Endangered Species

Endangered species are animal popluations that are at risk of extinction. Natural extinctions do occur, but human beings play an integral role in animal extinction and preservation.

Learn More / Page 2

Is the angel shark the holiest fish in the sea? Their name certainly seems to indicate a pure and pious air, and some seafood connoisseurs say that a bite of an angel shark is like a little taste of heaven.

By Molly Edmonds & Sascha Bos

The African wild dog is one of the world's rarest mammals. At a glance, people unfamiliar with the species misidentify it as a hyena. While both animals are spotted, the African wild dog has round ears and longer legs than hyenas.

By Sascha Bos

In the dense rainforests of central Africa, a majestic creature roams. The African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) — smaller than their cousins, the African savanna elephants — holds a vital role in the delicate balance of its tropical habitat.

By Nicole Antonio & Sascha Bos

Advertisement

The Sahara Desert, known for its vast expanse of sand and extreme temperatures, is home to a variety of unique and resilient species. One such species is the addax (Addax nasomaculatus), a critically endangered antelope that has adapted to survive in this harsh environment.

By Nicole Antonio & Sascha Bos

The reticulated python has a reputation for taking the title of world's longest snake. While you can own one as a pet, there are some vital restrictions.

By Desiree Bowie

The 10 rarest animals in the world are still found in the wild but are dangerously close to becoming extinct.

By Sascha Bos

Two fatherless male chicks are being raised in a program to save the California condor from extinction. How are such 'virgin' births possible?

By Jenny Graves

Advertisement

The pink Amazon river dolphin, like some mythical creature from another world, is a shockingly beautiful color, but it is also extremely endangered.

By Laurie L. Dove

Sometimes organisms, thought to be long gone from the world, rise from extinction like Lazarus from the dead, though it is a rare occurrence.

By Jesslyn Shields

This long-fingered primate with the perpetually startled golden eyes is considered one of the most distinctive animals on Earth.

By Jennifer Walker-Journey

The queen conch, a symbol of the Bahamas, is prized all over the world for its meat and its beautiful shell. But too much love has led to a serious decline in its population.

By Alia Hoyt

Advertisement

The axolotl, a critically endangered species, can regenerate virtually any of its limbs or organs and has a face that's totally irresistible.

By Jesslyn Shields

Scientists finally find a mate for a captive Bolivian frog that was thought to be the last of his species.

By Jesslyn Shields

A new study reports that the U.S. Endangered Species Act has helped marine mammal and sea turtle populations to significantly regenerate.

By Patrick J. Kiger

Sure, he could pummel all his fellow beasts in a brawl, but could he stand the test of time?

By Robert Lamb

Advertisement

There is only one tiger species, but new research reports the existence of six subspecies — information that could help us save these dwindling predators.

By Jesslyn Shields

Frogs are like the canary in the coal mine for the state of the environment. And the bad news is they are not doing well.

By Jesslyn Shields

Milkweed is the only thing a monarch butterfly eats. Their numbers are dwindling, but this common backyard weed could save them.

By Jesslyn Shields

The Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (EDGE) Reptiles List includes 100 reptiles, including the punk rock Mary River turtle, that have lineages dating back to the Age of Dinosaurs.

By Jesslyn Shields

Advertisement

Only two female northern white rhinos remain after the passing of Sudan, the last male of its subspecies.

By Jesslyn Shields

DNA technology is helping to curtail the brutal trade in poached rhino horns.

By Carrie Tatro

Panda populations are flourishing, and that's good news. But with the threats of infrastructure and livestock, can that trend last?

By Jesslyn Shields

People flock to zoos to see pandas, lions and monkeys — the ones often referred to as "charismatic megafauna." They also attract a lot of donations. But is there a downside to making some creatures the stars of the animal show?

By Alia Hoyt

Advertisement

Social media couldn't save Cecil the Lion. But the outrage at his death may be helping save other endangered animals and species.

By Karen Kirkpatrick

The coelacanth is a real-life case of the living dead (well, kind of). The massive prehistoric fish was close to being left for extinct — until one was found in 1938. What makes this ancient creature so significant?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus