Meet 17 of the world’s most endangered mammals

The world’s most endangered animals include about 4,000 critically endangered species that face threats so severe they’re close to becoming extinct. These are 17 of the most critically endangered mammals on the planet, who are struggling to survive amidst habitat loss, poaching, and other threats to their existence.

Gibbons

Gibbons are facing a dire threat to their existence, primarily due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and infrastructure development, has decimated their tropical forest homes across Southeast Asia. As forests disappear, gibbons lose their sources of food and shelter.

The endangered gibbon species include the black-crested, Hainan black-crested, northern white-cheeked, and eastern black-crested gibbons. In fact, only about 30 Hainan black-crested gibbons remain in the world.

Gibbon populations are also heavily impacted by illegal wildlife trade, as they are often captured and sold as luxury pets. Conservationists in Asia are working to eradicate this practice, disrupting online wildlife trafficking networks and lobbying for stricter regulations. 

Western chimpanzee

This subspecies of chimpanzee has been listed as critically endangered since 2016. The population of these chimps is heavily fragmented across Africa, making it hard to quantify the number of western chimpanzees left in the wild.

Western chimpanzees are a fascinating subspecies and have been observed crafting wooden spears to hunt down other primates, cracking open nuts with rocks, and playing in pools on hot days.

Their dwindling population faces daily threats from poachers and deforestation. The exotic pet trade also impacts western chimpanzees—for every baby chimpanzee that becomes a pet, it is estimated that ten are killed in the process.

IFAW works with other conservation organisations to fight the exotic pet trade.

Dama gazelle

Listed as critically endangered on the IUCN red list, there are believed to only be 100-200 mature individual dama gazelles left in the wild. This species of gazelle is found in small pockets of savannah across northern Africa, though it is extremely rare to spot one in the wild.

The main threat this species faces is habitat destruction caused by the overgrazing of domestic livestock. They also are hunted by nomadic peoples, which can be challenging for local governments to properly regulate.

Kouprey

Also known as a grey ox or forest ox, the kouprey is one of the most endangered mammals in the world. They are considered ‘possibly extinct’, with between zero and 50 mature individuals left in the wild. Inhabiting the wild areas of Cambodia and Laos, the other kouprey populations across Asia—including those in Thailand and Vietnam—are totally extinct.

The biggest threat the kouprey faces is habitat loss, as logging and agricultural expansion decimate the areas they call home. Additionally, poaching and hunting for their meat and horns have further decimated their population.

Conservation efforts have been challenging due to the kouprey’s elusive nature and the remote regions they inhabit, though organisations are working to protect natural habitats and outlaw poaching.

Baiji

Baiji are thought to be the first dolphin species driven to extinction due to human impact.

A freshwater dolphin species native to the Yangtze River system in China, their population is severely fragmented, so it is difficult to estimate numbers in the wild. The last baiji recorded in the wild was in 2001, despite a full-scale search for more in 2016.

Unsustainable fishing practices in China are likely the prime cause of the steep decline seen by baiji populations, along with general habitat degradation.

IFAW is heavily involved in dolphin rescue and conservation worldwide, with hopes that no other dolphin species end up following in the footsteps of the possibly extinct baiji.

Wild Bactrian camel

The main threats to wild Bactrian camels are poaching and climate change, with only around 950 mature individuals left alive in the desert areas of northern China and Mongolia.

Due to drought in the area, the number of oases—the only water source for these wild camels—is declining rapidly, causing swift population loss. The remaining habitat in Mongolia is also degraded by domestic livestock, as agricultural practices increase and camels face more competition for food and water.

North Atlantic right whale 

The North Atlantic right whale is critically endangered. The population currently sits at fewer than 340 individuals, only 70 of which are reproductive females. The majority of this population decline can be attributed to human actions.

Ocean noise pollution, commercial fishing practices, transatlantic shipping lanes, and habitat decline are all threats to North Atlantic right whales.

IFAW is dedicated to the conservation of whale species across the globe, with special programs in place for the North Atlantic right whale. Small changes, like slower shipping speeds, changes to fishing technology, broader climate education, and ocean noise reduction are all part of our daily work to save this species.

Saiga antelope

This antelope species has been on the critically endangered list since 2018. Though there are over 100,000 mature individuals still alive in the wild, this number has been steeply decreasing.

However, conservation efforts have been successful—without action taken by organisations like IFAW, the saiga likely would have become extinct in the past decade.

These migratory animals living in northern Asia face threats from hunting and climate change. They are poached for their large, distinctive horns that some cultures believe to have medicinal properties. Habitat degradation and climate change have also reduced available grazing lands and caused population decline.

Various organisations and governments have implemented measures like increased anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs in an effort to protect saiga populations.

Golden-mantled tree kangaroo

Though Australia is teeming with kangaroos, this specific subspecies is found only in a tiny forested region of Papua New Guinea. Classed by the IUCN as critically endangered, there are thought to be only around 500 mature individuals in the wild.

