IUCN Red List near threatened species (Animalia) facts for kids

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species helps us keep track of animals and plants around the world. On January 29, 2010, the Red List showed that 2,657 different kinds of animals were considered "near threatened." This means these animals are doing okay right now, but their populations could become endangered in the future if we don't watch out. It's like a yellow light, telling us to be careful!

Animals We Need to Watch Out For

Worms (Annelida)

Even worms can be "near threatened"! These amazing creatures play a big role in keeping soil healthy.

Leeches (Hirudinoidea)

• The Hirudo medicinalis is a type of medicinal leech.

Earthworms (Oligochaeta)

• The Lutodrilus multivesiculatus is a kind of aquatic earthworm.

Creepy Crawlies (Arthropoda)

Arthropods include insects, spiders, and crustaceans. They are the largest group of animals on Earth!

Spiders (Arachnida)

Many spiders are on the "near threatened" list.

• The Brachypelma smithi is a colorful tarantula.
• The Clitaetra thisbe is a type of golden orb-weaver spider.

Millipedes (Diplopoda)

Millipedes are slow-moving creatures with many legs.

• The Zoosphaerium album and Zoosphaerium amabile are examples of "near threatened" millipedes from Madagascar.

Insects (Insecta)

Insects are everywhere, but some are facing challenges.

Beetles (Coleoptera)

• The Osmoderma eremita is a type of noble chafer beetle.
• The Cucujus cinnaberinus is a flat bark beetle.

Cicadas and Hoppers (Hemiptera)

• Magicicada septendecim is a famous periodical cicada that appears every 17 years.

Bees, Wasps, and Ants (Hymenoptera)

Many important pollinators are "near threatened."

• The Bombus mendax is a type of bumblebee.
• The Formica rufa is a red wood ant.

Butterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)

Butterflies and moths are beautiful and important for pollination.

• The Lycaena dispar is a large copper butterfly.
• The Phengaris arion is a large blue butterfly.
• The Ornithoptera paradisea is a stunning birdwing butterfly.

Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata)

These flying insects are often indicators of healthy water environments.

• The Coenagrion mercuriale is a rare damselfly.
• The Oxygastra curtisii is a beautiful dragonfly.

Grasshoppers and Crickets (Orthoptera)

• The Sphingonotus candidus is a type of grasshopper.
• The Dolichopoda annae is a cave cricket.

Crustaceans (Malacostraca)

This group includes crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

Crabs and Crayfish (Decapoda)

• The Cambarus setosus is a type of crayfish.
• The Potamon fluviatile is a freshwater crab.

Animals with Backbones (Chordata)

This large group includes fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

Fish (Actinopterygii)

Many fish species are facing threats, especially in freshwater and coastal areas.

• The Acipenser medirostris is a green sturgeon.
• The Chitala blanci is a type of knifefish.
• The Epinephelus aeneus is a white grouper.

Amphibians (Amphibia)

Amphibians like frogs and salamanders are very sensitive to changes in their environment.

Frogs and Toads (Anura)

• The Alytes cisternasii is a type of midwife toad.
• The Ceratophrys ornata is an ornate horned frog.
• The Rana boylii is a foothill yellow-legged frog.

Salamanders and Newts (Caudata)

• The Andrias japonicus is a giant salamander.
• The Salamandra infraimmaculata is a fire salamander.

Birds (Aves)

Many bird species are "near threatened" due to habitat loss and other factors.

• The Aythya nyroca is a ferruginous duck.
• The Falco vespertinus is a red-footed falcon.
• The Buceros bicornis is a great hornbill.
• The Pelecanus philippensis is a spot-billed pelican.
• The Pygoscelis papua is a gentoo penguin.
• The Psittacus erithacus is a grey parrot.
• The Strix occidentalis is a spotted owl.

Sharks and Rays (Chondrichthyes)

Many shark and ray species are "near threatened" due to overfishing.

• The Carcharhinus leucas is a bull shark.
• The Manta birostris is a giant manta ray.
• The Rhinobatos productus is a guitarfish.

Mammals (Mammalia)

Mammals are warm-blooded animals, and many large and small species are on the "near threatened" list.

• The Panthera pardus is a leopard.
• The Okapia johnstoni is an okapi.
• The Delphinapterus leucas is a beluga whale.
• The Pteropus vampyrus is a large flying fox.
• The Ceratotherium simum is a white rhinoceros.
• The Manis crassicaudata is an Indian pangolin.
• The Myrmecophaga tridactyla is a giant anteater.
• The Lemur catta is a ring-tailed lemur.
• The Dolichotis patagonum is a Patagonian mara.

Sea Animals (Cnidaria)

This group includes corals and jellyfish.

Stony Corals (Scleractinia)

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems, and many coral species are "near threatened" due to climate change and pollution.

• Acropora formosa is a branching coral.
• Montipora capitata is a type of pore coral.
• Euphyllia glabrescens is a torch coral.
• Favia stelligera is a star coral.
• Goniopora lobata is a flowerpot coral.

Fire Corals (Milleporina)

• Millepora murrayi is a type of fire coral.

Spiny-Skinned Animals (Echinodermata)

This group includes sea urchins and starfish.

Sea Urchins (Echinoida)

• The Echinus esculentus is a common sea urchin.

Soft-Bodied Animals (Mollusca)

Molluscs include snails, slugs, clams, and octopuses.

Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia)

• The Unio crassus is a thick shelled river mussel.

Snails and Slugs (Gastropoda)

Many land and freshwater snails are "near threatened" due to habitat loss.

• The Lanistes ciliatus is a type of apple snail.
• The Anoglypta launcestonensis is a large land snail.
• The Deroceras vascoana is a slug.

Ribbon Worms (Nemertina)

These are long, soft-bodied worms found mostly in marine environments.

Hoplonemertea

• The Argonemertes hillii is a type of ribbon worm.

Velvet Worms (Onychophora)

These unique creatures are often called "living fossils" and live in humid environments.

Peripatidae

• The Plicatoperipatus jamaicensis is a velvet worm found in Jamaica.