Top Endangered Species to Watch in 2025

1. Introduction

Why 2025 Matters

• Historic milestone for the Red List: 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of the IUCN Red List—the global “barometer of life.” In response, IUCN launched a year-long campaign culminating at the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025, aiming to accelerate species assessments and fund allocation.

• Record-breaking tree assessments: In October 2024, the first Global Tree Assessment revealed 38% of the world’s tree species are threatened. The 2025 update added nearly 900 more tree species—highlighting both urgency and expanded scientific coverage.

• Global biodiversity policy momentum: Following the Kunming–Montreal Framework (COP15, Dec 2022), COP16 (Oct–Nov 2024 in Cali; Feb 2025 in Rome) led to a USD 200 billion annual biodiversity funding pledge by 2030. In Rome, nations agreed to a roadmap to align financial and indigenous-community inclusion targets.

• 30×30 initiative gains traction: The high-ambition goal to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030 became a cornerstone of the Kunming–Montreal agreement and remains central to conservation policy worldwide .

• Ground-level impact via Green List progress: Early in 2025, four new protected areas in West Asia met IUCN’s Green List standards. This adds momentum to area-based safeguards globally, supporting 30×30 .

Taken together, these developments make 2025 a pivotal year—launching data-driven strategies, policy commitments, and funding frameworks to stabilize and reverse biodiversity loss.

Criteria for Selection

Selecting these species to highlight in 2025 wasn’t simple. Globally, thousands of birds and animals are battling extinction—but some have even greater challenges ahead than others. For our selection, we selected species that are perched on the brink, formally listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered by conservationists. That is to say, they are on the brink of extinction unless immediate action is taken.

We also considered how rapidly their numbers are dwindling and why—whether through deforestation, pollution, climate change, or wildlife trade. But there’s more to it than statistics. There are species whose role in maintaining the equilibrium of their ecosystems is essential. Losing them might trigger a domino effect for millions more. And last but not least, we selected species that are receiving special focus in 2025—either through new conservation efforts, international campaigns, or significant research advances. These species aren’t mere statistics—though they’re plenty impressive—these are symbols of the greater cause to preserve our world’s rich biodiversity.

2. Critically Endangered Mammals

a. Vaquita

The vaquita (Phocoena sinus) is the most endangered and rarest marine mammal on Earth. This little porpoise is found only in the northern Gulf of California region of Mexico, and it grows to approximately 1.5 meters. It has a dark eye patch and lips. As of 2025, there are less than 10 vaquitas left, and it is thus functionally extinct in its natural habitat.

The most significant menace facing the vaquita is entanglement in black-market gillnets, especially those laid for another threatened species—the totoaba fish—whose bladder is highly valued on China’s black market. Although the vaquita is banned internationally and a gillnet-free zone has been established, enforcement has remained unorganized, and illegal fishing persists. All sorts of conservation measures have been attempted, including the translocation of vaquitas to sanctuaries, but these actions have been extremely limited because of the vaquita’s susceptibility to captivity.

What makes the vaquita’s case particularly poignant is that it is not directly targeted—its extinction is solely a result of human actions that can be regulated. Its tale is a stark reminder of how rapidly human carelessness can drive a species to the edge of extinction.

b. Javan Rhino

The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is perhaps the most cryptic and threatened of the world’s large mammals. Today, the entire population—estimated at less than 80 individuals—is found in a single area, Ujung Kulon National Park on the western coast of Java, Indonesia. From its former range across Southeast Asia, the Javan rhino has experienced a sharp shrinkage of habitat as a result of hunting and agricultural encroachment.

The Javan rhino is shy and solitary, unlike other rhinos, which makes it hard to research. Poaching is a past threat, but the present threats are habitat degradation, natural disasters (as Ujung Kulon is situated close to an active volcano), disease, and low genetic diversity. Invasive plants such as Arenga palm are also competing with the rhinos’ native food plants.

