area is less than 5000 km². All individuals are found in fewer than five locations, and there is a continuing decline in the extent and quality of their habitat.

This species is restricted to the Santa Marta volcano, in the Sierra de los Tuxtlas, Veracruz state, Mexico.

While rarely seen, the species lives high up in the canopy and may be more common than is generally believed. Only three specimens are currently known.

Kiritimati warbler (Acrocephalus

It is endemic to the Kiritimati and Teraina islands in the Northern Line islands, Kiribati. It continued to be common in Teraina in 1980 and even into the early 2010s.

This species is listed as endangered because it is suspected to be confined to just two coral atolls in the Northern Line Islands, Kiribati. It has already been extinct from an atoll and a decline in parts of the remaining occupied range is suspected.

It is also threatened by the proliferation of black rats and cats, with black rats being relatively rare beyond the inhabited areas of the island and the outer beaches.

Although the rate of spread of rats has been unusually slow, it does need continuous monitoring.

Successful tree management is likely to be a significant factor for the species. Hunting by children with slingshots can also be a threat, but only locally.

The population has been monitored annually or twice a year at various sites that to date show no signs of decline.

What has been proposed is to continue with annual or biannual monitoring in May and June to determine if the population is in decline and, if so, where and what the causes are and which contingency plan is best implemented.

Moustached milkfish (Actenoides bouganvillei)

It is a kind of bird. This spectacular species is considered endangered based on a very small estimated population that is suspected of declining.

It is endemic to the island of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. There are no other data on their distribution or on population trends.

However, the species is suspected to be declining at a slow to moderate rate due to predation by introduced rats and cats, and possibly habitat degradation.

Very little is known about the species. There is a report of nesting in an arboreal termitary, but no other data on its ecology.

Oriental Ninera Toad (Allobates mandelorum)

This species is restricted to Cerro Turimiquire, a mountainous region shared between the states of Monagas, Sucre and Anzoátegui, in eastern Venezuela.

The main threat to this species is loss of habitat due to agriculture, which involves both crops and livestock, such as the construction of roads for telecommunications facilities.

Preuss's monkey (Allochrocebus preussi)

This species is on the “endangered” list as it is believed to have suffered a decline of over 50% in the last 27 years in its restricted range, primarily as a result of increasing habitat loss in the highlands of Nigeria and Cameroon, and also hunting.

This species has a restricted distribution in western Cameroon, eastern Nigeria, and on the island of Bioko.

It is most abundant in montane and sub-montane forests. Its range includes isolated patches of forest in the grasslands of the Cameroonian highlands.

An exhaustive population survey of this species has not been carried out except in Bioko, where it has experienced declines exceeding 55% in a period of 20 years. On the mainland, the species is rare and highly fragmented.

The size and distribution of the population of this species have been severely affected by habitat destruction and hunting.

None of the mountainous areas of the Cameroonian highlands, the most important remaining habitat for this species, is formally protected and requires urgent conservation measures.

Wetar's Partridge-pigeon (Alopecoenas hoedtii)

Medium small land pigeon.

This species is classified as "endangered" because it is believed to have suffered a very rapid population decline that is expected to continue as a result of severe lowland habitat loss and hunting.

It appears that a healthy population survives on Wetar, but more surveys are required to establish its general condition.

The rapid population decline is suspected to be in line with high rates of habitat loss, as well as pressure from traps for wild birds within the range of the species.

Inhabits lowland monsoon forests. Habitat destruction in the west and in Timor-Leste has been extensive and presumably the main threat.

The species is likely found in the Bekau Huhun Nature Reserve in Wetar, but the boundaries have been remotely delineated and the reserve is unlikely to host a substantial population as it excludes extensive high-quality forests.

Guatemalan Araguato (Alouatta pigra)

It is found on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and Belize, extending north and central to Guatemela.

This species is in danger of extinction since it is estimated that it will experience a decrease of close to 60% in a period of three generations (30 years) depending on the rates of decrease of the current natural habitat.

It is locally common throughout its range, but mainly in protected areas. In Belize this species has been recorded at densities of up to 250 individuals per km² in some areas.

The main threats to this species are deforestation, hunting (for food and capture as pets) and disease (yellow fever epidemics).

Barrio spiny-chested toad (Alsodes barrioi)

This species is known only from the Cordillera de Nahuelbuta, Provinces of Malleco and Arauco, Chile. It is considered to be present in three to five locations.

It is listed as "endangered" because its extent of occurrence continues to decrease in the Nahuelbuta mountain range.

Throughout its range the species varies from relatively rare to common, and during the breeding periods it is possible to find large numbers of tadpoles in the streams.

There is no evidence of decline, the population continues to be within its range since 2002 without appreciable changes, it is not considered severely fragmented and it is considered stable.

