Animals That Will Be Extinct By 2050

1. Lions

Image source: Reddit

The lion must be one of the most iconic animals on earth.  There are only about 23,000 lions left in the wild and this number is declining all the time.  The main threat to lions is habitat loss as humans have gradually cleared the land for farms and cities so the animals do not have a natural home any more.  Sadly, these beautiful animals are hunted by man and killed for their fur, meat and body parts.

2. Elephants

Image source: Reddit

Much like lions, it's a struggle for elephants to survive.  There are about 415,000 left in the wild but, frighteningly,  the numbers are going down rapidly  The main threat to them is the illegal hunting of them.  The illicit ivory trade is leaving a devastating impact on their declining numbers, especially in Arica.  As elephants are losing their habitat, they are coming into contact with humans, leading to some of them being killed.

3. Rhinos

Image source: Reddit

The reason for the mass extinction of rhinos is poaching.  They are killed for their horn and that is because it is used in traditional Chinese medicine.  In certain parts of the world, the horn of a rhino is said to be more valuable than gold.  Due to illegal trade, there are approximately 5,500 black rhinos left.  This number is actually slightly up on previous years but they are still in danger of becoming extinct.

4. Pandas

Image source: Reddit

The panda is one of the cutest and beloved animals on the planet.   They are gentle giants and  adored by people everywhere.  It's incredibly difficult to breed pandas, even if they are in captivity.  As it stands, there are only 1,800 left and as female pandas only ovulate once a year, if the male does not fertilize the egg within a certain time window, then it's another year before the opportunity arises again.

5. Tigers

Image source: Reddit

Because of a range of threat including loss of habitat, hunting and conflict with humans, there are now only 4,500 tigers left in the wild.  There is positive news and that is that conservation efforts are starting to pay off.  This means the tiger population is gradually starting to increase.  Even though this is the case, because of climate change, extinction is a real possibility.

6. Bees

Image source: Reddit

You may not realise it but bees are one of the most important animals (or insects) there is. They play such a vital role in pollinating crops and they help ensure our food supply.  It has been well documented in recent years that bees are in trouble and there has been a dramatic decline in their population all over the world.  The main reason is the use of pesticides and chemicals that either kills them or prevents bees from finding food.

7. Polar Bears

Image source: Salon

There are only 22,000 polar bears left in the wild which is worrying.  Their numbers are declining  because of ongoing and further loss of their habitat and they have been on the threatened species list for  the last 15 years.  With the earth's temperature rising, the ice that the polar bears rely on for survival is melting and they face struggles to find food. You can see how bad it's got from the above image.

8. Cheetahs

Image source: Down To Earth

There have been lots of cheesy jokes about cheetahs (about cheating)! but, in real life, it's no joke at all.  With only around 8,000 of these animals left in the wild, there is a very real threat that they will become extinct in the future.  Cheetahs are under threat from their loss of habitat,  illegal wildlife trade and they are killed for their fur, used to make clothing and accessories.

9. Dolphins

Image source: Reddit

Dolphins are friendly and extremely intelligent.  They are a popular choice for zoos and marine parks.  Dolphins are, however, in danger of dying out and there are several reasons for this.  One of the main one is human behaviour, for example pollution and really bad fishing practices which can destroy the habitats that dolphins use for breeding and feeding.

10. Sea Turtles

Image source: Reddit

There are a total of seven species of sea turtles and shockingly they are all endangered.  The hawksbill sea turtle is already in grave danger.  Extinction has been caused by a range of human activities.  These include illegal trade of the shells, pollution and fishing.  They have also been threatened by getting tangled in fishing nets or eating plastic.  Coastal development has caused turtle breeding to be disrupted.

11. Orangutans

Image source: Reddit

As we all know, apes are one of our closest relatives.  The main threat to orangutans has to be habitat loss.  Humans have cleared forests so they can concentrate on palm oil plantations so the apes have lost their natural home.  Poaching is a problem.  Many apes are killed for sport or hunted for food.  They can be captured and sold to the illegal pet trade.

12. Whales

Image source: Reddit

Whales are one of the largest animals on the planet and they are also one of the most intelligent.  The size of their brain rivals a human brain!  It's a sad story but whales are regularly hunted for their meat and blubber.  They are also threatened by entanglement in fishing nets and there is a reduction in the fish ecosystems that whales rely on for food and nourishment.

