10 Most Endangered Species & How to Protect Them

That stark reality is echoed in the United Nations’ World Wildlife Day theme for 2022: Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration. In selecting this theme for World Wildlife Day, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) aims to bring greater awareness to the plight of endangered wildlife—as well as to the conservation efforts that could help this trajectory change course for the better.

Because people around the world count on natural resources for everything from food to clothing and shelter, it’s not a stretch to suggest that biodiversity loss is harmful to all of humanity.

“Biodiversity loss is an existential threat to people and planet. The continued loss of wildlife species threatens to undermine entire ecosystems and puts into peril the well-being of all who rely on them,” says CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero. "Yet, this is not inevitable: we have the power to change course and restore threatened species and their habitats.”

In 2021 alone, the US Fish and Wildlife Service delisted 23 species from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to extinction: 22 animals and one plant. Since its passing in 1973, only 11 species in the ESA have been classified as extinct—until now.

Those sobering statistics continue to grow. Roughly 25% of plant and animal groups are vulnerable, with 17 species at the top of the World Wildlife Fund's critically endangered list this year. That list includes two big cats, two elephants, six primates, and three rhino species.

What’s causing this to happen? Climate change is a major part of the problem. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, “Global warming is projected to commit over one-third of the Earth’s animal and plant species to extinction by 2050 if current greenhouse gas emissions trajectories continue.” One of the greatest climate offenders is animal agriculture, which is responsible for an estimated 18.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Factory farming and the environment

When we consider the impact of climate change on endangered species, it’s important to look at the link between factory farming and the environment. Factory farms contribute to deforestation, pollution, and global warming—and animal abuse. The rapidly growing list of endangered species means it’s becoming increasingly critical to put an end to factory farming and repair our broken food system. If we don’t address the climate crisis and mitigate factors that harm the environment, studies indicate that one in six of the planet’s species could be lost forever.

What is an endangered species?

According to the National Wildlife Federation, animals, plants, fish, or wildlife that are at risk of extinction are considered an endangered species. Species at risk of extinction may be recorded on a state, federal, or international endangered list. For example, the Endangered Species Act manages those listed on the federal level. When a species is extinct, it is gone forever, and the ripple effect can impact the entire ecosystem.

What is the endangered species act?

Established in 1973 (and inspired by the bald eagle), the US Endangered Species Act is legislation that addresses both domestic and international conservation. The ESA works as a critical safeguard to keep native plants, fish, and wildlife from extinction. In short, the ESA was established to “conserve and protect endangered and threatened species and their habitats, while also providing financial assistance and incentives for states across the country to create and uphold conservation programs. By fulfilling these commitments, the ESA helps uphold the US’s international responsibilities to multinational conservation acts.

How many endangered species are there?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (ICUN) Red List, “more than 40,000 species are threatened with extinction.” While that number may sound incredibly high, the ICUN Red List takes animal, fungus, and plant species into account, and tracks information about species’ population size, habitat and ecology, range, and more. It also follows threats to those species, and helps inform conservation decisions.

The World Wildlife Fund has a slightly different barometer, separating species into categories from “vulnerable” to “critically endangered.” As of this writing, there are 17 animals on the WWF’s critically endangered list in 2022.

What are the 10 most endangered species?

1. African forest elephant

An elusive relative of the African savanna elephant, African forest elephants live in the rainforests of west and central Africa. African forest elephants typically forage on tree bark, leaves, grasses, seeds, and fruit, and stay within family groups of up to 20 elephants.

2. Amur leopard

Also known as the Far East leopard, the Amur leopard is a rare subspecies that resides in the forests of Northeast Asia. Solitary and strong, the Amur leopard’s lifespan is typically 10-15 years. Their running speed is up to 37 miles per hour, and their vertical jump is up to 10 feet high.

3. Black rhino

The smaller of the two African rhino species, Black rhinos have a pointed (or hooked) upper lip that assists in grazing and feeding on leaves from trees and bushes. These majestic animals have two horns, and are thus often targets of wildlife crime and poaching.

4. Eastern lowland gorilla

The largest of the four gorilla subspecies, the Eastern lowland gorilla has large hands, a short muzzle, and stocky frame. Eastern lowland gorillas live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and are herbivores that subsist on a primarily fruit-based diet.

5. Hawksbill turtle

The Hawksbill turtle resides in tropical oceans, mainly in and around coral reefs. Their beautifully patterned and colorful shells make them valuable to those who would seek to profit off their tortoiseshell.

6. Orangutan

With their long arms and powerful, gripping hands and feet, orangutans live among the trees in Singapore and Malaysia. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that their former pupulation of 230,000 is now down to 104,700 Bornean orangutans and 7,500 Sumatran orangutans (critically endangered).

7. Sunda tiger

Sunda tigers, with their beautifully striped orange coats, are struggling for the survival of their species. While they were once found across the Sunda islands in Indonesia, fewer than 400 Sunda island tigers remain in Sumatra today.

8. Saola

In 1992, the Saola became the first new large mammal discovered in more than 50 years. A mere 30 years , the delicate deer-like Saola is already critically endangered.

9. Vaquita

In the same family as dolphins and porpoises, the Vaquita is now a rare marine animal—and sadly, it’s on the verge of extinction.

10. Yangtze finless porpoise

Known for their intelligence and their mischievous smile, the Yangtze finless porpoise once lived in harmony with Baiji dolphins in the Yangtze River. Baiji dolphins went extinct in 2006, and now Yangtze finless porpoises are critically endangered as well.

How can you protect endangered species?

Protecting animals is a global issue, but small changes can make a world of difference. Supporting conservation efforts, protecting ecosystems, and advocating for animals are all efforts that can help protect endangered species.

You can also incorporate environmentally friendly practices into everyday routines, both by being environmentally conscious and by changing the food we put on our plates.

Turning the tide of biodiversity loss and protecting endangered species may seem like an insurmountable effort. But little by little, we’re working together to change the world for the better. Every choice we make to protect animals and the environment can create impactful shifts that shape the future of a species. Together, we can make a difference.