The main threat is the change of land use from native forests to pine plantations and for livestock. Furthermore, the habit is being degraded by the trampling of cattle.

Pine plantations were the main threat in the past, but today livestock is the most common threat. Human-induced wildfires are also a potential threat.

Mangrove amazilia (Amazilia boucardi)

It is a medium-sized hummingbird, bronze and green in color.

It is visible on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, from the head of the Gulf of Nicoya to the Dulce Gulf. The species was recently discovered at two new mangrove sites on the Nicoya Peninsula.

It is unevenly distributed even within the four or five large mangrove forests in this range, probably responding to the presence of its preferred food plant, the Pacific mangrove.

Habitat destruction is severely reducing and fragmenting the naturally very small and disparate range of this species. Consequently it qualifies as "endangered".

The population of the species is suspected to be declining at a moderate rate, in line with the clearance and degradation of the mangrove forests in its range.

Imperial parrot (Amazona imperialis)

Spectacular purple and green parrot. Conservation action in the last 30 years has improved the status of this species.

The numbers have increased in recent years, but there may still be fewer than 250 mature individuals, which qualify the species as endangered.

If the population continues to increase, it will eventually become "vulnerable" unless there are associated declines in available habitat.

It is endemic to Dominica, where it occurs in the Morne Diablotin area, mainly on the northeast, south, and southeast slopes.

A combination of habitat loss (mainly conversion to plantations, especially bananas, and hurricane-related damage), hunting for food, and capture for the cage and bird trade were the main reasons for the decline of this species

Local trade has been greatly reduced, if not eliminated, as a result of a successful education program, but foreign bird collectors can still pose a threat.

The species is protected by national legislation. In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to protect suitable habitat and sensitize local citizens to its needs.

Successful conservation education programs have markedly reduced local trade.

Nelson's squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni)

The range of this species is restricted to the central and western San Joaquin Valley and neighboring areas to the west on the interior coast of California in the United States.

Populations now exist primarily in marginal low-foothill and mountain habitats on the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley; significant populations exist only in western Kern County and in portions of the Carrizo and Elkhorn Plains.

The total size of the current population is unknown. The rate of decline is likely to be less than 30% in the last 10 years.

The decline is the result of habitat loss due to agricultural and urban development, as well as oil and gas exploration practices.

The main existing threats include habitat loss due to agricultural development, urbanization, solar energy and oil extraction, and the use of rodenticides to control ground squirrels.

Giant freshwater crab (Astacopsis gouldi)

This species is endemic to Tasmania, Australia. It is found in the rivers of Tasmania that flow north into the Bass Strait (except for the Tamar).

It is most often found sheltering under decaying logs and undercut banks within deep pools, but is also seen moving through shallow areas.

Habitat loss and degradation is a major threat to this species. Due to its preference for relatively pristine sites, changes in land use and alterations in the hydrological regime of a river system are likely to impact this species.

It is also potentially affected by the effects of climate change due to increased aridity that causes streams to dry up, and by farmers increasing the extraction of water for irrigation.

Wine-breasted Amazon (Amazona vinacea)

Colorful parrot. Bright green with dark edges on the feathers, giving a scaly effect.

This species is classified as "endangered" because recent population estimates indicate that the world population is very small and has been in rapid decline due to extensive habitat loss and fragmentation, compounded by trade.

Rapid declines are expected to continue. It is necessary to clarify whether the Brazilian subpopulations exceed 250 specimens.

The species has become rare in all its extensive variety. Inhabits lowland and highland Atlantic forest up to 2000 m.

It is considered nationally vulnerable in Brazil and critically endangered in Argentina and Paraguay. It is endangered due to the high level of poaching of wild populations.

Yellow-bellied spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth)

It extends into northeastern Peru, eastern Ecuador, the lowlands of Colombia, east of the Cordillera Oriental, southern Venezuela, and northwestern Brazil, west to the Branco River.

In southeastern Colombia, habitat loss occurs due to the clearing of forests for coca plantations, together with the fumigation of coca plantations that results in defoliation of contiguous forests. There is also some mining activity within its range that results in localized loss of habitat.

In Peru it became extinct in large areas of its distribution range. In Ecuador it is hunted and demanded as a pet, but it can be common in undisturbed forests where it is not disturbed.

Antsingy Leaf Chameleon (Brookesia perarmata)

This species is endemic to Madagascar, where it is only known from the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.

It is listed as endangered as the species is only known from the Bemaraha massif, and its habitat is in continuous decline due to logging, overgrazing and fire.

Some adults may also be illegally picked from the reserve, so there may also be a continued decline in the number of mature individuals.

Research on population trends and the effects of any illegal harvest for the pet trade is necessary.

