IUCN Red List critically endangered species (Animalia) facts for kids
Our planet is home to an incredible variety of animals, but sadly, many of them are in danger of disappearing forever. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is like a global report card that tells us which animals are facing the biggest threats. As of August 19, 2018, this list showed that over 3,000 different kinds of animals, from tiny insects to giant whales, were considered critically endangered. This means they are at an extremely high risk of becoming extinct in the wild. Protecting these special creatures is super important for keeping our world healthy and diverse.
Amazing Animals in Danger
Mammals
Mammals are warm-blooded animals, often covered in fur or hair. They feed their young with milk. Many well-known mammals are facing serious threats.
Big Cats and Their Relatives
- Acinonyx jubatus venaticus
- Panthera pardus melas
- Panthera tigris amoyensis
- Panthera tigris sumatrae
- Canis rufus
Primates: Our Closest Relatives
- Gorilla beringei
- Gorilla gorilla
- Pongo abelii
- Pongo tapanuliensis
- Pan troglodytes verus
- Bradypus pygmaeus
Hoofed Animals
- Addax nasomaculatus (a desert antelope)
- Pseudoryx nghetinhensis (a mysterious forest dwelling bovine)
- Diceros bicornis
- Rhinoceros sondaicus
- Dicerorhinus sumatrensis
Marine Mammals
- Phocoena sinus (the smallest and most endangered porpoise)
- Cephalorhynchus hectori maui (a rare dolphin from New Zealand)
- Lipotes vexillifer (also known as Baiji, possibly extinct)
Other Unique Mammals
Birds
Birds are feathered, winged creatures. Many beautiful and important bird species are critically endangered.
Birds of Prey
- Gymnogyps californianus (a very large scavenger bird)
- Pithecophaga jefferyi (one of the largest and most powerful eagles)
- Gyps bengalensis
Parrots and Other Colorful Birds
- Strigops habroptila (a flightless parrot from New Zealand)
- Cyanopsitta spixii (a blue parrot, now mostly found in breeding programs)
- Lathamus discolor
Waterfowl and Waders
Other Endangered Birds
- Houbaropsis bengalensis
- Fregata andrewsi
- Diomedea amsterdamensis
Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded animals, often with scales, like snakes, lizards, and turtles.
Crocodiles and Alligators
- Alligator sinensis
- Crocodylus mindorensis
- Gavialis gangeticus (a fish-eating crocodile)
Turtles and Tortoises
- Eretmochelys imbricata
- Dermochelys coriacea
- Chelonoidis darwini
- Astrochelys radiata
Lizards and Snakes
- Brachylophus vitiensis
- Lygodactylus williamsi
- Crotalus catalinensis
- Vipera orlovi
Amphibians
Amphibians, like frogs and salamanders, live both in water and on land. They are very sensitive to changes in their environment.
Frogs and Toads
- Ambystoma mexicanum (a type of salamander that stays in its larval form)
- Atelopus zeteki
- Agalychnis lemur
- Pseudophryne corroboree
- Leptodactylus fallax (a large frog from the Caribbean)
Salamanders
- Andrias davidianus (the largest amphibian in the world)
- Ambystoma dumerilii
Fish
Fish are aquatic animals with gills, typically covered with scales. Many freshwater and marine fish are in danger.
Sturgeons and Paddlefish
- Acipenser sinensis
- Huso huso
- Psephurus gladius (possibly extinct)
Eels and Other Fish
- Anguilla anguilla
- Pangasianodon gigas
- Cyprinodon diabolis
- Pristis pristis (a unique shark-like ray)
- Latimeria chalumnae (a "living fossil" fish)
Insects and Spiders
This huge group includes many tiny creatures that are vital for our ecosystems. Many are disappearing.
Beetles
Bees, Ants, and Wasps
Other Insects
- Dryococelus australis
- Megalagrion molokaiense (a Hawaiian damselfly)
Spiders
- Hogna ingens (a large wolf spider)
- Liphistius kanthan (a trapdoor spider)
- Patu silho (one of the smallest spiders)
Crustaceans
Crustaceans include crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Many freshwater species are at risk.
Crayfish
- Pacifastacus fortis
- Cambarus tartarus
Shrimp and Crabs
- Typhlatya iliffei (a cave shrimp)
- Johora singaporensis (a freshwater crab)
Mollusks
Mollusks are soft-bodied animals, often with shells, like snails, clams, and octopuses.
Snails
- Achatinella apexfulva (a Hawaiian tree snail)
- Partula otaheitana (a Polynesian tree snail)
- Siphonaria compressa (a limpet)
Clams and Mussels
- Margaritifera auricularia (giant freshwater pearl mussel)
- Epioblasma torulosa (a freshwater mussel)
Octopuses
- Opisthoteuthis chathamensis (a deep-sea octopus)
Corals
Corals are tiny animals that build large reefs, which are important ocean habitats.
- Acropora cervicornis
- Acropora palmata
- Millepora boschmai (a fire coral)
