44 Beautiful, Unique, and Little-Known Endangered Plants and Animals

There are millions of species currently facing extinction, from zoo favorites like elephants and tigers to fish and insects perhaps known only to the scientists working to preserve them. I'd like to call your attention to several beautiful, unique, and little-known plants and animals that are in danger of disappearing from this planet. Chances are, your great-grandchildren will never get a chance to see most of these species in their natural habitat.

 

1. Cherry-Crowned Mangabey

The Cherry-Crowned Mangabey, also known as the Red Capped Mangabey, is one of 4-6 species of tall, slender primates classified as Mangabeys. All Mangabeys are vulnerable due to habitat loss, and the Cherry-Crowned has become especially rare due to its large size, which makes it attractive to hunters as a source of meat. This individual is a juvenile, captured in a striking, contemplative pose by law_keven.

 

2. River Terrapin (Batagur Baska)

The River Terrapin, or Batagur Baska, is among the most critically endangered of turtle species. Native to Asia, this species is also known as the "Royal Terrapin" because its eggs were considered a delicacy fit for royalty. This terrapin, photographed by Pandiyan, is wearing thick algae on its shell, evokative of the Iroquois creation myth featuring a turtle who carries the North American continent on his back.

 

3. Darwinia chapmaniana

This endangered Darwinia is threatened with extinction due primarily to land clearing and grazing practices in its native Australia. ClareSnow photographed this beautiful example of the species at Nuts About Natives.

 

4. Blyth's Tragopan

The Blyth's Tragopan is among the rarest of all pheasant species, living in dense forests up to 9,000 feet in the Himalayas. The total population is estimated to be between 2,500 and 9,999. Deforestation has been a major cause of the decline of the Blyth's Tragopan. This brightly colored male was photographed by Andrew N.

 

5. Georgia Aster with Long-Tailed Skipper

No, the beautiful butterfly isn't the endangered species in this picture-- it's the very rare flower, a Georgia Aster, that's in need of conservation. There were once over 100 populations of Georgia Aster known, but over one-third have been lost. The butterfly is a Long-Tailed Skipper, whose larvae are considered pests in some parts of the Southeastern US. Photo by Rskoon.

 

6. Fossa

The agile Fossa, a close relative of the Mongoose, is native to Madagascar. There are fewer than 2,500 mature individuals currently living, and the species is likely to continue to decline. The Fossa hunts lemurs, birds, fish, and snakes. A now-extinct giant Fossa, found fossilized in Madagascar, was over 6 feet long and likely hunted giant lemurs, which also became extinct when humans settled in Madagascar. This Fossa was photographed by law_keven.

 

7. Somali Wild Ass

The Somali Wild Ass is the smallest of native African equids and is critically endangered, with less than 1,000 remaining in their natural habitat of Northeastern Africa. 27 captive individuals live in zoos in North America. Hunting, habitat destruction, and competition with grazing of domestic animals have pushed the Somali Wild Ass toward extinction. Photo by TangoPango.

 

8. Water Vole

The Water Vole is the UK's fastest declining mammal. The Water Vole population has fallen 90-95% from its pre-1960s level, due to heavy predation by the American Mink as well as habitat loss. The Water Vole is best known outside Britain for its role in the classic children's book The Wind in the Willows, which featured a Water Vole character named "Ratty." This cute little fellow was spotted while foraging by dayglowill.

 

9. Sand Tiger Shark

The Sand Tiger Shark, also known as the Gray Nurse Shark or Spotted Ragged Tooth Shark, is a comparatively placid shark and rarely attacks unless provoked. The Sand Tiger Shark is the only shark known to adjust its bouyancy by burping! These sharks reproduce and grow very slowly compared to other sharks, and for that reason the species recovers slowly from overfishing and is being considered for the US Endangered Species List. It is already considered endangered in Queensland and listed as a vulnerable species internationally. This particular Sand Tiger Shark, photographed by doug.deep, unfortunately has a fishhook lodged in its jaw.

 

10. Arabian Oryx

The Arabian Oryx was driven to near extinction in the wild by the 1970s, and has since been reintroduced to some parts of its historic range, with mixed success. This bovid is often credited with sparking the myth of the Unicorn, because of its white color and the way it often appears to have a single horn when viewed in profile. This group of Oryx was photographed by Makz in the Dubai Desert, where Arabian Oryx were recently released and have successfully bred.