13. Pangolins

Image source: BBC

All species of pangolin are threatened with extinction.  This is due to illegal hunting as the pangolin's scales are very valuable in making up Asian medicines.  Their meat is a delicacy in many cultures.  There have been great efforts to raise awareness about the conservation of pangolin and to try and control the illegal trading which is taking place.

14. Harlequin Filefish

Image source: Reddit

Climate change has affected the marine environments through rises in sea temperature and ocean acidification.  This impacts the coral reef and food sources that harlequin filefish rely on.  There are also coral diseases which affect the ecosystems and harm fish including the filefish.  Marine protected areas have been set up but ignored by those intent on breaking the law.

15. Frogs

Image source: The Daily Dot

Frogs play an essential role in the ecosystem as they are responsible for helping to keep the insect populations under control and they are a food source for larger animals.  Frog populations around the globe are in decline and a fungal disease, chytridiomycosis, is wiping many of them out.  Frogs are killed by human hands for both medicine and food.

16. Lemurs

Image source: Duke Today

Lemurs are unusual because of their unique appearance. Unfortunately, they can be counted as the most endangered animals in the world.  This applies to all species of them, over a hundred and they are at risk of extinction.  The major threat, as with so many other animals, is habitat loss.  Another threat is because of hunting and with the growing illegal pet trade.

17. Mountain Gorillas

Image source: Reddit

The Mountain gorilla lives in the high altitude forests in the volcanic, mountainous regions of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.  As at the present time, they are listed as being an endangered species, with only around a thousand mountain gorillas in the wild.  Multiple threats still remain that can slow down the recovery process for this valuable species.

18. Eels

Image source: Reddit

Eels have a complex life cycle and play a huge role in the waters' eco systems.  They are treated as a delicacy in Japan. The eel population has faced a decline over the past 10 to 15 years because of pollution, overfishing, habitat loss and barriers to migration, for example with weirs and dams.  Habit restoration programs are in place to slow down the decline.

19. Saolas

Image source: Legends on Windermere

The saola can be found in the forests of Vietnam and Laos and is a rare mammal.  It is referred to as the Asian unicorn because it is so rare.  In fact scientists have documented seeing saolas only four times.  Because of its remote habitat, it has proved difficult to implement conservation efforts but much has been done to protect this species and encourage breeding.

20. Koalas

Image source: Reddit

Koalas can be found in the eucalyptus forests in Australia and they rely on eucalyptus trees for both shelter and food.  Sadly, the cuddly animal is under threat.  Apart from habitat loss, disease and climate change have been the main causes.  During these challenging times there are initiatives and conservation programs working to protect koalas and to open wildlife corridors.

21. Snow Leopards

Image source: Reddit

Snow leopards are solitary animals and are experts at camouflaging themselves.  They are  in danger of becoming extinct and have already been classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.  Their population is diminishing due to poaching for bones and pelts, which are used for medicines, as well as climate change and habitat loss.  International agreements are in place in an effort to protect them.

22. Vaquitas

Image source: Reddit

Vaquitas are small porpoises which are found in the Gulf of California.  They are one of the most endangered marine mammal in the world and there are fewer than a dozen individuals left in the wild.  It's sad to know that the main threat is due to them getting entangled in fishing nets.  They are either killed as bycatch or sold illegally to the wildlife trade.

23. Yangtze Finless Porpoise

Image source: Reddit

The Yangtze Finless Porpoise is the only living freshwater porpoise in the whole world.  Sadly it is listed as being critically endangered.  The Yangtze river where it lives has suffered from over-fishing and water pollution and this is a reminder of why aqua life is dying off.  Yangtze dolphins used to live close to the porpoise but they haven't been spotted for over 20 years, another bad sign.

24. Chinese Giant Salamander

Image source: Reddit

Chinese giant salamanders can be found in the cold streams, clean rivers and lakes of China.  They send almost all their time in water and don't often venture onto land.  The salamander is the largest amphibian the world and there are various initiatives to protect the salamander population.  These include trade regulations and public awareness, together with captive breeding programs.

25. African Wild Dog

Image source: Reddit

The African wild dog can be recognised by its unusual appearance and its exceptional hunting capabilities.  It's also known to be one of the most endangered large mammals in Africa.  Population has drastically decline due to human/wildlife conflict and diseases which have been transmitted from domestic dogs.  Captive breeding programs have been instigated to protect them.

