Wildlife populations are declining and natural places are shrinking as our modern culture becomes more resource-intensive. Since 1970, wildlife numbers have shrunk by an incredible 73% on average, according to our 2024 Living Planet Report. Although there have been amazing and inspiring wildlife success stories and accomplishments in the past, many species are still threatened, mainly due to unsustainable human-led activities. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has more than 41,000 species on its red list that are now classified as vulnerable or endangered. Additionally, the following list includes 10 of the world’s most endangered wild animals.
1. Javan Rhinos
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Poaching and habitat degradation have caused a sharp decline in the Javan rhino population, which was once common in south-east Asia. One of the rarest rhino species, the Javan rhino is the only one found in the wild on the Indonesian island of Java, with only 75 individuals. The final sanctuary for Javan rhinos is Ujung Kulon National Park, a World Heritage Site. On the other hand, the invasive Arenga palm also limits the rhinos’ access to food and habitat. The small population of Javan rhinos is also seriously threatened with extinction by diseases, poaching, natural disasters, and potential inbreeding.
2. Sunda Island Tiger
The Sumatran tiger, often called the Sunda Island tiger, is the tiniest tiger subspecies in the world, with a maximum weight of 140 kg. Male tigers from the Amur region can weigh up to twice as much as those from Sunda Island, making them the largest of all the big cats. Only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, they are extremely rare, with an estimated 600 individuals in the wild. In the 1980s, there were 357 million people living in south-east Asia; by 2020, that number had grown to almost 668 million. They have been impacted by the decline in tiger populations and their habitats.
3. Mountain Gorillas
Two isolated populations of mountain gorillas can be found in the high-altitude forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A history of political unrest and extreme poverty may be found in the Virunga landscape. Since people have migrated closer to mountain gorilla habitat in search of food, shelter, and space, the population of these great apes is seriously threatened. Currently, over 500,000 people live close to mountain gorilla habitat. Despite this, conservation initiatives and interventions from regional and global partners are helping mountain gorillas rebound in a promising way. There are just over 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild, making them an endangered species as of right now. Nonetheless, a number of risks still exist that could impede this species’ path toward recovery.
4. Amur Leopard
Amur leopards are among the rarest large cats in the world, with only 100 of them left in the wild. Although the wild population of these leopard subspecies seems to be steady and increasing, they have been categorized as extremely endangered since 1996. And for good reason: Currently, Amur leopards are found only in a relatively small area in the far east of Russia and northeastern China. The existence of the remaining Amur leopards is threatened by a number of causes, such as habitat fragmentation and degradation, a shortage of prey, and transportation infrastructure like highways. But there is hope for this rare giant cat. Seventy-five percent of their home range is in China and Russia, and they are moving into suitable protected areas.
5. African Forest Elephant
One of the two kinds of African elephants, the elusive forest elephant, is found in West and Central Africa. Due to their cautious character, it is unknown how many wild African forest elephants there are, but we do know that they are a critically endangered species that has decreased by an estimated 86% over the past 31 years. Poaching, which is common, extensive, and intense, particularly in Central Africa, is the primary cause of the decrease. In addition to elephant poaching, habitat loss and changes in land use for agriculture and other purposes have caused habitat fragmentation and a rise in human-elephant conflict, which has cost both parties money. Approximately 25% of African forest elephants’ historical range is located in Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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