Arni buffalo (Bubalus arnee)

The remaining populations of wild buffalo are believed to be found at unique sites in southern Nepal, southern Bhutan, western Thailand, eastern Cambodia, northern Myanmar, and at various sites in India.

Some sources claim that the wild water buffalo has become extinct in Bangladesh, Peninsular Malaysia, and on the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.

The total world population of the arni buffalo is almost certainly less than 4,000 specimens and may be less than 200. In fact, purebred wild buffalo may not remain.

However, these figures are little more than informed guesses, as any assessment of buffalo numbers is hampered by the difficulty of distinguishing between domestic buffalo, wild buffalo, and hybrids.

The most important threats to buffalo are interbreeding with domestic buffalo, hunting, and habitat degradation.

Disease, parasites (transmitted by domestic livestock), and competition for food and water between wild buffalo and domestic livestock are also serious threats.

Oran skink (Chalcides mauritanicus)

This lizard is found in a narrow coastal area in northwestern Algeria, Melilla (Spain) and the north-eastern coast of Morocco. It seems to be in a restricted range. It is mainly a coastal lowland species.

It is in danger because its extent of occurrence is less than 5000 km2, its distribution is severely fragmented and there is a continuous decrease in the extent and quality of its coastal habitat.

It is common at the mouth of the Moulouya River. However, it is apparently extinct in Melilla. It is difficult to find due to the removal of driftwood and other ground cover by local people.

The development of coastal areas for tourism and military purposes are the main threats to this species. Possibly threatened by loss of ground cover habitat, such as driftwood collection by local people for fuelwood.

Vulnerable animal species (VU)

Oaxacan dragon (Abronia oaxacae)

It is an endemic lizard specimen from the highlands of Varianza in the center of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.

It was classified as “vulnerable” because its extent has decreased, its distribution is severely fragmented, and the extent and quality of its forest habitat continues to decline.

It is arboreal and is found in primary pine and oak forest. It has been recorded from moderately disturbed areas. It is threatened by the conversion of forested areas into agricultural land.

This species is protected by Mexican law under the Special Protection category. It has not been recorded from any protected area. It is necessary to maintain wooded areas for this species.

Alcyon of Mindanao (Actenoides hombroni)

This species of fish bird is endemic to the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It qualifies as "vulnerable" because it has a small and fragmented population that is declining.

Its main threat is due to the rapid and continuous clearing of forests within the range of this species, even within a number of protected areas.

The species' preference for mountain forest, which is being lost at a slower rate than lowland forests, suggests that the rate of population decline is moderately rapid.

White-breasted guinea pig (Agelates meleagrides)

Medium-sized land bird with a small head. Bare red head to upper neck. Pure white lower neck, chest and upper back. The rest of the plumage is black.

Endemic to the Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem, which once covered a large part of West Africa, but is now severely reduced and highly fragmented.

Its habitat is rapidly retreating and where it is still present in large numbers it is subject to heavy poaching.

Gabon monkey (Allochrocebus solatus)

This species is endemic to central Gabon. It is present in humid primary and secondary lowland forests. The forest is dominated by Gabon mahogany, awoura leguminosa, nutmeg, and the mubala oil tree.

Gabonese monkeys prefer densely shaded and tangled areas. They are still common after tree felling, perhaps because the dense understory increases.

The diet of this species is currently being studied, but it is known to prefer fruits that are abundant throughout the year.

Commercial hunting is likely to become a growing threat. Loss of habitat, mainly due to logging, is also a threat.

Northern brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)

Medium-sized bird that does not have wings, its feathers are dark grayish brown, streaked longitudinally with a reddish-brown color.

It can be found on adjacent islands to the north of New Zealand. It inhabits dense, subtropical and temperate forests, but is also found in scrublands, regenerating forests, exotic pine plantations, and grasslands. It feeds mainly on small invertebrates.

It is in a vulnerable state because the main threat to the survival of the species is the predation of adult specimens by dogs and ferrets.

Iberian imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti)

Large, dark brown eagle. It is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, with the highest production in Spain and a small part in Portugal, mainly in alluvial plains.

This species is classified as vulnerable because it has a very small population that depends on intensive continuous management measures to mitigate the impact of threats such as poisoning, electrocution and insufficient food availability.

Red-tailed barbel (Barbus haasi)

It is a kind of freshwater fish. Its habitat is at the headwaters of streams in the Ebro river basin and other coastal basins in Spain.

It is among the vulnerable species because it has suffered an estimated 30% population decline in the last ten years, mainly due to pollution and extraction, the introduction of species and the destruction of habitat.

This decline is likely to continue in the future at the same rate, with desiccation being the main threat.

European bison (Bison bonasus)

Currently there are only two genetic lines of this species. The European bison is the largest herbivore in Europe. However, many of these specimens are in captivity.

