Endangered Species of Wild Animals

Although species such as the dodo, golden toad and passenger pigeon have already disappeared, small populations of other species linger on the brink of extinction. Human hunters play a role in the declining number of certain species; however, destruction of habitat, changes in climate and disruptions in the food chain can push animals to endangered status.

  1. Birds

    • According to Animal Planet's conservation initiative R.O.A.R., over 1,200 species of birds are in danger of extinction. Some endangered birds, such as Galapagos penguins, are having trouble adjusting to climate changes, while others, such as New Zealand's kakapo, cannot survive predation by non-native weasels and rats. In Asian countries, species such as the Oriental Stork and white-winged Duck are dying out as wetland drainage occurs.

    Amphibians

    • Amphibians are one of the more fragile categories of animals; these species tend to face a higher risk of extinction than others do reports R.O.A.R. Even large amphibian species, such as the Chinese giant salamander, western leopard toad and Goliath frog, cannot endure human pollution and the loss of habitat. Climate changes can affect amphibians in unexpected ways. For example, the Panamanian golden frog is dwindling away due to disease spurred on by alterations in the climate.

    Invertebrates

    • Invertebrates compose the largest category of animal species. Humans tend to disrupt some species, such as the Illinois cave amphipod and the Kauai cave wolf spider. Other invertebrates, such as the American burying beetle, cannot find suitable prey, which in turn causes further disruptions in the food chain.

    Fish

    • Overfishing is a major cause of decline in fish populations. For example, the Russian sturgeon, Lost River Sucker and Mekong giant catfish are nearing extinction due to overfishing habits. Borneo sharks, angel sharks and smalltooth sawfish are frequent victims of fishing lines and coastal pollution.

    Reptiles

    • Reptiles often face extinction due to habitat loss or disruption. Large species, such as the leatherback sea turtle, green sea turtle and Komodo dragon die out as they encounter humans and man-made obstacles. American crocodiles and Siamese crocodiles also face the dangers posed by poachers.

    Mammals

    • Humans are a mammalian species. The list of endangered mammals includes many types of great apes, the closest wild relatives of humans. Species such as the bonobo, mountain gorilla, central chimpanzee and Sumatran orangutan are endangered. Land mammals, such as the Asian buffalo, Siberian tiger, black rhinoceros and addax, are in as much danger as aquatic mammals, which include the blue whale and baiji.