Student Article
Eleven of the Rarest Animals in the World at Risk of Extinction
Biodiversity (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Extinction (noun): The end of an entire species or group of organisms when there are no more living members left.
Thermal (adjective): Relating to heat or temperature.
Endangered (adjective): At risk of disappearing forever.
Invasive (adjective): Tending to spread quickly and in a way that harms native species.
Habitat (noun): The natural home of an animal or plant.
Poaching (noun): Illegal hunting of animals.
Deforestation (noun): The clearing of trees and forests.
Fragmentation (noun): Breaking up of habitat into smaller pieces.
The world is facing a biodiversity crisis, with many species at risk of extinction. Here are 11 of the rarest animals and the threats they face.
Black and Chestnut Eagle
This eagle, found in South America, has fewer than 250 adults remaining. It hunts small mammals and birds but sometimes takes chickens, leading to conflicts with farmers.
El Rincon Stream Frog
These frogs live in Argentina and survive cold winters in warm thermal streams. They are endangered due to invasive fish and habitat loss from cattle.
Northern River Terrapin
This turtle, found in India, is one of the most endangered fresh-water turtles. Their numbers have dropped due to over-collection for food and pollution.
Dinagat Moonrat
This rare mammal lives on Dinagat Island in the Philippines. Its population is unknown, and its habitat is threatened by mining.
Hirola Antelope
This antelope, found in Kenya and Somalia, has only about 600 individuals left. Habitat loss and overgrazing have reduced their numbers.
Albany Adder
This snake, found in South Africa, is critically endangered. Its habitat is threatened by mining and development.
Roach’s Mouse-Tailed Dormouse
This dormouse, found in Bulgaria, lives in habitats with old trees. Its home is being converted to farmland, threatening its survival.
Bawean Warty Pig
This pig, found on Bawean Island in Indonesia, has only a few hundred individuals left. Deforestation is a major threat to its habitat.
Golden Langur
This monkey, found in Bhutan and India, has seen its population drop by 60%. Habitat fragmentation and roadkill are major threats.
Siamese Crocodile
This crocodile, found in South East Asia, has only about 250 individuals left. Habitat loss and accidental capture in fishing gear are major threats.
Vaquita Porpoise
This small porpoise, found in Mexico, has only about 10 individuals left. They are critically endangered due to accidental capture in fishing nets.
© Debbie Graham / Our Media
Biodiversity (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Extinction (noun): The end of an entire species or group of organisms when there are no more living members left.
Thermal (adjective): Relating to heat or temperature.
Endangered (adjective): At risk of disappearing forever.
Invasive (adjective): Tending to spread quickly and in a way that harms native species.
Habitat (noun): The natural home of an animal or plant.
Poaching (noun): Illegal hunting of animals.
Deforestation (noun): The clearing of trees and forests.
Fragmentation (noun): Breaking up of habitat into smaller pieces.