There are so many species in the world that are struggling with keeping their populations intact. With threats such as poaching or climate change, some species are more at risk than others. Here are 13 animal populations that are on the brink of extinction.
Sumatran tiger
Amur leopard
The Amur leopards are dangerously close to extinction. Their numbers are now less than 100. Over the last few decades, they have lost 80% of their territory to logging, forest fires, and land conversion. They are also hunted by poachers for their beautiful spotted coats.
Rhinoceros
Two specific species of rhinos are close to extinction. Javan and Sumatran rhinos are found in Asia, and they number less than 60. They have been poached almost to extinction for their horns, which are sold illegally on the black market.
Polar bear
Climate change and the loss of their habitat have played a major role in the number of polar bears still roaming the Earth. There are now between 22,000 and 31,000 living in the wild. Polar bears use sea ice as platforms to hunt, rest, and breed. Those ice platforms have been steadily melting and decreasing in size for the last 20 years.
Hawaiian monk seal
Monk seals are one of the rarest mammals in the world. There are three different subspecies: Mediterranean, Hawaiian, and Caribbean. The Caribbean monk seal is extinct. Both Hawaiian and Mediterranean monk seals are endangered. The Mediterranean monk seal has been an endangered species since the 1950s, when its population numbers fell by 60%. The current population of Hawaiian monk seals is estimated to be about 1,400 in total.
Eastern lowland gorilla
The Eastern gorilla is the world’s largest living primate and is critically endangered. There are believed to be about 5,000 left in the wild after being hunted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Four of the six ape species are endangered, including chimpanzees and bonobos.
Hawksbill turtle
Hawksbill turtles are threatened by the loss of nesting grounds and feeding habitats. However, their larger threat is from hunting for illegal trade. Their shells are prized for the pattern, deemed “tortoiseshell,” that winds up on the black market. The Hawksbill turtle population has declined more than 80% in the last 100 years.
