The Wildlife Conservation Society is the one that named the “Rarest of the Rare”, that is, the animals which are most seriously threatened with extinction. These species are not doomed, however: the list of most endangered species was made particularly in order to determine which species most need human help. Thus, with the right conservation measures, we might save these rare animals, and stop them from becoming extinct.
1. The Island Gray Fox
The smallest species of fox in the United States has suffered major loss in number of individuals due to a diversity of factors that –this time, surprisingly-are not to blame on humans9not directly, at least): the golden eagle seems to like particularly this species for dinner, while the diseases that the foxes got from dogs devastated the population. There are less than 1000 foxes of this kind left; they may be saved, however, if measures are taken in this respect.
2. The Sumatran orangutan
The Sumatran Orangutan was not considered a different species until 2004. It was clear then that the number of individuals of these species is very little (6,600) and today, scientists fear that they might not even have the opportunity to study this species properly, before it is gone forever. Inhabiting a small area in Indonesia, these orangutans are captured to be sold as pets and are killed by farmers.
3. Vaquita
Vaquita , meaning “little cow”, is the smallest cetacean of them all. It is also the one that will most probably disappear in the next years, according to the “Rarest of the Rare” report. With only 150 vaquitas left in the world, the means of protecting this animal, if any, should be applied fast!
4. The Ploughshare tortoise
This extraordinarily beautiful tortoise is known as one of the most endangered species out there. Sadly, only 400 of them can still be found in the northwestern Madagascar, the only place in the world where the Ploughshare tortoise lives. In these conditions, there might not be any left 30 years from now. Smugglers, who hunt these animals to sell them as pets do not care about this aspect, but those who do are doing their best to protect these harmless beings.
5. The Cuban crocodile
Apparently, it is love that ruins the chances of survival of this animal: the Cuban crocodile uses to crossbreed with its cousin, the American crocodile, thus destroying its own species. Of the 4,000 animals that are left, scientists believe that most are not even pure breed, but rather, hybrids.
6. The green eyed frog
You may not be fond of frogs-and who may blame you- but they too have the right to keep existing on this Earth; especially since this particular frog has, as the name suggests, “green eyes” and as the pictures show, a “charming smile”. The few hundred individuals that are left of this species in Panama and Costa Rica are not doing well because of the deadly cytrid fungus, which is poisonous and killed many of these little amphibians.
7. Hirola
This is the kind of animal that most of us like: gracious, furry and gentle. However, this particular species is much endangered, only 600 antelopes of this kind still surviving. Sadly, they seem doomed, because of the many threats they are facing, such as losing their habitat in favor of farming, as well as natural ones: predators and drought, for example.
8. Florida Bonneted Bat
The” Rarest of the Rare” official report named this species one of the most endangered on Earth because only few hundred still exist in Florida. It was actually believed that it had gone extinct until 2002. Then, scientists discovered these bats surviving in a small colony. With the help of the personnel from Wildlife Conservation society, they might survive after all…
9. Grenada Dove
Although it is the national bird of the island of Granada, this beautiful pink-breasted dove is facing extinction. Its fate seems certain, with less than 150 individuals continuing to exist out there. Scientists do their best to save this species also.
10. The white headed langur
This is a type of langur that most certain will go extinct not far from now. According to the “Rarest of the Rare” report issue by the Wildlife conservation society, 98% of their number reduced in the last 40 year. Native from Vietnam, particularly to the Cat Ba Island, these little animals were used in the traditional Chinese medicine,, thus being hunted down with no consideration for their small number.
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