Classroom Resources  
Student Article

Eleven of the Rarest Animals in the World at Risk of Extinction

By: Debbie Graham
Originally Published in  Discover Wildlife

Discover some of the world's rarest animals and the threats they face, from eagles to porpoises.

The article "Eleven of the Rarest Animals in the World at Risk of Extinction" from BBC's Discover Wildlife highlights critically endangered species, including the vaquita porpoise and the black and chestnut eagle. It explores conservation efforts and the urgent need to protect these species from habitat loss, pollution, and poaching.

Student Article Info

BBC's Discover Wildlife brings you closer to nature with expert advice, conservation news, the best nature writing and stunning wildlife photography. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
Subject:
A unique-looking antelope sitting in grass
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

1
Level 1 Reading Passage
Grades: 3-5Lexile Level: 600-800L
Preview
2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 900-1100L
Preview
3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1100L - 1200L
Preview
Share:

More Like This

Student Article
Top 10: Which Animals Have the Strongest Bite?

The article "Top 10: Which Animals Have the Strongest Bite?" from BBC's Science Focus ranks animals with the most powerful bite forces. It measures bite strength in pounds per square inch (PSI), revealing how creatures like crocodiles and hyenas use their powerful jaws to hunt and survive.

Student Article
World’s Deadliest Spiders: The Top 10 Most Venomous Arachnids

The article "World’s Deadliest Spiders: The Top 10 Most Venomous Arachnids" from BBC's Science Focus explores which spiders around the globe have the most dangerous venom. While most spiders aren't harmful to humans, some can cause pain, sickness, and even death. From the Australian funnel-web to the Chilean recluse, this list ranks the spiders you’d never want to meet.

Student Article
Why Do Some Animals Glow? The Amazing Science of Bioluminescence

The article "Why Do Some Animals Glow? The Amazing Science of Bioluminescence" from BBC's Discover Wildlife explains how animals like glow-worms, squid, and fireflies produce light using special chemicals. It explores the role of luciferins and luciferase, the different colors of glow, and how creatures use this glow for communication, hunting, or self-defense.

Student Article
Here Are 11 Arctic Animals That Not Only Survive, But Also Thrive in the Freezing Polar Landscape

The article "Here Are 11 Arctic Animals That Not Only Survive, But Also Thrive in the Freezing Polar Landscape" from BBC's Discover Wildlife explores how various animals have adapted to endure the Arctic's extreme conditions. From the mighty polar bear and tusked walrus to the resilient Arctic fox and long-lived Greenland shark, the piece highlights their unique physical traits and survival behaviors.