At African Safari Home we have a deep and passionate love for all animals.
This infographic highlights the Top 10 most critically endangered animals on earth.
The majority of the threat comes from humans and the illegal trafficking / poaching of animals.
It’s a sad reality that money will be the downfall of these incredible creatures if they don’t get our help and support.
You can read more information on these critically endangered species at the World Wildlife website or if you are looking for animals you'll see on an African safari, visit our African Safari Animals page for more info.
1. Black Rhino
The black rhino is the most endangered and protected animal in Africa, with poachers as the major threat.
Rhino horn is in high demand for apparent “medicinal” use in Asia, and is roughly five times more expensive than gold, making this prehistoric looking animal a prime target for poachers.
If you want to see the black rhino in the wild, you’ll need to head to the private game reserves of the Kruger Park, these are typically only available on luxury African safaris where strong protection is in place to ensure their safety.
2. Cross River Gorilla
The hunting and killing of this great ape is illegal in Nigeria and Cameroon but laws are lax and any deaths affect this already small population.
These gorillas are also susceptible to gene loss due to inbreeding.
(They live in small groups and seldom interact with others.)
3. Tapanuli Orangutan
Orangutan means “Man of the Forest” and humans share 96.4% of our genes with this great ape.
Females only birth every 3-5 years and only 1 infant at a time, making any deaths in the group particularly harmful to their numbers.
It is estimated only 800 Tapanuli Orangutan remain.
4. Sumatran Tiger
78% of the Sumatran Tiger deaths are from poaching, with 40 killed on average yearly.
This has left the population down from 1,000 in 1978 to under 400 today.
5. Hawksbill Turtle
The illegal trade of the Hawksbill Turtle shell is endangering an animal more than 100 million years in existence.
The current population sits at around 20,000 but loss of nesting, feeding, excessive egg collection and fishery bycatch affect numbers yearly.
6. Vaquita
The Vaquita is the most endangered animal on the list and the world’s rarest marine mammal.
The estimated population is less than 30 and many expect the Vaquita to be extinct in 2019.
Fishery by-catch is the leading cause of death with 20% on average dying this way.
7. Amur Leopard
The Amur Leopard found in Russia has a dwindling population of 80.
This magnificent creature can reach speeds of up to 37 mph, has a vertical leap of 10 feet and a horizontal leap of 19 feet.
Poaching is the leading threat with the Amur Leopard skin priced at $2,000+ on the illegal trade market.
8. Sumatran Elephant
The Sumatran Elephant population is around 2,400 – 2,800 with deforestation and ivory tusk sales on the black market the leading threats.
The Tesso Nilo Park has been established as a protected area and is the last safe habitat for this endangered animal.
9. Saolo
The Saolo is also referred to as the Asian Unicorn due to its scarcity.
Only 4 have ever been encountered by scientists in the wild and zero exist in captivity.
The maximum population is estimated at 300 with the minimum around 60.
10. Yangtze Finless Porpoise
The Yangtze Finless Porpoise is said to have the same intelligence as a gorilla but requires a large amount of food to survive.
The over fishing of its natural habitat has resulted in killing off its food supply and subsequently put the Yangtze at risk of extinction.
The current population is estimated at 1,000 – 1,800.
At African Safari Home we are committed to raising awareness for animal conservation.
If you'd like to be part of the rhino chipping program or experience conservation efforts up close whilst on your African safari, chat to your tour planner for more information.