Endangered species are a stark reminder of the fragility of Earth's biodiversity. As ecosystems face increasing pressure from deforestation, climate change, poaching, and habitat fragmentation, some animals are pushed to the brink of extinction.
Conservationists around the world are racing against time to protect the most threatened species, many of which have populations numbering only in the dozens or hundreds. Below are some of the most critically endangered animals on the planet and the countries they call home.
Amur Leopard, Russia and China
The Amur leopard is one of the rarest big cats on Earth, found only in the temperate forests of the Russian Far East and parts of northeastern China.
With fewer than 100 individuals believed to be living in the wild, this solitary feline faces threats from habitat destruction, poaching, and a dangerously limited gene pool.
Unlike its African cousins, the Amur leopard is built for cold climates, with thick fur and long legs adapted for walking through snow. Conservation efforts, including breeding programs and anti-poaching patrols, are ongoing in both Russia and China to try to revive the species.
Vaquita, Mexico
The vaquita is the world's rarest marine mammal and lives exclusively in the northern part of the Gulf of California in Mexico. This small porpoise is critically endangered, with estimates suggesting that fewer than 10 individuals remain.
The primary threat to the vaquita is entanglement in illegal fishing nets, particularly those used to catch totoaba fish, whose swim bladders are highly valued on the black market.
Despite international pressure and local conservation efforts, the vaquita population continues to decline, and scientists warn it may become extinct within the next few years without drastic intervention.
Javan Rhino, Indonesia
Once spread across Southeast Asia, the Javan rhinoceros now exists only in one location: Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia.
There are fewer than 80 individuals remaining, all in this single population, making the species extremely vulnerable to disease, natural disasters, and inbreeding.
Unlike other rhino species, the Javan rhino is extremely shy and elusive, which complicates conservation work.
The dense rainforest habitat also makes it difficult to monitor and protect the species effectively, but ongoing efforts in habitat preservation and anti-poaching are offering a glimmer of hope.
Northern Bald Ibis, Morocco
The northern bald ibis, once found across parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, is now critically endangered, with the largest remaining wild population located in Morocco.
This strange-looking bird, with its bald head and long curved beak, was revered in ancient Egypt but later declined due to hunting, habitat loss, and pesticide use.
Morocco has become a key player in the conservation of this species, particularly in protected areas near the Atlantic coast where the ibis breeds and forages. Thanks to these efforts, the population is slowly increasing, though the bird is still at risk.
Saola, Laos and Viet Nam
Nicknamed the "Asian unicorn," the saola is one of the most mysterious and elusive mammals in the world. Native to the Annamite Mountains along the Laos–Viet Nam border, this antelope-like creature was only discovered in 1992, and very few have ever been seen in the wild.
Habitat loss and illegal hunting threaten its survival, and because so little is known about its behavior or population size, conservation efforts are particularly challenging.
Conservationists are now focusing on protecting the saola’s habitat and working with local communities to reduce poaching in the region.
Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, China and Viet Nam
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is considered the most endangered turtle species in the world, with only a handful of known individuals left in China and Vietnam. This massive freshwater turtle is facing extinction due to habitat degradation, pollution, and overharvesting.
The last known female died in captivity in China in 2019, leaving only male specimens, making natural reproduction impossible without discovering another female.
Conservationists continue to search remote lakes and rivers in the hope of finding a viable mate and reviving the species through breeding.
Pygmy Three-Toed Sloth, Panama
Found only on Isla Escudo de Veraguas off the coast of Panama, the pygmy three-toed sloth is one of the smallest and most endangered sloth species. It lives exclusively in mangrove forests and has adapted to a highly specialized and restricted habitat.
The main threats to its survival include habitat loss due to tourism and deforestation. With fewer than 100 individuals estimated to remain, efforts are underway to better protect its mangrove environment and regulate human activity on the island.
