Explore the 2023 compilation of critically endangered species accompanied by captivating visuals and intriguing information. Uncover the planet’s most vulnerable creatures and challenge your understanding through an engaging printable worksheet, available to you at no cost.
Critically Endangered Species: The World’s Most Endangered Species
The label of “Critically Endangered” is assigned to the most at-risk species in the world, signaling their urgent need for conservation efforts.
Among the critically endangered species are magnificent creatures like orangutans, gorillas, and black rhinos. There are also reptiles facing dire circumstances, like the Hawksbill sea turtle and bog turtle. Additionally, amphibians like the axolotl and Chinese giant salamander fall under this category, as do insects like the rusty patched bumblebee and golden-eyed stick insect.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) establishes the standards for determining the critically endangered status of animals. When a species experiences a significant decrease in its population size or its habitat range, it may be classified as Critically Endangered. This classification is one of the three categories employed by the IUCN to categorize species at risk, alongside “Endangered” and “Vulnerable.”
Explore a compilation of species teetering on the brink of extinction in the year 2023. Immerse yourself in captivating visuals and intriguing details as you navigate through the names of these endangered creatures. Take a direct leap to each animal by simply clicking on its name or savor the experience by scrolling down to peruse the entire catalog of vulnerable beings.
The compilation provided includes more than 30 species on the verge of extinction, yet it merely scratches the surface of the vast number of critically endangered organisms. Not only does this category encompass numerous animals, but it also encompasses various plants, fungi, and other life forms.
American Burying Beetle
Scientifically known as Nicrophorus americanus, the American burying beetle is an insect species that can be found in North America. Also referred to as the giant carrion beetle, it belongs to the Silphidae family, which is composed of carrion beetles that play a vital role in the ecosystem by feeding on deceased animals.
Characterized by its size, the American burying beetle can grow up to 1.77 inches (45 mm) in length. Its body is predominantly black, adorned with orange spots on its wing-cases, and a notable large orange spot positioned behind its head.
The life cycle of this beetle revolves around carrion. Upon discovering a suitable carcass, a male beetle will attract a mate, and together they will bury the dead animal. Following mating, the female beetle lays her eggs near the carrion.
Remarkably, the American burying beetle exhibits parental care, a behavior uncommon among insects. Both the male and female beetles remain with their eggs, providing nourishment to their larvae using the carrion as a food source.
Originally distributed across 35 states in the United States and three Canadian provinces, the American burying beetle is now critically endangered. Presently, it can only be found in the U.S. states of Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Nebraska.
Axolotl
Scientifically known as Ambystoma mexicanum, the axolotl is a unique amphibian found in North America. Unlike most amphibians, it doesn’t undergo metamorphosis to become a land-dwelling creature. Even as an adult, it retains its gills and remains fully adapted to aquatic life.
The axolotl has attracted extensive scientific research due to its remarkable ability to regenerate its limbs and other body parts.
Unfortunately, this extraordinary amphibian is critically endangered and currently limited to just three locations in Mexico City. The wild population of axolotls is estimated to consist of a mere 50 to 1,000 adult individuals. To put this into perspective, the human population of Mexico City exceeds 9 million, highlighting the critical state of this species.
Beluga
Commonly known as the beluga, the scientific name for this magnificent creature is Huso huso. This remarkable fish belongs to the sturgeon family, Acipenseridae, and can be found in two major regions: the Black Sea Basin and the Caspian Sea Basin.
The beluga is an impressive species, growing to astonishing lengths of over 7 meters or 23 feet. As the largest sturgeon, it also holds the title of being the world’s largest freshwater fish and ranks as the 8th largest living fish overall.
Similar to its sturgeon relatives, the beluga possesses a lengthy body that is fortified with rows of sturdy bony plates, providing it with a protective armor-like structure.
Interestingly, the beluga shares its name with the beluga whale, derived from the Russian term for “white.” This name choice likely stems from the fish’s pale complexion.
The beluga thrives in the Black and Caspian Sea Basins, including waterways like the Danube and Volga rivers.
Unfortunately, this species faces numerous threats. It has long been a target of traditional hunting due to the value of its roe, which is famously known as beluga caviar. However, in modern times, the beluga is confronted with the peril of overfishing, illegal hunting, and the disruptive impact of human-made structures such as dams constructed in its habitat. These factors combine to pose significant risks to the survival of the beluga population.
Black Rhino
Officially known as Diceros bicornis in the scientific realm, the black rhinoceros is a mammal that calls Africa its home. Within Africa, it shares its habitat with another rhino species, the more prevalent white rhinoceros.
Despite their names, the color variation between these two rhino species is minimal, as both boast gray skin. However, there are distinguishing features that set the black rhino apart. Its upper lip is pointed, in contrast to the flat upper lip of the white rhino, and it tends to be slightly smaller in size.
The black rhino primarily inhabits savanna environments in sub-Saharan Africa, and it possesses impressive speed capabilities, capable of reaching speeds of up to 34.18 mph / 55 km/h.
During the majority of the 20th century, the black rhino held the largest population among all rhino species. However, at present, the wild black rhino population stands at a meager count of just over 3,000 adult individuals.