26. Bactrian Camel

Image source: Reddit

The Bactrian camel is more commonly known and recognised as the camel with two humps.  It can be found in very dry areas of central Asia and is a hardy animal.  This breed of camel is critically endangered and shockingly, only a few hundred of them remain in the wild.  Loss of them has been through competition with livestock and illegal human activity.

27. Komodo Dragons

Image source: Reddit

Besides national parks, Komodo dragons can be found on the mainland of Flores.  They have to be protected as they are vulnerable to the changes in habit and even loss of habitat.  Because komodo dragons are so sensitive to change it is estimated that their population could diminish as time goes by and conservation projects have already been set up.

28. Giant Ibis

Image source: Alliance

This unusual majestic bird is known for its distinctive appearance, impressive size and, unfortunately, its rarity. The giant ibis is, not surprisingly, critically endangered and its population, already small, is continuing to decline. Threats to the giant ibis is mainly down to illegal hunting and the wetlands it loves is being developed for agriculture.

29. Jamaican Iguana

Image source: Perch

The Jamaican iguana is native to Jamaica.  It's one of the largest of the lizard family native to the Caribbean and has a very unusual appearance.  It needs to be saved from extinction as numbers are decreasing, making it a very endangered species.  Its main threat comes from habitat destruction, illegal hunting and invasive species, particularly rats and mongooses.

30. Rameshwaram Parachute Spider

Image source: Pinterest

This species of tarantula has only recently been discovered and has proved fascinating due to it ballooning where it uses silk threads to make its way through the air!  It has not yet been classified as endangered but experts are of the opinion that, as it is a new type of spider, interest in it will cause the numbers to decline - another sad story we don't want to hear.

31. Amur Leopard

image source: reddit.com

The Amur leopard is a species of leopard that looks a little different to the leopard you might be used to seeing! This is mainly based on the broader shoulders and the appearance of a shorter neck. It's a subspecies found in southeastern Russia and China, and it's currently on the critically endangered species list. There were only estimated to be up to 26 of these leopards left.

32. Sumatran Elephant

image source: reddit.com

The Sumatran elephant is another critically endangered animal expected to be extinct by 2050, and it's one of the three subspecies of Asian elephant that are known in the world today. It can be found on Sumatra, in Indonesia, and there are only between 2,400 and 2,800 left of this species in the world. These elephants can be a little darker in color to African elephants.

33. Arabian Leopard

image source: reddit.com

Another subspecies of leopard - and another critically endangered - is the Arabian leopard, which is native to the Arabian Peninsula. There are only around 200 of these leopards left, and it's been under threat since around 1996. This leopard subspecies is recognisable for being much smaller than the average leopard, with a shorter body and smaller head.

34. Red Wolf

image source: reddit.com

The red wolf is a wild wolf with a stunning rusty-red coat, and its size is sort of a middle ground between a gray wolf, and a coyote. It can be found in the southeast part of the United States, but it's currently critically endangered and likely to go extinct in future years. Of all the species of wolves in the world, it's the most in danger, with only around 35 of them left.

35. Sunda Tiger

image source: reddit.com

You can tell looking at this subspecies of tiger that it looks slightly different around the face than the average tiger. It's a subspecies native to the Sunda Islands - where it gets its name - in Indonesia. The stripes on this tiger are usually more pronounced in deep black, and there are believed to only be around 400 of them left in the wild, mainly due to loss of habitat and poaching.

36. African Lion

image source: reddit.com

The African lion is one of the largest subspecies of lion in the world - and we know all of them can get pretty big! This lion is native to both Africa and India, and its known for its short head and its very muscular and broad body. As in most species of lions, the male is larger than the female. There are only around 24,000 of these lions left in the wilds of Africa.

37. Bornean Orangutan

image source: reddit.com

The Bornean orangutan is a subspecies of orangutan found on the island of Borneo, and it's one of the three species of giant apes which are native to Asia: this one, the Sumatran orangutan and the Tapanuli orangutan. Its numbers has decreased by over 50% over 100 years, and it's now on the critically endangered list, at around 104,700 of these giant apes left.

