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The Ten Most Endangered Mammals

Yantze River Dolphins and Hairy-Nosed Wombats on Extinction Watch

© Dawn M. Smith

Mar 13, 2007
Ten of the most critically endangered mammals facing extinction as a result of habitat destruction and loss, introduced species,hunting and/or poaching.

The top ten endangered mammals based on population size and the reasons for their potential extinction:

1. Baiji or Yangtze River Dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) : With only a few 10s of animals left and the Three Gorges project completing the destruction of their Yangtze habitat, this freshwater dolphin is not expected to survive.

2. Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis): Ranking in as the most endangered mammal in North America, this endangered species survives in small numbers on Vancouver Island. Captive breeding may save them, if enough habitat is maintained.

3. Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat (Coleura seychellensis): With a population estimated between 50-100 and decreasing, the cause of decline is unkown. Barn owls, introduced in 1949 are strong suspects in this potential extinction.

4. Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus): Capping out at 60 animals, this species, once widespread in Southeast Asia, is now confined to Java and Vietnam. Habitat destruction and poaching continue, meaning extinction is likely.

5. Hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus): Approximately 110 survivors are threatened by habitat loss and destruction as well has hunting by man and domestic dogs. In northern India and Nepal where they are found, current forestry practice has negatively changed both habitat and seasonal flooding patterns.

6. Northern hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus kreffti): At 113 animals, this wombat is found in New South Wales and Queensland where competition from introduced rabbits, cattle and sheep has caused its decline. Creation of protected areas may prevent extinction but with one small population, a prolonged drought could be the end.

7. Tamaraw or Dwarf Water Buffalo (Bubalus mindorensis):Found only in the Phillipines, the estimated population is somewhere between 30 and 200 animals. Hunting, habitat loss and disease (rinderpest from introduced cattle) are the biggest continuing threats.

8. Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus): Ranked the most endangered European mammal species with an estimated population of 120 in Portugal and Spain. Illegal hunting, decline in prey (rabbits), accidental killing by snares and poisons intended for other species and road kills all work against this critically endangered lynx.

9. Red Wolf (Canis rufus): Reintroduced in the US. There are about 150 animals in the wild right now, including a remnant population in Canada. Hunting, poisoning and trapping as well as habitat destruction resulted in present status. Hybridization with coyotes is the present concern.

10. Dwarf blue sheep (Pseudois shaeferi): Rounding out the list with 200 animals, this little mammal is found in China, where overhunting and habitat loss continue to contribute to its slide toward extinction


The copyright of the article The Ten Most Endangered Mammals in Endangered Species is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish The Ten Most Endangered Mammals in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.




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Comments
May 22, 2008 7:37 AM
L. Shepherd :
This is so interesting. It's awful to think how many mammals right here in North America are threatened or endangered.
May 23, 2008 5:26 AM
Dawn M. Smith :
Yes, the emphasis is often put on the charismatic megavertebrates-elephants, rhinos, etc. but the truth is that there are many endangered species all over the world including plenty of insects and plants. That's why saving ecosystems intact should be the conservation focus
Dec 2, 2008 12:09 PM
Guest :
Its horrible seeing these animals disappear, I want to work in animal conservation when I'm older (at the age of 12 currently) but it looks like my favourite animal, the Tiger, won't exist by the time my dream will come true! Let's hope they'll still be here!
Dec 29, 2008 9:06 AM
Guest :
hey i plan on being an environmentalist when i am older (11)now. so your website really helps me get data about these animals
Jan 8, 2009 12:01 PM
Guest :
GUEST:
I FEEL HORIBLE WHEN I SEE MORE AND MORE ANIMALS BECOMING EXTINCT, I WISH I COULD DO SOMETHING
Mar 10, 2009 5:53 PM
Guest :
where does the amur leopard come? there are only supposed to be approximately 40 of these left (far more endangered than the amur tiger which is better known)
Mar 10, 2009 6:24 PM
Dawn M. Smith :
Sadly, today I would put the amur leopard in the spot once held by the baiji, which has now been declared extinct.
In attempting to put together a 'most endangered' list I struggled with lack of information on some species (quite a few in fact as many of the big cats and marine mammals, for example, are notorious for having Data Deficient status with the IUCN). Look for an article on the amur leopard in the near future.
Mar 11, 2009 6:30 AM
Guest :
This is exactly what I was loking for!
It is for my homework.
Great information!
:o)
Jun 13, 2009 3:15 AM
Guest :
really great
9 Comments