Only 1800 specimens are freely bred. It is believed that the population is currently increasing thanks to the efforts made to maintain the reproduction of the specimens.

The main threats have been habitat degradation and fragmentation due to agricultural activity.

Unlimited forest clearing and poaching were the main reasons for the decline and extinction of European bison populations.

Red-necked goose (Branta ruficollis)

This goose is red, black and white. They are very agile in flight. This species breeds on the Taimyr, Gydan, and Yamal peninsulas, Russia. It has a moderately small population that appears to be declining in a short period of time.

Small populations of other Arctic breeding geese have shown dramatic population fluctuations and this may be the case for this species.

The species is classified preventively as vulnerable; however, if recent increases are found to be genuine and not as a result of improved monitoring efforts or changes in range, the species may justify re-listing.

Moluccan Cockatoo (Cacatua muloccensis)

This bird is medium, white and pink in color. It is endemic to southern Indonesia. At present it may only survive in some areas of the island country.

It is in a vulnerable state because, like its conspecifics, it is a very popular bird and has suffered a rapid population decline as a result of capture for trade, combined with deforestation in its small range.

Furthermore, this decline is expected to continue and perhaps accelerate. If the species is found to be declining at a faster rate, a higher category of threat will be warranted.

Tropical Forest Snake (Calamodontophis paucidens)

This snake is native to the countries of Brazil and Uruguay. Its current population is believed to be declining. However, there is not much data that can support these claims.

They are in a vulnerable state due to continuous deforestation to clear agricultural areas, resulting in the fragmentation of their habitat.

Wild Turkey Goat (Capra aegagrus)

The wild goat is widely spread to southwestern Turkey. Its world population has not been estimated.

Although the species varies widely, it is likely to be extremely rare or non-existent in much of its range.

It was classified as vulnerable due to the decrease in its population, which is estimated at more than 30% in the last three generations, as a result of overexploitation, the decrease in distribution and habitat degradation.

Silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)

It is an oceanic and coastal pelagic shark with a circumglobal distribution in tropical waters.

The silky shark population structure is poorly understood. Genetic studies found that in the Pacific, there are potentially three populations: one in the western Pacific and two in the eastern Pacific separated by the equator.

It is a target species for bycatch in purse-seine and pelagic tuna longline fisheries, where it is caught in large quantities.

This shark is one of the three most traded shark species in the global shark fin market.

Rivero's glass frog (Cochranella riveroi)

This amphibian is an endemic species of the Aracamuni hill, in the Amazonas state in Venezuela.

The ignorance of its habits due to the restricted range make it a species vulnerable to threatening processes.

Southeast Asian box turtle (Cuora amboinensis)

This freshwater terrestrial specimen, native to southeast Asia, is endangered in some countries where it lives and vulnerable in other areas.

The threat is due to the fact that they are the food base of many of the Asian countries in which it is located, together with the destruction of its natural habitat.

Blue-winged goose (Cyanochen cyanoptera)

This bird is endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia. It is a mainly sedentary species, although with few seasonal movements.

Their population decline is slow to moderate, which is due to habitat degradation, hunting, and drainage. This classifies it as a vulnerable species.

Dentex (dentex dentex)

It is a fish that ranges in some areas of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean.

It is highly vulnerable to overfishing and is exacerbated by its high commercial value. This species is also very sensitive to the effects of protection, as evidenced by its abundance within protected areas in the Mediterranean and its scarcity outside them, indicating that it is dependent on conservation.

Texas Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys elator)

This rodent covers a small range in north-central Texas. It prefers short grass areas with bare soils with high clay content, which benefits its skin, coat and marking through odors.

It is included as “vulnerable” because its extension is less than 20,000 km², its range is severely fragmented, and there is a continuous decrease in its extension, area of ​​occupation and quality of its habitat.

Frontin Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)

This medium-sized mammal with characteristic dark fur is the only species of bear in South America and is endemic to the tropical Andes.

The species inhabits a wide variety of ecosystems throughout the tropical Andes, including tropical dry forests, humid tropical lowlands, and mountainous forests, as well as tropical dry and wet scrub, and tropical highland scrub and grasslands.

It is vulnerable due to the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat.

Tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

It is a mammal, family of the horse and rhinoceros. It is currently the only specimen of its kind. It is dark in color and has a characteristic elongated snout.

It is vulnerable due to the decrease in its population during the last three decades, a consequence of the loss of its habitat, illegal hunting and competition with livestock. It has also been removed from its range and reduced in other portions of the territory.

By countries

Fauna in danger of extinction in Mexico.

Fauna in danger of extinction in Peru.

Fauna in danger of extinction in Chile.

Fauna in danger of extinction in Venezuela.

Fauna in danger of extinction in Argentina.

Fauna in danger of extinction in Spain.