 

11. Orbea paradoxa

This striking succulent, Orbea Paradoxa, is a member of the Stapeliad family. Of 28 Orbea species in Southern Africa, 15 are on the Red Data list of species in need of conservation. These Orbea Paradoxa flowers, photographed by Martin Heigan, were among several plants rescued by the National Botanical Institute of South Africa when the construction of a dam destroyed their habitat.

 

12. Bali Mynah

The Bali Mynah, also known as the Bali Starling, has been near extinction in the wild for several years. The wild population of the species reached an all-time low of just six individuals in 2001. Approximately 1,000 individuals are held legally in captivity, with unknown numbers kept illegally as pets. It is the only surviving species endemic to Indonesia. Michael McDonough photographed this handsome mynah perching at the San Diego Zoo.

 

13. Lion-Tailed Macaque

The Lion-Tailed Macaque lives only in South India and is among the most threatened of all primate species. There are only about 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild. Lion-Tailed Macaques, unlike many other primate species, seem not to adapt well to human settlements and will not live in, feed on, or travel through plantations. This reluctance to approach areas of human civilization has led to their steep decline. However, captive breeding has increased the total population from about 400 to over 6,000, and it's likely that even if they become extinct in the wild, Lion-Tailed Macaques like this one photographed by Pandiyan will survive in captivity.

 

14. Fiji Crested Iguana

The Fiji Crested Iguana is a critically endangered reptile found only on the dryer, Northwest islands of Fiji. This species may have evolved from an Iguana species that rafted from South America to the Fiji islands 13 million years ago, but others theorize that based on the discovery of an Iguanid fossil in Mongolia, it's more likely that they originally evolved in Asia and were on the land that became Fiji when it separated from the continent millions of years ago. This male Fiji Crested Iguana, photographed by Michael Howard, is relaxed; if frightened or angry, he will turn black in color.

 

15. Giant Otter

The Giant Otter, sometimes called the River Wolf or Water Dog, is the only member of the genus Pteronura. It can reach up to 6 feet in length and weigh as much as 76 pounds (34kg). Giant otters form monogamous pairs for the purpose of reproduction. Both parents participate in raising the cubs, as do older siblings. The Giant Otter has long been a vulnerable species due to its pelts' popularity in the fur trade. More recently, logging and farming in rainforests have displaced many Giant Otters. The Giant Otter population is expected to decrease by 50% from 2004 numbers by 2024. Pierre Pouliquin photographed this otter as it emerged from the water to groom itself.

 

16. Wandering Skipper

The Wandering Skipper lives only in Southern Cailfornia, Baja California, and parts of Western Mexico. It is rare throughout its range. The Wandering Skipper's continued survival is imperiled primarily by habitat loss. Its small range means populations could be decimated by the loss of relatively small areas of Seashore Saltgrass, the host plant for Wandering Skipper caterpillars. This Wandering Skipper, photographed by Stonebird, has landed on a stalk of Seashore Saltgrass.

 

17. Pampas Deer

The Pampas Deer lives in the Pampas region of South America and holds the dubious distinction of being the only animal on this list easily distinguishable by its garlic-like smell. During rutting season, the hoof glands of Pampas Deer emit a scent noticeable from as much as three kilometres away! Formerly common across the Pampas region, this deer species has disappeared from much of its historic range due to cattle ranching operations in the area. The spread of disease from domestic animals, as well as habitat loss and overhunting, has endangered the Pampas Deer, which may have a future only in captivity and protected wildlife preserves. Morti Riuuallon photographed this buck in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 

18. Star Cactus

Astrophytum asterias, the Star Cactus, is native to South Texas and North Mexico. It has been placed on the endangered species list due to overcollection and herbicides, as well as urban development. The attractive species is popular with collectors and easily grown from seed, which means it likely will survive in captivity, though it is imperiled throughout its range in the wild. Vicki Lashton photographed this one at the National Botanic Garden in Washington, DC.

 

19. Black and White Ruffed Lemur

The Black and White Lemur is the largest of true lemurs, measuring about four feet in length (including the tail) at adulthood. This species is very vocal, and has a weakness for bananas. Ruffed Lemurs live in small family groups and rarely descend to the ground from their homes in the tall trees of Madagascar. Ruffed Lemurs are also the only primates which build nests. The Black and White Ruffed Lemur is critically endangered due to development on Madagascar, reproductive isolation, and insufficient protected areas within its small range. The Fossa (#6) preys on Ruffed Lemurs, particularly while they are nesting. Ruth photographed this expressive pair.

