Endangered Species

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

The axolotl 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

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

Scientists discovered some new chameleon species with some very colorful characteristics.

By Nathan Chandler

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

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

After 42 years of protection, the Yellowstone grizzlies will lose their status. Critics worry the bears could become targets for trophy hunter.

By Laurie L. Dove

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

Farming, prey decline, illegal trading and legal hunting all threaten the charismatic but secretive big cats.

By Christopher Hassiotis

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

These fish are some of the most endangered in the world. Overfishing and consumer demand are just two of the reasons they may not be around for much longer.

By Nicole Gugliucci

Seven out of 10 biologists surveyed believe the Earth is undergoing a mass extinction. This is just one of the Top 10 biggest warning signs that we're in the middle of a widespread, human-caused mass extinction.

By Tracy V. Wilson

The Gulf oil spill mutilated tons of habitat for innocent animals and compromised the health of so many others. Read about the Gulf oil spill and learn about its devastating effects.

Meet giant pandas, Mei Xaing and Tian Tian. Learn how the crew at the National Zoo enrich Mei Xaing and Tian Tian's diets.

Learn about the zookeeper who cares for Mei Xaing and Tian Tian. Mei Xaing and Tian Tian are the giant pandas babies at the National Zoo.