38. Asian Elephant

image source: reddit.com

The Asian elephant is distinctive from the African elephant because it usually has a lot more visible hair on its body. This elephant is the largest land mammal in the whole of Asia, but it's also critically endangered and expected to go extinct by 2050. They can usually be found in forests or grasslands, both dry and wet. It's been on the endangered species list since around 1986.

39. Eastern Lowland Gorilla

image source: reddit.com

This subspecies of gorilla can be found in the mountain forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the east, and is currently one of the most critically endangered subspecies. This gorilla is actually protected from poachers by conservation efforts to preserve it. There are only around 5,000 of them left in the wild, and they're actually one of the most intelligent species of primates.

40. Black-Footed Ferret

image source: reddit.com

The black-footed ferret is also known as the prairie dog hunter or the American polecat - but whatever name you choose to use for it, it's unfortunately still a critically endangered animal. It's native to North America, and is around the same size as a mink. It looks very similar to other species of polecat but can be distinguished by its namesake: those black feet!

41. Red Panda

image source: reddit.com

Red pandas are very distinctive animals for their rusty red coats and stripy tails. While unique in appearance, they're also currently on the critically endangered list, with the possibility of going extinct in the future. This small panda is native to the eastern parts of the Himalayas, as well as southwest China. It's estimated that there are around 2.5 to 10 thousand of these pandas left in the world.

42. Bonobo

image source: reddit.com

Bonobos are a subspecies of chimpanzee, and they're very similar in appearance. In regards to their social structure, however, bonobos and chimpanzees differ. Bonobos tend to live in groups, which are then lead by a female. They also tend to behave more peacefully than chimps do. Currently, bonobos are on the critically endangered species list.

43. Sumatran Rhino

image source: reddit.com

The Sumatran rhino looks very different to other species of rhino, and mostly due to their face and horn shape. They also have more hair on their bodies, resulting in them also being known as the 'hairy rhinoceros'. It's actually a rare subspecies of rhino, that's sadly becoming even more rare due to the dwindling numbers, putting them on the endangered species list.

44. Pygmy Raccoon

image source: reddit.com

The pygmy raccoon is also known as the Cozumel raccoon, and you can recognize it by its very thin, long legs and thinner body in comparison to the average raccoon, which tends to be a little broader with shorter legs. The pygmy raccoon can be found off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, on Cozumel island, and is currently a critically endangered species.

45. African Forest Elephant

image source: reddit.com

The African forest elephant is one of the more well-known species of elephant, being one of two of African elephant species. But just because it's more well known doesn't mean it's high in number, and not under threat. The African forest elephant is native to tropical forests in West Africa and the Congo Basin. Their numbers have fallen over the years, to less than 100,000.

46. Vancouver Island Marmot

image source: reddit.com

This species of marmot is found in the higher mountains of Vancouver Island, in British Colombia, with its population numbers decreasing and putting it on the critically endangered list. There are lots of threats to this species, including predators, bad weather conditions and even humans, all of which could result in this animal going extinct by 2050.

47. Asiatic Cheetah

image source: reddit.com

This subspecies of cheetah looks very different to the more common species of cheetah, in that you can see it has a much broader body filled with more hair, especially around the chest and neck. This subspecies of cheetah is unfortunately on the critically endangered list, and they can now only be found in Iran. Originally, they could be found in a few other places, including the Arabian Peninsula and the northern part of South Asia.

48. Sahafary Sportive Lemur

image source: wikipedia.org

Also known as the northern sportive lemur, this wide-eyed creature is also on the critically endangered list with dwindling numbers. It is native to Madagascar, and its numbers have been threatened mainly from ecological and human factors. There are actually only around 50 of these lemurs left, and it also isn't equipped to survive in captivity, meaning it can only survived if its natural habitat can be preserved.

49. Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat

image source: reddit.com

This adorable subspecies of wombat is one of the three species of wombats in Australia, and this one is born with bad eyesight which means it relies very much on its nose to get by. It's actually one of the rarest land mammals in the whole world, and is currently on the critically endangered species list. The only wild population of this species left has around 300 members.

50. Whale Sharks

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With the whale shark, you might be wondering whether it's more whale or shark, but it's actually a species of shark of epic proportions. The whale shark moves and swims very slowly, and is the largest known member of the extant fish family. Some of these whale sharks have reached a length of close to 19m. They're currently on the critically endangered species list.