 

20. Lesser Kestrel

The Lesser Kestrel is still plentiful in many parts of its broad range, from the Meditteranean to Southeast Asia, but had undergone a very rapid decline in recent years. This small falcon eats locusts, as well as mice and lizards. A reduction in safe nesting places, available food, and habitat, as well as increased use of insecticides, have likely contributed to the Lesser Kestrel's rapid drop in population. Mshai photographed this female perched on razor wire in Afghanistan.

 

21. Cooloola Sedge Frog

The Cooloola Sedge Frog, or Cooloola Tree Frog, is a small and colorful frog native to Australia. It is endangered due to fragmentation of the breeding population, as well as continued habitat loss in its small area of distribution in Southeastern Queensland. Very little is known about this frog's population concentrations or ongoing trends, but like many Australian frogs, it is in danger of extinction in the near future. Teejaybee was able to photograph several color variations of the Cooloola Sedge Frog.

 

22. Southern Brown Bandicoot

The Southern Brown Bandicoot is the last bandicoot species naturally occurring in Southern Australia. Before European settlement, there were eight such species. The Southern Brown Bandicoot thrives in areas that are partially burned from time to time, because it feeds on grubs and insects that appear after fires. The Southern Brown Bandicoot is listed as endangered in Australia due to habitat fragmentation and destruction, as well as a number of other threatening factors. Pierre Pouliquin photographed this Bandicoot in Victoria.

 

23. Mandarin Duck

The striking Mandarin Duck is traditionally regarded in Chinese culture as a symbol of love and fidelity. Unfortunately, its good looks made the Mandarin Duck popular with collectors throughout the world, and heavy exportation as well as destruction of its forest habitat reduced its population in Russia and China to less than 1,000 breeding pairs in each country. They remain more numerous in Japan, which has some 5,000 pairs. In addition, a feral population of about 1,000 pairs exists in the UK after many Mandarin Ducks escaped from collectors. Robokow photographed this stunning male in a park in Zagreb.

 

24. Visayan Warty Pig

The Visayan Warty Pig is found in the wild exclusively on two of the Visayan Islands in the Phillipines, Negros and Panay. It is critically endangered due to hunting, habitat loss, and food shortages. Land previously ideal for foraging by Visayan Warty Pigs has been cleared of its natural vegetation and replaced with cultivated crops. During mating season, the boars grow unique manes reminiscent of hairstyles sported by certain '80s punk bands. SARhounds photographed this Visayan Warty piglet in the San Diego Zoo, which has had a great deal of success in breeding these endangered pigs in captivity.

 

24. Red Panda

The Red Panda is found only in the Himalayas, and like the Giant Panda, feeds only on bamboo. The Red Panda is not a bear, and is actually more closely related to raccoons. Its very small range and specialized diet have made the Red Panda highly endangered. It is also imperiled by poaching due to the high value of its fur and its bushy tail, from which hats are made. This female Red Panda seems happy to pose for The Brit2.

 

25. Hibiscus insularis

Hibiscus insularis, or the Philip Island Hibiscus, is among the rarest species in the world. Its entire wild population consists of two small clumps. Fortunately, the species has been propagated in captivity through cuttings, enabling Tony from Sydney to photograph these beautiful flowers at the Sydney Botanic Gardens.

 

26. Hawaiian Monk Seal

The Hawaiian Monk Seal lives only in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. These highly endangered seals number only 1,200 worldwide. Their cousins, the Caribbean Monk Seal, were declared extinct in June 2008. In the same month, the Hawaiian Monk Seal was declared Hawaii's official State Mammal. Hunting by whalers and by soldiers stationed in Hawaii during World War II contributed to the decline of the Hawaiian Monk Seal, which continues to decline due to increased human activity, predation, skewed gender ratios in remaining populations, and entanglement in fishing nets. HalonaCoast encountered this Hawaiian Monk Seal lounging on Mo'omomi Beach.

