When people think of an “endangered species”, they may think of animals like tigers, pandas, elephants or rhinos. All of these species have been circled by several posts on social media, or have been propagated through campaigns by wildlife organizations. While those species are essential and worthy of conservation, they are not the only species facing extinction! All around the world, thousands of less known species going extinct every day, without being acknowledged by the public, the media or even the broader conservation community.

These are all endangered but unnoticed — disappearing under the radar of the vast majority of humans. This article explores some of these invisible stories of animals, why we do not engage in them, and what we stand to lose by ignoring them.

The Visibility Problem in Conservation

The vast majority of conservation funding and public interest is directed toward what is referred to as charismatic megafauna – large, attractive animals. This makes sense from a marketing standpoint. Its easier to engage people in saving a panda with big eyes, or a tiger with big paws compared to a little amphibian or some obscure insect. The problem with this behavior is that it pulls funding and protection attention away from other species which, include some endangered and threatened species.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimate that there are over 42,000 species that are going extinct. The majority include insects, amphibians, freshwater fish and plants – many of which are critical to our ecosystems but are not in the public’s eye.

Species That Don’t Make Headlines

Here are a few examples of critically endangered species most people have never heard of — yet each plays a vital role in their environment.

1. Lord Howe Island Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis)

Once considered extinct to science, this large flightless insect with multiple fins was rediscovered by scientists in 2001 on a solitary rocky outcrop located around 300 km off the coast of Australia. Fewer than 30 individuals were discovered. Despite its bizarre appearance, the insect is harmless and has a crucial role as part of its island ecosystem. Called the “tree lobster,” it’s being reared in captivity, but plans for reintroduction into its native habitat are still debated cautiously.

2. Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a long-snouted crocodilian from the Indian subcontinent, is hanging on, with only about 650 mature individuals remaining on earth. Unlike many of the more notorious crocodiles, the gharial does not pose a risk to humans and has an important role in keeping fish populations healthy in rivers. They are precarious however, and face extinction due to river pollution, sand mining and reduced access to nesting sites. Still, the gharial remains overlooked and under-appreciated.

3. Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)

Known as the “Asian unicorn”, the saola is a super rare antelope-like creature found in Laos and Vietnam. This species was only discovered in 1992, and it is so elusive that almost no one has ever seen it alive in the wild. Scientists believe there are less than 100 left in the world, but despite its mysterious-ness and uniqueness, it receives very little attention outside of scientific literature.

4. Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita)

This peculiar bird species with a featherless head and a curved beak was once abundant in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Today, only very small populations remain, and it is critically endangered. Habitat loss, disturbance from tourism, and hunting have brought this bird to the brink, while it remains overshadowed by more picturesque birds.

5. Freshwater Mussels (Family: Unionidae)

There are thousands of species of freshwater mussels that are endangered, especially in North America. These low-key animals help sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems. They filter and improve water quality and provide habitat for other species. But pollution, dams, and invasive species have resulted in a significant reduction in their populations. Many don’t even know they exist, let alone that they might be endangered.

Why These Species Are Ignored

Several factors contribute to the lack of attention given to these endangered species:

1. Lack of Charisma or Familiarity

Animals with “cute” or striking appearances tend to receive more media attention. Conversely, insects, amphibians, fish, and reptiles don’t tend to have the aesthetic appearances needed to garner public sympathy even though they serive a more ecologically important role.

2. Poor Publicity

Famous conservation groups typically drive campaigns around animals that will yield money or world awareness. A tiger or polar bear raises awareness, while a worm or a mussel does not.

3. Geographic Isolation

Some endangered species are located in remote regions or politically unstable areas, which makes research and media coverage difficult. When there is a lack of access or safety to explore their habitats, there is a tendency to forget about the species.

4. Data Deficiency

Many lesser-known species are poorly studied. Without adequate data on population, habitat, or threats, it’s hard to create a compelling conservation campaign or secure funding.

The Consequences of Ignoring the Forgotten

Ignoring these lesser-known endangered species comes with a price. Every single species interacts with other species within an ecosystem, often in ways we cannot predict. The loss of a single small organism, such as a microbe or fungus, within an ecosystem can have cascading effects.

For instance, the disappearance of freshwater mussels could change water quality and fish populations. If particular insects were lost, it could trigger a collapse in pollination services for many more species, harming agriculture and plant diversity. By neglecting one species, we may be threatening countless others in a web of connections throughout the ecosystem.

Not only do we lose species, but we also lose genetic resources to hybrid species that give ecosystems resilience to climate change and disease. Moreover, some of these species may have medicinal, agricultural, or ecological secrets that we have yet to uncover.

Efforts to Change the Narrative

Fortunately, some conservationists and researchers are working to bring attention to these overlooked species.

1. EDGE of Existence Program

Run by the Zoological Society of London, EDGE focuses on species that are both Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered. This includes many underappreciated creatures like the olm (a blind cave salamander), pangolins, and the purple frog.

2. Citizen Science and Education

Grassroots efforts to educate the public about local endangered species can make a big difference. Nature walks, citizen data collection, and wildlife photography competitions focused on rare but “unpopular” animals help increase awareness.

3. Red List Inclusion

Efforts are also underway to expand and update the IUCN Red List to include more invertebrates, plants, and fungi — all crucial but historically underrepresented in conservation databases.

4. Local Hero Programs

Some conservation groups are empowering local communities to act as stewards of lesser-known endangered species. These efforts not only help the environment but also provide sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism or habitat management.

What You Can Do

You don’t have to be a scientist to make a difference. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Learn About Lesser-Known Species: Broaden your knowledge and share it with others.
• Support Underfunded Conservation Groups: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that focus on uncharismatic or ignored species.
• Speak Up: Use your voice on social media or in your community to highlight lesser-known endangered species.
• Be an Informed Consumer: Avoid products that contribute to habitat destruction, like unsustainable palm oil or illegal wildlife products.
• Support Biodiversity Research: Many small organizations work on the ground with minimal funding. Even small contributions can go a long way.

Conclusion: Every Species Counts

It’s time to broaden our view of what an endangered species might include. The iconic tiger and cuddly panda deserve our care and protection, but so do the ghostly saola, the ancient freshwater mussel, and the elusive stick insect. These may not be stars in the public eye, but they are equally important for the health and diversity of our planet.

By ignoring these obscure creatures and animal’s, we only hasten their extinction — we also compromise the entire ecological web that supports all life on Earth, including our own. Conservation must be more than a popularity contest. It needs to be a shared responsibility that values all life – not just the ones glamorous enough to be photographed.