The planet is a treasure trove of various different life species– some of which may still have yet to be discovered. They also play a massive role in contributing to the inner workings of the ecosystem in such diverse ways. Many of these animals, however, are on the brink of extinction. From human deforestation and poaching to limited food supply and reproductive rates, there are several factors that can impact their ultimate survival. According to Do Something, 30 to 50% of all species could potentially be threatened by extinction. Read on to find out which species are on high alert to going completely extinct. 

1. Javan Rhino

Out of all five rhino species, the Javan rhino is the most endangered. With fewer than 70 left in the wild, they are likely to go extinct from disease, poaching, and habitat destruction. These rhinos are known to be found roaming in the Ujong Kulon National Park in Indonesia. In Vietnam, the last known Javan rhino in this area was poached in 2010. 

2. Sea Turtle

Climate change, poaching, pollution, and habitat loss have all directly contributed to the decrease in sea turtles globally. In Cambodia, however, nine green and hawksbill turtle nests were discovered in December 2023. With hundreds of eggs now found, this has renewed hope that researchers will see an increase in the population of sea turtles in the future. Aside from polar seas, sea turtles can be found in various areas around the world.

3. Amur Leopard

Due to both natural and man-made fires, Amur leopards are losing their natural habitats. They are also highly sought after by poachers, who kill the leopards for their fur and bones. Their bones specifically are hunted to be used in traditional Asian medicine. As of 2024, there are an estimated 84 Amur leopards left in the wild. Amur leopards are commonly found along the border of Russia and in northeast parts of China.

4. Orangutan

There are two types of orangutans, which are the Bornean and Sumatran. Both of these orangutans have had a major decrease in population due to their loss of habitat. Their forests in the Southeast Asian islands have been abolished to source palm oil. The Bornean orangutan’s numbers have declined from 230,000 to 104,700 in the last century, whereas the Sumatran orangutan now only has a total population of about 13,846.

5. Vaquita

The vaquita wasn’t discovered until 1958 in Mexico. However, it’s been reportedly endangered since 1996 and is the most endangered marine animal in the world. There are about 10 of these porpoises left in Mexico, which is largely due to them drowning in gillnets that are used during illegal fishing outings.

6. Hawaiian Monk Seal

In the last 60 years, this particular seal’s population has been on the decline with about 1,600 left in the world. The species suffers from having low juvenile survival as well as limited food availability, specifically in the northwestern parts of Hawaii. Aside from Hawaii, these seals have also been spotted at Johnston Atoll, which is about 1,000 miles away from southwest Hawaii.

7. Elephant

Aside from the elephant population steadily increasing in southern Africa, their population is still decreasing in the central and eastern parts of Africa. Overall, there are about 415,000 elephants left on the continent. Certain populations like the Asian elephant, however, are nearly extinct due to poaching.

8. Gorilla

The Eastern and Western gorillas of Africa are critically endangered with an estimated couple hundred left in the wild. Not only are they declining from poaching, disease, and habitat loss, but their population is also slow to recover from having a low reproductive rate. Female gorillas only give birth every four to six years.

9. Sunda Tiger

With less than 400 of these tigers left on the planet, this leaves the Sunda tiger to be the most endangered out of all the big cats. There have been conscious efforts to keep the Sunda tiger in existence, but deforestation and poaching have made the venture difficult. All remaining Sunda tigers are now found in Sumatra.  

10. Whale Shark

Vessel strikes, inning, bycatch, tourism, fisheries, and climate change are all working against the population of the whale shark. They are known to be the biggest fish in the world, and they can be found in several areas around the world.