 

27. Blue-Throated Macaw

The Blue-Throated Macaw is critically endangered, with only 250-300 individuals remaining in the wild. This large macaw lives only in a small area of Bolivia known as Los Llanos de Moxos. Like the related Blue-and-Yellow Macaw, the Blue-Throated Macaw commands a high price in the pet trade, making the remaining wild population very vulnerable to capture and illegal sale. Clearcutting in their native habitat for the purpose of estabishing cattle farms has also caused destruction of nesting sites and contributed to the population's rapid decline. Whereisbrent photographed these Blue-Throated chicks while working to conserve the species in Bolivia.

 

28. Gopher Tortoise

Gopher Tortoises live in the Southeastern United States, mostly in the state of Florida. These tortoises originated approximately 60 million years ago and are among the oldest living species on Earth. Gopher Tortoises dig and inhabit burrows, which  Due to habitat loss and hunting for food in the past, Gopher Tortoises are now endangered. Minds Eye photographed this one in a protected wildlife reserve in Florida.

 

29. Queen Victoria Agave

The Queen Victoria Agave is an attractive, slow-growing succulent that has become endangered in the wild, primarily because of harvesting by collectors. This agave is native to the Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua region of Mexico. The high prices commanded by mature specimens make the Queen Victoria Agave especially attractive to poachers. These plants may take as much as 40 years to bloom, and die after blooming. This specimen was photographed by Brewbooks.

 

30. Hawaiian Hawk

The Hawaiian Hawk is the only remaining raptor native to Hawaii. Two other raptor species became extinct when humans arrived on the islands. The total Hawaiian Hawk population is estimated at 2,150. Significant threats to the remaining birds include shooting, trapping, and harrassment of nesting birds, causing the loss of nestlings. Eye of Einstein photographed this hawk in her backyard in Hawaii.

 

31. Kinkajou

Kinkajous are a protected species, but have not yet been officially placed on the Endangered Species List. However, their numbers are dwindling fast due to their popularity as pets as well as habitat loss and deforestation. Pet Kinkajous in El Salvador are sometimes referred to as "monkey lions," while elsewhere they are known as "honey bears" because of their weakness for sweet fruits and honey. JPhilipson spotted this captive Kinkajou in El Salvador.

 

32. Golden Lion Tamarin

The Golden Lion Tamarin is a very small monkey native to coastal Brazil, where only two percent of the forest remains. The total wild population of Golden Lion Tamarins is estimated at just over 1,000 individuals, while about 490 Golden Lion Tamarins currently survive in captivity. Golden Lion Tamarins were listed as critically endangered in 1996, but downgraded to endangered in 2003. However, it is unlikely that the wild population will grow further, because suitable habitat is no longer available due to deforestation. DigitalArt2 photographed this Tamarin, who wears a radio collar for tracking purposes.

 

33. Buerger's Tree Kangaroo

The Buerger's Tree Kangaroo is a subspecies of Goodfellow's Tree Kangaroo and endemic to Papua New Guinea, where it is endangered. This tree kangaroo is clumsy on the ground, but agile in trees, and can jump to the ground from heights of as much as 300 feet without injury. Overhunting and habitat loss have endangered the Buerger's Tree Kangaroo, which feeds mostly on the leaves of the Silkwood tree. Daryl Mitchell photographed this Buerger's Tree Kangaroo in the San Diego Zoo, one of only three US zoos working to conserve the species.

 

34. Andean Condor

The Andean Condor is the largest flying land bird in the Western hemisphere, with a wingspan of between nine and ten feet. For a time, the Andean Condor hovered perilously close to extinction. However, captive breeding programs and successful releases of captive-bred animals have increased the wild population significantly. The species is still endangered by hunting, poisoning, and loss of habitat. Condors mature slowly, live for up to 50 years, and reproduce rarely, making wild populations very vulnerable. The loss of a few individuals of breeding age could destroy the long-term reproductive potential of a population of Andean Condors. DigitalArt2 photographed this striking mature male.

 

35. Beluga Whale

Beluga Whales are most recognizable for their white color at maturity, but are also unique in that they are the only members of the Monodontidae family aside from the Narwhal. Worldwide, Belugas are considered a near-threatened species, but certain populations such as to Cook Inlet population in Alaska are critically endangered. Commercial hunting left these isolated populations on the brink of disappearing entirely, and continued hunting by indigenous Arctic peoples further imperils declining populations. Eclectic Echoes got up close and personal with Inuk at the Mystic Aquarium.