Hearteningly, camera traps continue to evidence the existence of strong calves, which shows that the population continues to breed. Even so, without a secondary habitat location or population relocation, the Javan rhino is just one disaster away from extinction.

c. Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a world’s rarest big cat and a species that is critically threatened. According to the estimates of 2025, there are merely about 85 to 120 cats in the wild, mostly in the Russian Far East and northeast China. It is adapted specifically to snowy and cold weather and is distinct from other leopards by the thick and pale fur and long limbs.

In the past, the Amur leopard was critically endangered due to poaching, logging, and human-wildlife conflict, most notably from habitat fragmentation caused by agriculture and development. Yet, during the last decade, concerted conservation efforts have slowed the decline and even marginally boosted the population. Anti-poaching patrols, captive breeding, and better ecological corridors have been crucial.

Although progress has been made, the Amur leopard‘s future is threatened by its low population and limited genetic variation. Disease, logging, and construction of roads have the potential to reverse decades of recovery. Its survival hinges significantly on rigorous protection, rehabilitation of its habitat, and cooperation at the regional level between Russia and China.

d. Sumatran Rhino

The Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is the smallest and oldest of all the rhino species. Furred in reddish-brown and armed with two horns, it once occurred from India to Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is now functionally extinct in the wild, and only fewer than 80 are left in fragmented groups in Sumatra and possibly Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).

The biggest threats to the Sumatran rhino are habitat destruction due to logging and palm oil plantations, and fragmentation of populations. The majority of remaining rhinos exist in scattered patches of forest, too separated to breed, leading to a perilous reduction in reproduction. Contrasting with the Javan rhino, which breaks into regular breeding in the wild, the Sumatran rhino has produced few wild births in recent years.

Some of the rhinos have been introduced to conservation breeding facilities, including the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary within Way Kambas National Park. Breeding has been challenging but not out of reach, with a few successful calving providing a glimmer of hope. Nevertheless, scientists caution that without more concerted effort, such as translocating animals to increase genetic diversity and establishing protected corridors between habitats, this rare species could become extinct within our lifetime.

3. Rare and Threatened Primates

a. Tapanuli Orangutan

The Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis) is the planet’s most endangered great ape, with less than 800 remaining. It exists only in the Batang Toru forest of northern Sumatra. The Tapanuli orangutan was only recognized as a separate orangutan species in 2017. The reason the Tapanuli orangutan is so susceptible to threats is that it has an incredibly small range—only a single fragmented forest habitat—so the entire population is at risk from environmental catastrophes and human activities.

The most significant threats are illegal forest destruction by logging, mining, road construction, and the building of a divisive hydropower dam that cuts through what is left of its habitat. These activities fragment the forest, cut off orangutan groups, and decrease already low genetic diversity. Conservationists worry that if the fragmentation proceeds further, the population will drop by more than 80% in a matter of a few generations. To protect this critically endangered species, infrastructure development must be stopped in sensitive areas, and long-term habitat corridors must be ensured.

b. Saola (Asian Unicorn)

The Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), or “Asian unicorn,” is one of the world’s most enigmatic and elusive large mammals. Found only in the dense Annamite Mountains along the Laos-Vietnam border, the saola was initially discovered by researchers in 1993. Fewer than a dozen confirmed sightings have been reported since then. Fewer than 100 are thought to survive, though nobody knows for certain because the animal is secretive and lives far out in the wilderness.

The most significant threat to the saola is random snare trapping. Wire snares placed for other animals regularly capture and harm or kill saolas, though they are not the target. Logging and agricultural encroachment also lead to habitat loss. The species does not thrive in captivity, which makes conservation even more difficult. Aggressive, concerted efforts to de-snares, guard forests, and involve local communities are the best bet to conserve this “ghost of the forest.”

c. Grey-shanked Douc Langur

Grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea) is a beautiful primate that only exists in central Vietnam. Its estimated 1,000 to 2,400 members remaining in the wild are rapidly dwindling. It has an impressive grey body, white tail, and expressive face—but these lovely features have also made it a victim of poaching and the pet market.
The most severe threats are poaching, mainly for bushmeat and medicinal purposes, and habitat destruction through deforestation, road construction, and agricultural encroachment. Forest fragmentation separates groups, limiting breeding possibilities and eroding genetic health. But a new population in previously unexplored forest was found by conservationists recently, providing a bright spot. In response to this, patrols, habitat restoration, and additional protected areas are being mapped, but pressure from human activities continues to be extreme.

