Endangered Species That Could Disappear in Your Lifetime
There is a vast range of biodiversity on Earth, and it ranges from the giant trees in rainforests to plankton that are, quite literally, the mere size of a grain of rice. While that is amazing, the grim reality is that we might not be able to enjoy (or absorb, or see) this amazing biodiversity in the future. Scientists estimate there are thousands of plants and animals that are currently in danger of extinction, and some may go extinct in the next few decades. In other words, they could go extinct in your lifetime.
Not only are we saying goodbye to incredible animals or things to be awed by — but losing a single species sends ripples to entire ecosystems, potentially affecting other wildlife, people whose livelihoods depend on that species, and possibly destabilizing the planet’s climate. Knowing which species are threatened and why they matter is a vital step in conserving them.
Why Species Go Extinct
Species go extinct for many reasons, but the major reasons mostly come back to humans. The top cause is destruction of habitat — when forests are cleared for agriculture, wetlands drained for development, or coral reefs destroyed by pollution. The hunting and poaching of some wildlife can also contribute directly to extinction pressure, especially for species that are valuable for meat, fur, horn, or other trade. Pollution poisons our environments, and climate change alters weather patterns that confuse species and force them to adapt faster than nature intended. Species that are put into new habitats can sometimes outcompete native wildlife for resources.
The chances for extinction skyrocket when a number of these threats come together.
Five Species on the Brink
1. Amur Leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis)
Originating from the Russian Far East and northeastern China, the Amur leopard is one of the rarest large cats in the world, with an estimated fewer than 150 individuals left in the wild. The Amur leopard faces many threats including habitat loss from logging, road construction, and human development, and poaching for its desired spotted fur. Although conservation measures have improved their population to a small extent over the last decade, it is still critically endangered.
2. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle (Rafetus swinhoei)
This freshwater turtle, which is native to China and Vietnam, is one of the world’s most endangered turtles – there are fewer than 10 known individuals remaining. It has been driven to the brink by hunting, egg collection and loss of wetland habitat. Conservationists are working hard on captive breeding programs, but with so few individuals it is hard work.
3. Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)
Affectionately known as the “Asian Unicorn” because of its long, straight horns and reclusive behavior, saola was discovered in 1992. Saola are found in the forests of Laos and Vietnam and are exceedingly rare. It is estimated there could only be a few dozen left today. Habitat los due to agriculture and hunting in the region have driving their numbers into steep decline.
4. Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)
The kakapo is a big, nocturnal parrot from New Zealand, and is categorically different from other birds; it can’t fly, is different shades of mossy green, and can live for over 90 years. Kakapos, once abundant, were nearly wiped out by humans introducing predators such as cats and rats. Intensive conservation work has helped increase the population to 250 birds today.
5. Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
These rare freshwaterand coastal dolphins are found in rivers and coastal regions in Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. Populations of dolphins like those in the Mekong River face critical threats from bycatch, dam construction, pollution, and numerous other threats. The extinction of Bali dolphins would not only be a loss for biodiversity, but it would negatively impact indigenous fishing communities that depend on healthy river ecosystems.
Why Their Disappearance Matters
When a species is lost, it’s not just one strand being pulled from nature’s fabric—most often it’s a keystone species in an intricate web of life. Predators keep prey populations in check. Pollinators, like some bugs and some birds, help plants reproduce. Seed predators occasionally help forests regrow. If we take these and other roles of species out of the system, the system will break down.
The loss of a species can also have effects on humans directly. For example, healthy coral reefs—reliant on a diversity of marine life—act as breakwater structures against storms, and provide food and livelihoods for millions. The loss of pollinators like insects will directly threaten global food production.
Signs of Hope
The good news is that extinction is not a foregone conclusion. Conservation efforts have pulled species back from the precipice of extinction before. The Giant Panda was once thought to be virtually extinct, but decades of habitat protection, captive breeding and numerous other conservation efforts have helped its populations rebound. The Bald Eagle was eliminated from most of its range because of unrestricted hunting and pesticides, and it is thriving again today after properly regulating hunting and banning certain pesticides. These cases reaffirm our understanding that meaningful change is possible when humans act in an authoritative manner.
For the species identified above, conservationists are already working hard:
- Habitat Protection: Creating reserves, national parks, and protected river zones helps keep species safe from further destruction.
- Breeding Programs: Carefully managed breeding can increase population numbers, as seen with the kakapo and some big cats.
- Community Involvement: Educating and empowering local communities ensures that conservation benefits both wildlife and people.
- Stronger Laws: Enforcing anti-poaching regulations and international wildlife trade bans reduces pressure on endangered animals.
What You Can Do
While global conservation projects are essential, individual actions matter more than many people realize.
- Support Conservation Groups: Donating to reputable organizations provides resources for on-the-ground work.
- Make Sustainable Choices: Avoid products linked to deforestation or overfishing. Choose certified sustainable seafood, and buy from companies committed to ethical sourcing.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Small changes in energy use, transport, and diet help slow climate change.
- Raise Awareness: Share information about endangered species with friends, family, and social media networks. Awareness can drive political and corporate change.
- Travel Responsibly: If you visit areas where endangered species live, choose eco-friendly tour operators that prioritize wildlife protection.
The Clock Is Ticking
Extinction is not something that exists in an abstract “future”. It is occurring right now. For the Amur leopard, Yangtze giant softshell turtle, saola, kakapo, Irrawaddy dolphin, and countless others, the next 20-30 years will literally mean the difference between existence or disappearance. These animals comprise our shared natural heritage — once they are gone, they are gone forever.
We are part of a generation that has the extraordinary ability to observe some of Earth’s rarest life forms, and the extraordinary responsibility to ensure they exist for the next generation. If policies are changed, personal decisions are made, and global cooperation becomes the new norm of public engagement, the story of endangered species can at least be a story of recovery, not solely loss.
