The world's biodiversity is constantly under threat, with thousands of species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, poaching, and other human activities. Here are the top 10 endangered species in the world, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
1. Amur Leopard
The Amur leopard is a critically endangered species of big cat that is native to the Amur-Heilong region of China and Russia. There are estimated to be only around 80 of them left in the wild, due to poaching, habitat loss, and fragmentation.
2. Vaquita Porpoise
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The Vaquita porpoise is a small porpoise that is found only in the Gulf of California. There are believed to be ONLY 10 of them left in the wild, due to bycatch in fishing nets.
3. Javan Rhino
Photo provided by savetherhino.org
The Javan rhino is a critically endangered species of rhinoceros that is native to Indonesia. There are believed to be only around 72 left in the wild, due to habitat loss and poaching.
4. Mountain Gorilla
The mountain gorilla is a critically endangered species of gorilla that is found in the Virunga Mountains of East Africa. There are believed to be only around 1,000 individuals left in the wild, due to habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest.
5. Sumatran Elephant
The Sumatran elephant is a critically endangered species of elephant that is found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. There are believed to be only around 2,400 elephants left in the wild, due to habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as poaching.
6. Black Rhino
The black rhino is a critically endangered species of rhinoceros that is native to Africa. There are believed to be only around 5,000 left in the wild, due to poaching.
7. Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill turtle is a critically endangered species of sea turtle that is found in tropical waters around the world. There are believed to be only around 15,000 nesting females left in the wild, due to habitat loss, bycatch, and poaching for their shells.
8. Cross River Gorilla
The Cross River gorilla is a critically endangered species of gorilla that is found in the border region between Nigeria and Cameroon. There are believed to be only around 300 left in the wild, due to habitat loss and poaching.
9. Leatherback Turtle
The leatherback turtle is a critically endangered species of sea turtle that is found in all of the world's oceans. There are believed to be only around 34,000 nesting females left in the wild, due to habitat loss, bycatch, and poaching for their eggs.
10. Siberian Tiger
The Siberian tiger is a critically endangered species of big cat that is native to Russia and parts of China. There are believed to be only around 500 Siberian tigers left in the wild, due to habitat loss and poaching.
These 10 species are just a fraction of the many endangered species around the world. We must take action to protect them and their habitats before it is too late.
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