d. Raffles’ Banded Langur

The Raffles’ banded langur (Presbytis femoralis) is a timid and uncommon leaf monkey with a limited distribution in Malaysia and Singapore, inhabiting fragmented patches of forest. While it was once well distributed in the area, there are only around 300–400 estimates left today. Less than 70 of them can be found in Singapore, while the majority inhabit southern Peninsular Malaysia forests. Their home has been significantly diminished due to urban growth, road development, and agricultural land conversion.

Being fragmented in small populations, these langurs are severely threatened by low genetic diversity, reduced food availability, and competition with other monkeys. In Singapore, they’re now confined mainly to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and surrounding forest fragments. Threats are being addressed through forest replanting, establishment of wildlife corridors, and cross-border cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore. These will restore habitat linkages and stabilize this gentle, seldom-discussed primate species.

4. Aquatic and Marine Species

a. Yangtze Finless Porpoise

The Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) is currently the sole remaining freshwater cetacean in China, after the presumed extinction of the baiji dolphin. The population stands at about 1,200, with indications of gradual improvement due to stricter regulations and conservation efforts.

Yet, the species is still critically endangered. The porpoise’s river habitat—the Yangtze—is among the most industrialized watercourses in the globe. Major threats are pollution, heavy boat traffic, noise pollution, poaching, and dam-building that fragment their habitat and restrict their access to food. In spite of some water quality improvements and the creation of protected preserves, the porpoise’s future is far from guaranteed. Conservationists still urge more effective enforcement, safer fishing operations, and the creation of additional freshwater sanctuaries to provide a fighting chance for this animal.

b. Ganges River Dolphin

The Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) is a freshwater icon that occurs throughout the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems. It is estimated that approximately 6,000 individuals still exist, predominantly in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. They are blind, using echolocation to find their way around the turbid waters of the rivers.

Even with relatively good numbers compared to other river dolphins, it is considered Endangered. Principal threats encompass industrial discharge and agricultural runoff pollution, habitat destruction by dams and barrages, entanglement in fishing nets, and boat collision. High endocrine-disrupting chemical concentrations have also been discovered in recent research within the body of the dolphins, impacting their health and reproductive capacity. To counter this, conservation initiatives have been initiated with regard to protected sanctuaries, community awareness campaigns, and river clean-up activities. Development of research centers and more rigid monitoring holds some promise for long-term survival if effort is maintained.

c. Ganges Shark

The Ganges shark (Glyphis gangeticus) is the world’s most mysterious and rarest freshwater shark. It inhabits the Ganges-Hooghly and Brahmaputra river basins, a region in which it has been sighted so rarely that even fundamental knowledge of its biology and life style is limited. Fewer than 250 are thought to remain in the wild.

In contrast to its marine relatives, the Ganges shark lives its whole life in freshwater. The Ganges shark is subjected to tremendous pressure from overfishing, pollution, destruction of riverbanks, and dam building that interferes with its movement and habitat. Several of them are incidentally caught in fishing nets and are sometimes mistaken for the more abundant bull shark, so reliable data collection becomes a problem. Its extremely restricted range and slow rate of reproduction render the shark extremely prone to being driven to extinction.

Conservation actions on an urgent basis, such as habitat surveys, fishing regulations, and public education efforts, are necessary. Without these, the Ganges shark might vanish silently before scientists even have a complete appreciation for its status within the river ecosystem.

5. Critically Endangered Avian and Reptilian Species

a. Black-footed Ferret

Previously considered extinct, the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is North America’s most endangered mammal. Through years of captive breeding and reintroduction, an estimated 400 to 500 animals now exist in the wild in the U.S. and Canada. The species is, nonetheless, still very much at risk due to its reliance on prairie dog colonies for both food and habitat.

