25 Most Endangered Species On Earth

Posted by on March 21, 2013

Although scientists estimate that there could be upwards of 30 million animal species on the planet, a number of those species are teetering on the verge of extinction due to man’s thirst for consumption or entertainment. Hunted for meat, for fur, and for other materials governments around the world are cracking down on poaching and illegal hunting practices. Unfortunately, some of the animals on this list have already been completely eliminated but for the most part these are the 25 most endangered species on Earth.



One of the rarest animals in the Sahara Desert is the Addax, also known as the white antelope or screwhorn antelope. It’s a rather unique creature whose coat actually changes color depending on the season. Due to its slow speed, however, it is a welcome meal for predators and an easy target for hunters. Its population hovers around 1,600.


Hawaiian Monk Seal

One of only two monk seal species left on Earth, the small population of about 1,100 individuals is threatened by human encroachment, very low levels of genetic variation, entanglement in fishing nets, marine debris, disease, and past commercial hunting for skins.


Mountain Gorilla

The mountain gorilla is primarily found in various regions all across Africa namely Uganda, Rwanda, and Virunga. They have thicker and longer fur, which makes them easily adaptable to cold environments. Aside from poaching, their population of 880 has decreased due to traps, kidnapping, loss of habitat, interaction with tourists, being killed for meat, and even lack of food.


Island Fox

The island fox is small, colorful, and primarily found on the Channel Islands of California where many of them exist in packs. Some of their subspecies can be found uniquely on each of the six islands located within the area, which amounts to a total of only 700.


Bactrian Camel

Two humps are indeed better than one, especially if you are looking for a pack animal, but it certainly is a lot rarer. Unfortunately, however, this group of camels is numbered at only about 800. They are often found in Mongolia and China, but they can also be seen in nearby countries like India, Pakistan, and even Russia due to their migration habits.


Catarina Pupfish

The Catarina pupfish of Mexico no longer exists in the wild so by some standards it would be technically extinct. Thanks to the efforts of environmentalists, however, their are still a couple aquariums housing the last remaining members of their species.


Mediterranean Monk Seal

Related to the Hawaiian monk seal, the main difference between the two is their choice of habitat with the Mediterranean monk seal living in…the Mediterranean (surprise!). This species is much closer to extinction, however, with only 510 seals accounted for.


Philippine Eagle

Also known as the monkey-eating eagle, the Philippine eagle is the national bird of the Philippines. Due to deforestation and illegal logging activity the eagle is considered to be critically endangered as its population is down to 500.


California Condor

Although the condor has been attributed to California, it is primarily found in areas along northern Arizona and southern Utah, which makes it a resident bird of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. It has a wingspan of over 3 meters, it scavenges for carrion, and it can live over 60 years. Sadly there are only 405 left.


Amur Leopard

Found in the southeastern regions of Russia near the Chinese border, the amur leopard population is down to only 349 as they are being constantly poached for their skin.



The direct translation of its name from Spanish means little cow and its habitat is limited to the northern parts of the Gulf of California. There are only 300 left in the wild.


Sumatran Rhinoceros

Although the rhinoceros is considered to be one of the biggest mammals on the planet, this specific breed is actually the smallest of its kind. Their exact population is unknown but researchers are projecting that there may be 275 of them left in the wild.


Brazilian Merganser

Often mistaken for a pigeon or a duck, the Brazilian Merganser is usually found within the country of Brazil although a few of them are located in Argentina. Because of farming and mining activities that have interrupted the ecological balance, this merganser’s population has declined to about 250.



The kakapo is one of the most unique birds you will ever see and it is the only parrot incapable of flight. Found in New Zealand it only comes in one color, yellow green, and it even has whiskers under its beak. The 126 remaining birds are extremely endangered.


Hawaiian Crow

The Hawaiian crow, also known as the Aumaka in the native Hawaiian tongue, is now extinct in the wild, with only 109 remaining in captivity.