Here are several examples of endangered species across different categories:
Mammals
- Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) - Critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching.
- Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii) - Threatened by deforestation and illegal pet trade.
- Vaquita (Phocoena sinus) - A small porpoise native to the Gulf of California, critically endangered primarily due to bycatch in fishing nets.
Birds
- California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus) - Once near extinction, efforts have helped increase its numbers, but it remains critically endangered.
- Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) - A flightless parrot from New Zealand, critically endangered due to habitat destruction and introduced predators.
- Spix's Macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) - Once believed extinct in the wild, this parrot remains critically endangered, with conservation efforts ongoing.
Reptiles
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) - Critically endangered due to illegal trade of their shells and habitat loss.
- Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) - A fish-eating crocodile found in India and Nepal, critically endangered from habitat loss and entanglement in fishing gear.
- Psychedelic Rock Gecko (Cnemaspis psychedelica) - Found in Vietnam, critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and the pet trade.
Amphibians
- Golden Toad (Incilius periglenes) - Once abundant, now presumed extinct due to climate change and habitat destruction.
- Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) - Primarily found in lakes near Mexico City, endangered due to habitat loss and pollution.
- Harlequin Frog (Atelopus varius) - Endangered due to habitat loss and chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease affecting amphibians.
Fish
- Devils Hole Pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis) - A critically endangered fish, living in a single water-filled cavern in Nevada, USA; threats include habitat degradation and climate change.
- Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) - Overfishing has led to significant population declines, and it is classified as endangered.
- Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei) - Critically endangered with only a few known individuals left, primarily due to habitat loss and poaching.
Invertebrates
- Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) - Facing threats from habitat loss and climate change, populations have significantly declined.
- Hine's Emerald Dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) - Endangered due to habitat destruction and loss of wetlands in the Midwest U.S.
- Saint Helena Olive (Nesiota elliptica) - A critically endangered plant with fewer than 20 known individuals remaining, primarily due to habitat loss.
Conservation efforts are critical for helping these species, many of which are on the brink of extinction due to human activities and environmental changes.