Rare and Unique Animals That Are Endangered

 

Unfortunately, many animals are endangered. Therefore, it’s important to spread the word that they need help in order to stop being on endangered lists. So today, I will be walking you through just some of the many rare animals that exist. Plus, you might discover a new animal that you’ve never heard about! 

Photo from SEMARNAT on Flickr

 

1. Vaquita 

 

The Vaquita is a porpoise that is about five feet long. They can be found in Mexico’s Gulf of California. They are gray, but some have white stomachs. They are regarded as the world’s rarest marine mammals. According to the International Committee for the Recovery of the Vaquita, there are only about 60 left. This is due to illegal fishing operations and the Earth’s warming temperatures.  

 

Photo by Bill Robichaud from Global Wildlife Conservation on Flickr

 

2. Saola

 

Saolas look like antelopes, and they are cousins of cattle. They can be found in Vietnam and Laos. Due to hunting and urbanization, they are claimed to be rare and critically endangered animals. 

 

 

 

Photo from Wikimedia Commons

 

3. Pika

 

The Pika is a small mammal that is native to China. They can be found on mountain ranges at high elevations. They eat grass, and their bodies are only around 7 to 8 inches long. Additionally, they are very rare, and there are less than 1,000 of them left. A big reason for their population decline is climate change. Specifically, rising temperatures and air pollution have harmed them. 

 

Photo from Ivan Mlinaric on Flickr

 

4. Peruvian Black Spider Monkey

 

Peruvian Black Spider Monkeys can be found near the Amazon River. They live in the rainforest’s canopy and eat mostly fruit. They are endangered because of hunting and fragmentation. 

 

 

Photo by David Brossard from Oregon State University on Flickr

 

5. Pangolin

 

Pangolins live in grasslands and forests located in Asia and Africa. They are nocturnal and have scales all over their bodies. They also have long tongues that they use to eat ants and termites. Pangolins can roll themselves into a ball, and they do this when they are frightened. Sadly, they are victims of trafficking for their meat and scales. This has caused them to become endangered. 

 

Due to human activities, many animals are becoming increasingly rarer. It’s up to us to try to conserve the animals that are left and appreciate what we have before it is too late. 

For more information about endangered animals and what you can do to help, be sure to check out the World Wide Fund for Nature and 10 of the Best Organizations to Follow That Help Endangered Animals