10 Of The World's Most Endangered Animals And Where To Find Them

Javan RhinocerosOnce found throughout Southeast Asia, Javan rhinos have suffered a staggering decline in their numbers due to hunting and habitat loss. Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia is the last remaining refuge of the animal.Amur LeopardsThe Amur leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world, with only around 100 individuals left in the wild. Around 75 per cent of their home range lies in protected areas in Russia and China.Tapanuli OrangutansThese tree-dwelling primates have fewer than 800 individuals left in the wild, making them the most endangered great ape species in the world. They live in the tropical forests of Sumatra, Indonesia.Mountain GorillasThe mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. They live in the high-altitude forests of the volcanic, mountainous regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Yangtze Finless PorpoiseThis aquatic mammal currently resides in the Yangtze River in China and is listed as a critically endangered species on the IUCN Red List. It is known as jiangtun (“river piglet”) in Mandarin Chinese.Hawksbill Sea TurtlesThe Hawksbill sea turtle is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. In 2024, it was estimated that there were 20,000 to 23,000 nesting turtles.African Forest ElephantThe African forest elephant is one of two living species of African elephant, along with the African bush elephant. Today, the species is scattered across 20 African countries, mainly in Gabon and the Republic of Congo.North Atlantic Right WhaleThe North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, numbering approximately 200-250 mature individuals. They are found primarily along the east coast of the United States and Canada.KākāpōThis large, nocturnal, ground-dwelling parrot is endemic to New Zealand and is critically endangered. As of 2024, the total known population of living individuals is 244.Galápagos PenguinThis is the only penguin species found north of the equator. Native to the Galapagos Island of Ecuador, it is estimated that there are 1,200 mature individuals as of 2020.10 Remarkable Animals In India That Nearly Went ExtinctRead more