The black-footed ferret is threatened on two fronts: agricultural and development-related habitat loss, and the sylvatic plague, a fatal disease in both ferrets and prairie dogs. New conservation strategies, such as drone-spraying of vaccine pellets and flea dusting of the burrows, are being employed to fight the threats. Recent advances in cloning have also increased genetic diversity—one of the cloned ferrets has made healthy offspring, giving new hope for the species’ survival.

b. African Penguin & Northern Bald Ibis

African Penguin

The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) has experienced a breathtaking population decline—from millions early in the 20th century to less than 20,000 breeding pairs today. They are native to Namibia and South Africa and are victims of overfishing that diminishes their primary food such as sardines and anchovies, oil spills, climate change, and human disturbance around nesting sites.

Conservationists have been advocating for the creation of no-fishing areas around critical colonies, particularly during breeding seasons. A number of recent policy victories have resulted in permanent fishing prohibitions around high-priority habitats, providing the species with a fighting hope to recover.

Northern Bald Ibis

The northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) is a highly distinctive bird with a bald head, curved beak, and glossy black feathers. Once extinct in Europe, it now survives in small wild populations in Morocco and has been successfully reintroduced in countries like Turkey, Spain, and Austria. Around 700 wild individuals and 2,000 in captivity remain globally.

Despite conservation success, the species still faces pressures from hunting, habitat loss, and migration route hazards. Ongoing efforts include satellite tracking of migratory birds, captive breeding, and community engagement to protect nesting cliffs and feeding grounds.

6. U.S. ESA Updates & New Listings

a. Pangolins

In 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing all seven remaining pangolin species as Endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, with millions poached in the last decade for their scales—used in traditional medicine—and meat. This action would prohibit the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of pangolins in the U.S., making a clear message about cracking down on international wildlife trafficking.

Though pangolins are not indigenous to the U.S., ESA listing boosts international enforcement and deters the country from becoming a nexus in the illicit wildlife trade. Conservationists see the move as key, not only in curbing demand, but in paving the way for protection of species that are being lost in Africa and Asia as a result of human greed and lax global regulation.

b. Grizzly Bear Status Review

In 2025, the long-running debate over grizzly bear protections in the U.S. entered a new phase. Grizzlies, especially those in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, are currently listed as Threatened under the ESA. Some states have pushed for delisting, arguing that local populations have rebounded and should be managed at the state level. In contrast, conservationists warn that the bears still face significant threats, including habitat loss, human conflict, climate change, and limited genetic diversity.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently denied petitions to remove federal protections but is proposing a new management framework that treats multiple bear populations as part of a single “distinct population segment.” This would allow for more flexible, region-specific strategies while maintaining federal oversight. The controversy remains active, with legal, ecological, and political dimensions all influencing whether protections will be lifted—or further reinforced—in the near future.

7. Conservation Successes & Hopeful Stories

a. Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are a rare conservation success story among great apes. From fewer than 300 individuals in the 1980s, their population has now surpassed 1,000, thanks to a combination of targeted strategies. Community-based ecotourism, anti-poaching patrols, veterinary care, and cross-border cooperation between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have played pivotal roles.

Ecotourism has been particularly impactful—revenue from guided gorilla treks is reinvested into local infrastructure, education, and healthcare, encouraging communities to protect gorillas rather than exploit their habitat. Gorilla naming ceremonies and education programs have also helped strengthen cultural pride and public support. Though disease and limited habitat remain concerns, this population rebound shows what’s possible when conservation and community development go hand in hand.

b. Iberian Lynx

The Iberian lynx was once the most endangered wild cat in the world, with fewer than 100 individuals in the early 2000s. Now, over 2,000 lynx roam parts of Spain and Portugal, thanks to one of Europe’s most comprehensive wildlife recovery programs. This turnaround has involved habitat restoration, captive breeding, reintroduction of rabbits (their main prey), wildlife corridors, and strong public-private partnerships.

Genetic diversity is still a concern, but the species’ shift from “Endangered” to “Vulnerable” is a major milestone. It’s also a model for restoring large predators in human-dominated landscapes—proving that science-driven conservation, when supported by communities and governments, can revive even critically endangered species.

8. Conclusion