We live on a huge, complicated planet where new species are found on a regular basis. Even as these fascinating creatures are discovered, uncountable numbers of animals are being driven to the brink of extinction due to rising human populations, climate change, habitat degradation, hunting, and over-exploitation of wildlife.
The natural extinction rate (also known as the background rate) is the rate at which plants, mammals, birds, and insects would perish if humans were not there. It is believed that today’s species are vanishing at a rate of over 1,000 times the normal rate, implying that we are losing 150-200 species every day.
It was difficult to choose species that are likely to become extinct before your children have the chance to see them.
We had to leave out countless additional animals who are in similar terrible situations because we only chose ten. However, millions of other species, many of which are unknown to science, are also on the verge of extinction in the coming decades.
1. Sumatran Orangutan
The status of this species is Critically Endangered. In the previous 75 years, the population of Sumatran orangutans has decreased by more than 80%.
2. Polar bear
Status: vulnerable. Climate change, habitat degradation, and oil development have all played a role in their extinction. Polar bears are expected to become extinct in the next 100 years, according to some researchers.
3. Red wolf
The species is critically endangered. To protect their survival, the last 17 red wolves were taken into captivity thirty years ago. Their numbers have grown to around 100 people now, but they continue to be threatened by destruction.
4. Siberian tiger
The species is critically endangered. The world’s largest cats are Siberian tigers. In the wild, there are between 400 and 500 individuals.
5. Sifaka
Vulnerable status. The genus Sifaka belongs to the lemur family. Hunting, habitat loss, and slash-and-burn operations are all threats to them. There were approximately 250 mature individuals in 2008, according to estimates
6. Vaquita
The species are critically endangered. There are just 100 to 300 vaquitas (a type of porpoise) left in the world, according to estimates. They dwell on the waterway that connects Baja California and Mexico.
7. Western gorilla
The population has been decimated due to excessive levels of poaching and hunting. Experts estimate that the number of Western Gorillas will be decreased by more than 80% by 2046.
8. Black rhino
Rhinos are one of the oldest animal species, almost living fossils. Unfortunately, there are only 4,848 of them left on the planet.
9. Humpback whale
Endangered. Because humpback whales are still a target for the whaling industry, their numbers are rapidly dwindling. The present population is estimated to be in the range of 18,000 to 20,000 people.
10. Leatherback turtle
Commercial fishing and marine pollution pose the greatest threat to leatherback sea turtles. There are currently around 34,000 nesting females in the wild.