 

36. Arizona Hedgehog Cactus

The Arizona Hedgehog Cactus is federally listed as an endangered species. The related Spineless Hedgehog Cactus was recently downgraded to Threatened status. The Arizona Hedgehog Cactus is threatened by mining, ATV usage, illegal collection, and construction throughout its habitat in the Southwestern United States. John Ida photographed this flowering Arizona Hedgehog in the Tonto National Forest.

 

37. False Gharial

The False Gharial is a critically endangered reptile currently classified as part of the crocodile family. There is some debate as to whether or not it is actually more closely related to true gharials than was previously thought. These rare reptiles dine primarily on fish in their native Indonesia and Malaysia, but will also feed on small mammals and crustaceans. False Gharials are endangered due to hunting and swampland clearance causing habitat loss. Already they are extinct in parts of their historic range, including Thailand. Pandiyan photographed this False Ghariyal.

 

38. Tibetan Antelope

The Tibetan Antelope, also known as the Chiru, is the sole member of the genus Panthelops. Only 75,000 individuals remain in the wild, down from over one million a half-century ago. The Tibetan Antelope is prized by poachers for its soft underwool, called shahtoosh, which can only be harvested by killing the animal. This unsustainable hunting, as well as competition with domestic animals and the development of the antelopes' habitat for mining, leads the population to drop further each year. Xi Zhi Nong photographed this newborn Tibetan Antelope.

 

39. Red Crowned Crane

The Red-Crowned Crane, also known as the Japanese Crane, is the second most rare crane in the world. Only about 1,500 individuals survive in the wild, most of which live in China's Yancheng Coastal Wetlands. Red-Crowned Cranes stand up to 55 inches tall, and can weigh up to 33 pounds. In traditional Chinese mythology, cranes symbolize immortality and nobility. This crane in flight was photographed by Bret.

 

40. Banggai Cardinalfish

The Banggai Cardinalfish is endemic to the waters surrounding the Banggai Islands of Indonesia. Its small natural range combined with its popularity in the aquarium trade have caused the Banggai Cardinalfish to be listed as an endangered species. These distinctive fish are attractive and easy to keep even for beginning hobbyists, but the collection of Banggai Cardinalfish from the wild threatens the small, isolated populations in the shallows of 27 islands with extinction. Luckily, captive breeding of these fish has been successful, and the availability of captive-bred specimens should slow the sale of wild-caught Banggai Cardinalfish. This fish was photographed by Macropoulos.

 

41. Euphorbia bupleurifolia

Euphorbia bupleurifolia is an endangered succulent sometimes known as the Pinecone Plant because its stems resemble pinecones. These beautiful and rare plants are native to South Africa. Illegal collection has contributed to the plant's endangered status. Martin Heigan photographed this flowering specimen.

 

42. Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo

The Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo is a subspecies of Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo and inhabits parts of Southwest Australia. This subspecies is listed as nearly threatened, but has rebounded from a sharp decline in the wild population during the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to "sport" shooting. As Australian attitudes toward this form of recreation changed, Forest Red-Tailed Black Cockatoos benefitted from decreased hunting. Currently, wildfires, mining, agriculture, and other factors contribute to a continued decline over at least 50% of this Cockatoo's range. Quadrapop photographed this pair feeding in a Cape Lilac tree.

 

43. Green Sea Turtle

Green Sea Turtles can reach up to 5 feet in length and weigh over 400 pounds at maturity. These endangered Chelonians can live up to 80 years in the wild. The Green Sea Turtle is endangered throughout the world, primarily due to hunting and fishing by humans. Sea turtles are hunted for their flesh and shells in many areas. It is illegal to touch, kill, or harrass a Green Sea Turtle. Rexb did his best not to harrass this wild turtle as he snapped a few photos of it while snorkeling off the coast of Maui. 

 

44. Red Wolf

The Red Wolf is a critically endangered wolf native to the Southeastern United States. Only about 300 Red Wolves remain worldwide. Of these, 220 are in captivity. Bounties were awarded for shooting Red Wolves through the mid-1700s, and hunting continued for some time because the wolves were perceived as a threat to livestock. Agriculture has also contributed to the near-extinction of the Red Wolf by interfering with breeding and hunting. Ucumari photographed this Red Wolf.

 

 

If you need some cheering up after reading about these species teetering on the brink of extinction, try The Top 10 Strangest Motorcycles Ever Built or 50 Funny Road Signs.