Bog Turtle
Name in the realm of science: Glyptemys muhlenbergii Type of creature: Reptile Native to: North America The bog turtle inhabits bogs, water-soaked fields, and wetlands, existing in scattered groups throughout the northeastern and eastern regions of the United States. With an average size ranging from 3 to 3.5 inches (7.62 to 8.89 cm), it holds the title for the smallest turtle in North America. One can recognize the bog turtle by its diminutive stature and the presence of orange spots, one on each side of its neck, located behind its head.
Why is the Bog Turtle at Risk of Extinction? The bog turtle’s endangered status is primarily attributed to the loss of its natural habitat. Additionally, it faces the threat of being captured and traded as pets. As its traditional environment has undergone conversion, the species has experienced significant fragmentation, resulting in a decline in population numbers.
California Condor
The Gymnogyps californianus, commonly known as the California condor, is a bird species native to North America. Belonging to the Cathartidae family, it is one of seven New World vultures. This impressive avian creature showcases a predominantly black plumage, distinguished by a striking white triangle beneath each wing. Notably, it possesses a distinctive bald head, which may exhibit shades of red or orange.
With a remarkable wingspan measuring 9.5 feet (2.9 meters), the California condor holds the record for the largest wingspan among all North American birds. By way of comparison, the bald eagle, another prominent avian species, typically boasts a maximum wingspan of approximately 7.5 feet (2.3 meters).
In terms of habitat, the California condor primarily inhabits southwestern regions of the United States, including Arizona, Utah, and California. It can also be found in Baja California, Mexico.
Thanks to an intensive captive breeding program, the species was successfully revived from the brink of extinction. Nevertheless, the California condor remains an extremely rare bird globally, with a gradually growing wild population currently estimated at around 200 adult individuals.
Chinese Alligator
This unique creature, known as Alligator sinensis in scientific terms, belongs to the reptile family. Unlike its larger counterpart, the American alligator, the Chinese alligator is found in Asia.
Specifically, this species can be found in a few scattered areas within Anhui Province in eastern China. Unfortunately, the population of Chinese alligators is severely fragmented, with less than 100 adult individuals believed to exist. As a result, this reptile is considered one of the most endangered reptiles in the world.
In terms of size, the Chinese alligator is relatively smaller, reaching a maximum length of around 7 feet or 2.13 meters. This is less than half the size of the American alligator, highlighting the distinct characteristics of this critically endangered reptile.
Chinese Giant Salamander
Scientifically known as Andrias davidianus, the Chinese giant salamander is an amphibian found in Asia. It holds the title of being the second-largest living amphibian globally, growing up to lengths of approximately 5.9 feet (1.8 meters) and weighing around 110 pounds (50 kilograms). However, it is worth noting that the South China giant salamander, the largest living amphibian, might no longer exist in the wild.
The Chinese giant salamander primarily inhabits swift and shallow streams situated in the hilly regions of Central and Southern China. It remains fully aquatic throughout its life, even as an adult, and possesses the remarkable ability to extract oxygen through its skin.
Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle
Name: Cicindela albissima Animal Type: Insect Found: North America The Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle, scientifically known as Cicindela albissima, exclusively inhabits the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park in the southwestern region of Utah, United States. Measuring approximately 10.5 to 12 mm (0.41 to 0.47 in) in length, this remarkable insect displays distinctively pale elytra, or wing-cases.
Thriving solely in sandy dune environments, this beetle preys on insects like flies and also scavenges on deceased insects. It belongs to the subfamily Cicindelinae, which comprises around 2,600 species of tiger beetles. These beetles are renowned for their exceptional speed and agility when chasing prey on the ground.
Duskytail Darter
Name: Etheostoma percnurum Classification: Fish Habitat: North America The Etheostoma percnurum, commonly known as the duskytail darter, is a small freshwater fish that can be found in various populations across the river systems of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.
Belonging to the subfamily Etheosomatidae, which consists of numerous small fish species called “darters,” the duskytail darter is just one of over 200 species within this group.
Measuring approximately 2.25 to 2.5 inches (5.72-6.35 cm) in length, the duskytail darter possesses a slender body with a pale brown color adorned with darker bars. It also features two dorsal fins, with the foremost fin having spines.
During the breeding season, the male duskytail darter develops fleshy caps in a golden hue on its spines. These caps serve as protective structures for the eggs, which the male diligently guards after they are laid.
European Eel
Scientifically known as Anguilla anguilla, eels are a type of fish found in Europe. They belong to the order Anguilliformes, which encompasses a diverse group of approximately 800 species.
It’s important to note that not all fish referred to as “eels” belong to this specific group. For instance, the electric eel is not considered a “true” eel and falls outside this classification.
Eels possess elongated, snake-like bodies and move through the water by undulating their entire bodies in a wave-like motion. This unique method of propulsion enables eels to swim in reverse when necessary.
The European eel, in particular, typically measures between 1.5 to 2.5 feet (45.72 to 76.2 centimeters) in length. Its skin is smooth and coated with a protective layer of slime.
As part of their lifecycle, European eels are migratory creatures. They journey from their breeding grounds in the Sargasso Sea, located in the Atlantic Ocean, to freshwater systems in Europe. After spending several years in freshwater, they return to the Sargasso Sea to reproduce.