Widespread deforestation of the region for agriculture and logging has eroded their native rainforest homes, reducing their available habitats and food sources.

Additionally, hunting for their meat by locals for sustenance poses a significant threat.

Local community organisations collaborate to protect these kangaroos’ habitats, but more must be done internationally to save the species from extinction.

Single-striped opossum

The single-striped opossum, also known as the one-striped opossum, is considered possibly extinct. It is believed there are only two to ten single-striped opossums left in the wild—only two encounters have ever been recorded.

Found in central South America, urbanisation, agriculture expansion, and deforestation have diminished their forest habitats, isolating populations and limiting their access to food and ability to find mates. Climate change makes them even more vulnerable by altering their ecosystems.

Efforts to protect single-striped opossums are similar to efforts for other small mammals living in the forests of South America—establishing wildlife corridors to connect isolated populations, preserving remaining forested areas, and promoting sustainable land use practices among local communities.

Red wolf

The red wolf is critically endangered, with only 20 or 30 mature red wolves remaining in the wild. They live in the US Northeast.

Along with other wolves living in North America, they’re constantly threatened by humans who are afraid of living near wolves—despite wolf attacks being incredibly rare.

In both Canada and the US, IFAW is supporting legislation and regulations to help protect all wolf species threatened by commercial and personal hunting practices. In Europe, where hunting wolves is strictly illegal, we’re working to monitor populations and help enable coexistence between wolves and farmers.

Cheetah

Cheetahs are not an obscure animal, but multiple cheetah subspecies face extinction. There are around 6,000 total cheetahs left in the wild. Two critically endangered species, the Northwest African Cheetah and the Asiatic Cheetah, are mainly threatened by wildlife crime.

In the Horn of Africa, cheetahs are illegally trafficked for the exotic pet trade. IFAW is currently working to combat cheetah and gazelle trafficking in Africa as part of the project Legal Intelligence for Cheetah Illicit Trade (LICIT) in an effort to preserve the species.

European mink 

Though their population is spread across the European continent, this mink species is listed as critically endangered because they face extreme habitat loss and overhunting.

Wetland drainage and pollution has significantly reduced their suitable living areas, fragmenting populations. Initiatives to help preserve these small mammals include habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and the eradication of invasive American minks from European mink habitats.

Bats

While bats live in many different habitats around the globe, 22 species of bats are critically endangered. Furthermore, the gloomy tube-nosed bat, New Zealand greater short-tailed bat, New Guinea big-eared bat, Montane monkey-faced bat, and Aru flying fox are all possibly extinct, with no recent sightings of them in the wild.

IFAW is passionate about preserving the remaining bat species and reversing their endangered status. In Australia, we’re rebuilding habitats for bats and other small mammals that have had their homes decimated by bushfires.

During the ongoing war in Ukraine, we’ve worked to help all types of animal species whose welfare is at risk. We formed a partnership with the Ukrainian Bat Rehabilitation Center to ensure they have the resources they need. Through this partnership, we have rescued and relocated over 500 bats trapped underground and rehabilitated over 3,000 bats.

Cozumel racoon

Also known as the pygmy racoon, there are only believed to be 192 Cozumel racoons left, all living on the Mexican island of Cozumel. Their biggest threats come from humans, through tourism and climate change.

As the island is a famous tourist destination, rapid development has left the racoons with limited space and resources. Most Cozumel racoon deaths come from being hit by cars on the island’s main roads.

Education and awareness campaigns also engage local communities and tourists in the raccoon’s conservation, hoping to protect their small remaining population.

African forest elephant

African forest elephants are critically endangered primarily due to relentless poaching for their ivory tusks, fueled by the illegal ivory trade. Illicit hunting activities have increased since 2008, with poachers killing more African elephants than are being born.

Human-elephant conflicts also pose a serious threat and usually arise when elephants destroy farmers’ crops or get too close to human settlements.

Their presence significantly impacts the environment and wellbeing of other creatures because they dig for water, spread seeds, fell trees, and contribute to ecosystem regeneration.

That’s why the conservation of African forest elephants is vital. These include anti-poaching patrols, stronger law enforcement against the ivory trade, and efforts to reduce habitat destruction. IFAW works closely with local communities to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource management while lobbying for stricter poaching regulations.

Vancouver Island marmot

This species of marmot is found only on a small island off the coast of Canada, with only around 90 mature individuals left in the wild. They’re very social animals who live in burrows in the island’s sub-alpine meadows. As a critically endangered species, the main threats they face are climate change and logging.

Though freshly logged forest areas are initially attractive to the marmots, they provide inadequate shelter for the winter hibernation months, leaving them without a suitable habitat.

Additionally, climate change affects how much habitat is available to the marmots, as they need specific climate conditions to hibernate. They’re far more vulnerable to predators if they begin hibernation late or end early.

How can we help endangered species?

Most of these endangered mammals are in such a critical position because of human activity, so it’s up to us to save them.

Read more about these animals and how IFAW works to protect them.