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Endangered species, or wildlife on the edge of extinction, is a global environmental issue. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), over 41,000 species face the threat of extinction. While the causes are varied, protecting these fragile animal populations is an ongoing priority.
Following legislation like the Endangered Species Act of 1974 in the United States, endangered animals and plants are monitored and efforts are allocated towards forecasting and implementing conservation efforts. Through population monitoring, researchers are able to track population size and analyze data to glean information on these animals and the challenges they face. Teams use direct observation (including analyzing tracks and waste), as well as employing technology like radar, thermal cameras, and implantation devices to follow animal movements. While protecting endangered animals can feel like a remote issue, scientists, policy makers, and individuals will need to band together to work collaboratively to make a difference.
In this article, we’ll explore the main threats to endangered species, meet some of the animals that need our help, and examine actions we can take.
According to National Geographic, one of the most critical factors impacting endangered species is habitat loss and deterioration. Deforestation, as well as the expansion of agricultural lands and urban development play a large role. As habitats shrink, animals struggle to thrive in the wild, leading to a gradual or steep loss in their numbers. In tandem, exploitative practices menace the well-being of endangered species in the wild. According to Interpol, the illegal wildlife trade earns up to 20 billion on the black market with over 100 rangers killed annually in their efforts to protect the animals in their care. Overfishing and overhunting is also problematic, as they decimate wildlife numbers and can trigger shifts within ecosystems.
Actions like introducing invasive, nonnative plant species into habitats also can have a significant impact. The aggressive spread of invasive species is responsible for 42% of the pressure applied to endangered species, as ecosystems are threatened, while ocean pollution (mainly plastics) threatens over 600 species of marine life. Similarly, pollution and rising temperatures related to Climate Change force already fragile animal populations to adapt to new and challenging conditions. As threats compound, greater pressure is applied to animals on the edge of extinction.
Habitat loss is a critical issue, followed by the threat of the $20 billion illegal wildlife trade, invasive non-native plants introduced into habitats, and Climate Change. As threats compound, animals struggle to adapt and thrive, thinning numbers.
With over 41,000 animals on the endangered species watch list, these are just a small selection of the animals that need our help. From porpoises to great apes, these endangered animals rely on targeted conservation efforts in order to survive.
Vaquita - Considered the rarest endangered marine mammal, this porpoise was discovered in 1958. Found in Mexico’s Gulf of California, this porpoise is threatened by illegal fishing operations. Vaquitas are frequently caught in gill nets and subsequently drown, leading to a significant population decline. Unfortunately there are only 10 individuals remaining in the wild.
Amur Leopard - This solitary cat calls eastern Russia, Korea, and north-east China home. Similar to other leopards in speed (clocking in at about 37 mph), the Amur Leopard is sly, hiding unfinished meals to remain undetected by predators. Preferring to dwell in deciduous forests, the Amur Leopard is threatened by deforestation, urban development, and agricultural expansion with only around 84 Amur Leopards surviving today.
Northern White Rhino - Only two female Northern White Rhinos remain, though there are about 16,800 White Rhinos in the wild today. These mammals thrive in the African savanna, traveling in groups up to 14 rhinoceroses including calves. Extensive poaching, driven by interest in rhino horns as ingredients in traditional Eastern medicine and their role as a status symbol, threatens White Rhinos with extinction. In 2024, researchers attempted the first rhino IVF pregnancy in hopes of restoring the Northern White Rhino population.
Saola - Playfully called the Asian unicorn, the saola is one of the most enigmatic on the endangered species list. Discovered in 1992, this Vietnamese animal resembles an antelope, though shares genetic patterns with cattle. Residing deep in the mountains of Laos and Vietnam, saola individuals are rarely spotted.
Cross River Gorilla - Acutely threatened by deforestation, poaching, and agricultural expansion, only 200-300 Cross River Gorillas remain in the wild today. These great apes live in the dwindling mountain rainforests of Cameroon and Nigeria in West Africa, relying on assistance from conservationists to defend their habitat.
Yangtze Finless Porpoise - Found in the longest river in Asia, the Yangtze Finless Porpoise is known for an intellect on par with that of a gorilla. With only 1000-1800 individuals estimated in the wild, this dolphin is considered critically endangered. Exposure to pollution, hunting, and fishing operations threaten these intelligent creatures.
Sumatran Rhino - The smallest of the living rhinoceroses, the Sumatran Rhino has two horns and a coat of shaggy hair. At home in tropical rainforests, the Sumatran Rhino used to roam throughout Asia, but is now confined to the Indonesian Island of Sumatra where an estimated 40 individuals remain.
Orangutan - Orangutan, meaning Man of the Forest in Malay, is a solitary mammal known for its striking red fur and a startling 96.4% of gene similarities to humans. As their habitat is threatened by deforestation, Orangutan population numbers are dropping. Found in the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, orangutans face a critical decline with their numbers dropping to 104,700 and 7,500 respectively.
Kakapo - Native to New Zealand, this flightless parrot is perhaps the longest-living bird in the world with lifespans of up to 90 years. Conservation efforts are currently centered on Kakapo fertility issues and addressing inbreeding in hopes of revitalizing this unique bird population, as well as introducing protection from stoats—an invasive species that is a newfound predator.
Hawksbill Sea Turtles - Hawksbill Sea Turtles thrive in the world’s tropical oceans, playing a key role in their ecosystem by maintaining healthy coral reefs. Noted for their colorfully patterned shells which are considered valuable on the black market, these turtles are threatened by poachers despite strict regulations.
Sunda Island Tiger - Sunda Tigers are considered critically endangered with only 600 individuals found in the wild. While tigers face danger from habitat loss, as tropical jungles and forests fall prey to urbanization, their main predator remains poachers. Despite exorbitant fines and jail penalties, tiger parts and products remain valuable on the black market, applying pressure to this fragile species.
This list is just a small selection of the endangered species that require conservationist assistance. Threatened by habitat deterioration, urban and agricultural expansion, and poaching, these animals struggle to adapt to changing conditions.
For the average person, helping endangered species likely feels out of reach. How can we save the gorillas if the closest we get to wildlife are sighting the birds and squirrels in our own backyards? Knowledge is power: Educating yourself about endangered species both close to home and globally is the perfect place to begin. Understanding the challenges these animals face is the first step towards solving the problem. Similarly, planning visits to national parks or wildlife refuges can help financially support conservation efforts while providing salient information. Research whether accredited zoos or aquariums in your area participate in conservation breeding programs to help endangered species in distress.
Wildlife conservation can start at home. Individuals can help local wildlife in their own backyards. Start by populating your garden with native plants and placing decals on windows and sliding glass doors to alert birds. Securing garbage cans and preventing water run-off on your property can prevent harm to local ecosystems. Similarly, participating in local beach clean-ups or removing litter from parks can help support animals near you. Signing your name to online petitions, donating to fundraisers, or contacting government representatives directly can help raise awareness and put the plight of endangered species on the radar for policy makers. Lastly, one of the easiest actions you can take is to refrain from purchasing brand new products containing ivory, tortoiseshell, or coral, as they encourage poaching and ecosystem damage.
Small individual actions can add up to a significant collective difference. Working to curb the impacts of Climate Change, we can relieve some of the pressure placed on endangered species world wide. Can Greenly help?
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