5 RAREST ANIMAL SPECIES IN THE WORLD

Compiled By: Martin Musoke

Due to the changing climate, species of some animals have fallen victim to a number of threats to their existence such as habitat loss, excessive hunting, disease and all potential hazards faced by many animals in the wild. Below are the 8 rarest animals in the world that still exist but on the margin of extinction;

1. Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis) is a resident of the Amur region of Russia and China. It is exclusively hunted for its spotted fur. The establishment of a preserve in the Russian Far East region has enabled the recent recovery of the species, but a lack of prey will inhibit a return to their former spread. Weighing in between 75-100 pounds, it can run at speeds of 37 mph, leap 19 feet horizontally, and jump 10 feet straight up into the air.

2. Boto/Pink River Dolphin.

Boto (also known as the pink river dolphin) is the largest of the world’s freshwater dolphin. It lives in freshwaters in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems. For years, the dolphin’s populations is rapidly declining and so are their natural river habitats as poachers hunted the animals, using their fatty blubber as bait to catch a carnivorous catfish which is drawn to the scent of rotting flesh.

3. Kakapo

Also called an “owl parrot,” the Kakapo can live up to 100 years. The kakapo (Strigops habroptila) is a nocturnal, flightless parrot with a lifespan of 60 years that is native to New Zealand. The parrot is believed to be extinct in its native range.

They were devastated by the human colonization of the island nation and the subsequent introduction of cats to the region. It is estimated that currently, there are 116 mature adults spread across three smaller islands of New Zealand.

4. Javan Rhinoceros

The Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) is an Indonesian rhino that exists only in Indonesia’s Kulon National Park. The longevity of Javan Rhinos is unknown but may probably live to 30-40 years. They are solitary in nature and rare with roughly 75 of them still surviving. The current mature adult population estimated to be capable of breeding stands at only 18. The major threat to the Javan rhino is poaching to obtain its horn for resale and traditional Asian medicine.

5. Red Wolf

The red wolf (Canis rufus) is the only North American rarest animals in the world, but it is also one of the most threatened. It was extinct in the wild by 1980, but it was reintroduced into Eastern North Carolina by the US government in 1987. At this point in time, the estimated population is believed to be below 30 and still declining.

6. Vaquita

The vaquita is the rarest marine mammal and is endemic to Mexico’s Gulf of California. It was first discovered in the late fifties, and has been battling for survival against fishing nets and illegal operations ever since. It frequents the shallows but is a shy creature, so you’re unlikely to spot one unless you’re very still and have a lot of patience.

7. Philippine Crocodile

The Philippine crocodiles (Crocodylus mindorensis) are not faring as well as the kakapo. With an estimated declining mature adult population of 92-137 members, the species is severely fragmented across the inland wetlands of the Philippine Islands. This crocodile is smaller in stature than its relatives with the largest specimen captured in the wild being under nine feet long. Their primary food sources as adults consist of fish, pigs, dogs, and waterfowl.

8. Cuban greater funnel-eared bat

It’s estimated that there are around 100 mature Cuban greater funnel-eared bats left in existence. They have large ears and a tail as long as their body and head combined. They live in one cave in Cueva de la Barca, on Cuba’s westernmost tip, and are suffering habitat loss as a result of the natural degradation of the cave. There are 10 other species of funnel-eared bats, including: Mexican, Trinidadian and Bahamian varieties