Biodiversity in crisis with 42,000+ species under threat
Curious about the species most threatened by climate change? Or how are individual countries dealing with the rising extinction rates?
A recent detailed analysis by aplaceforanimals.com dives deep into crucial questions about our planet’s threatened species. Through examination of diverse habitats, the findings are alarming! Amphibians, for instance, are facing greater danger with a staggering 41% on the verge of extinction. As we navigate further, of the 65,000 vertebrate species — constituting merely 3% of all animal species — an astounding 42,100 find themselves under the imminent threat of extinction.
The data casts a bright spotlight on Indonesia, a nation boasting unparalleled biodiversity with 10,408 animal species. However, it also holds the unenviable position of having 1,233 species under threat. Yet, the concern doesn’t end there. Both Australia and Mexico are ringing alarm bells, witnessing threat rates of 12.5% and 13.9%, respectively.
Our investigation goes beyond just numbers. Some of the most iconic animals are facing extinction. To name a few, the Javan rhino, with a dwindling population of only 75, and the Amur Leopard, with a mere 100 remaining, are standing on the precipice. Despite this dire picture, there’s a silver lining. With an investment of around $1.3 billion annually, we can potentially save 841 highly threatened species.
Aplaceforanimals assessed each nation based on criteria like species diversity, number of endangered species, and conservation efforts. We assigned scores based on these parameters, culminating in an overall rating. For credibility and precision, our research extensively drew upon data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), offering a meticulous perspective on the state of wildlife conservation across nations.
Key Findings
• 42,100 species are on the edge of extinction as per the IUCN Red List.
• Out of 8,536 amphibian species, a worrying 41% are endangered.
• Indonesia brims with biodiversity (10,408 species) but also leads with 1,233 threatened species.
• Javan rhino counts a mere 75, while only 100 Amur Leopards roam wild.
• $1.3 billion annually could halt the extinction of 841 critically threatened species.
Number of Endangered Animals by Species
Approximately 3,551 fish species, including the extinct Chinese paddlefish, are endangered. 2,606 amphibians, such as the Golden Toad and Borneo rainbow toad, face threats from habitat loss and disease. Among 1,842 endangered reptiles, the Radiated tortoise and Philippine crocodile stand out. Birds have 1,400 endangered species, including the unique Kakapo and Spix’s Macaw. Mammals feature 1,340 endangered species, with notable examples being the Sumatran orangutan and Javan rhinoceros, while species like the Saber-toothed tiger have already vanished.
Countries with the Richest Animal Diversity
Indonesia leads the chart with a staggering 10,404 species, closely followed by Brazil’s vast Amazonian treasures numbering 8,873. Australia, with its iconic kangaroos and koalas, houses 8,554 species, while the diverse terrains of the U.S., from Alaska’s wilds to Florida’s Everglades, cater to 8,372 species. Colombia’s impressive range from towering mountains to expansive rainforests accounts for its 7,403 species.
Countries like Mexico, China, and Malaysia hover above the 6,000 mark, and nations from Southeast Asia to East Africa, such as the Philippines, Tanzania, and Thailand, showcase over 5,000 species each. Even smaller nations like Japan and Ecuador boast numbers exceeding 5,000. Central Africa’s Congo, with its 4,902 species, underlines the critical importance of every country in maintaining our planet’s biodiversity fabric.
Countries with the Most Endangered Species
- Indonesia (1,233 threatened; 10,408 total): With 1,233 out of 10,408 species at risk, approximately 11.9% of Indonesia’s animal species are threatened.
- United States (1,178 threatened, 8273 total): With 1,178 species at risk, which is close to 14.2%, the U.S. has significant wildlife needing protection.
- Australia (1,067 threatened; 8,554 total): Australia has 1,067 threatened species out of 8,554, which means about 12.5% of its unique animal species are at risk.
- Mexico (953 threatened; 6,880 total): In Mexico, 953 out of 6,880 species are threatened, constituting approximately 13.9% of its total animal species.
- Brazil (856 threatened; 8,873 total): Brazil has 856 out of 8,873 species at risk, accounting for nearly 9.6% of its total wildlife needing protection.
- Madagascar (849 threatened): Madagascar has 849 threatened species (total count not provided), emphasizing the need for conservation of its distinctive wildlife.
- India (813 threatened; 6,848 total): With 813 out of 6,848 species at risk in India, around 11.9% of its wildlife is under threat.
- Colombia (755 threatened; 7,403 total): Colombia has 755 threatened species out of 7,403, which is approximately 10.2% of its total animal species.
- Malaysia (755 threatened; 6,232 total): Malaysia has 755 out of 6,232 species at risk, translating to around 12.1% of its animal species being threatened.
- Philippines (693 threatened; 5,858 total): The Philippines has 693 out of 5,858 species threatened, which is about 11.8% of its total animal species facing risks.
Prominent Animals Facing Near-Term Extinction Risks
• Javan Rhinos: Only 75 remain in Java, Indonesia, threatened by habitat loss, disease, and poaching.
• Amur Leopards: 100 left in the wild, with habitat destruction and prey scarcity being significant threats.
• Sunda Island Tigers: From an 800 population in 1985, only 400 now exist in Sumatra, Indonesia, endangered by poaching and illegal trade.
• Mountain Gorillas: Approximately 1,000 exist, underscoring the urgent need for conservation.
• Tapanuli Orangutans: Fewer than 800 remain, with deforestation posing a significant threat.
• Kakapos: Only around 140 of these New Zealand parrots are left, threatened by predation and climate change.
• Tooth-billed Pigeons: Between 70 to 380 exist, endangered by hunting and habitat loss.
• African Forest Elephants: Occupying only 25% of their original range, their numbers are declining.
• Vaquitas: Only 9 remain, critically endangered by illegal fishing despite bans.
• Hawksbill Turtles: Their populations have seen an 80% drop, marking them critically endangered.
