The very first list of endangered animals was released in the early 1970’s along with the ratification of the Endangered Species Act signed by the late U.S. President Richard Nixon. The main objective of the act was to preserve the lives of potentially endangered wildlife fauna and flora and save them from extinction. Since then, the campaign propelled towards the international field. More and more self-proclaimed advocates joined the campaign and despite the ongoing maltreatment of some human beings on the wildlife, the Act seemed somehow successful.

Over 1,000 species were saved from extinction when the Act was implemented. However, the figure was a far cry from putting endangered species into full recovery.

Here is the list of some of the endangered species form the Kingdom Animalia.

1. Black Rhinoceros or Hook-lipped Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis). This species is common to Africa but was considered critically endangered in the northern Cameroon area in 2006. This is because they were widely hunted down for their horns. A black rhinoceros’ horns are used as an ornament, a handle in a ceremonial dagger in the Middle East. Chinese people also use the horn for medicinal purposes.

2. The North Pacific Right Whale (Eubalaena japonica). This species commonly resides in the southeastern Bering Sea. It is considered critically endangered because of the slow growth of its population and also because of the extensive commercial whaling done in the north pacific waters from where it usually dwells.

3. Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus). This species is native to Pakistan and India. It is considered critically endangered due to the great decrease of its population in the early 2000’s. The cause of the significant population decrease is attributed to poisoning from the drug Diclofenac.

Here is the list of the endangered species from the Kingdom Plantae.

1. Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco). This tree is very rare and it probably has the most interesting history that dates back in the days of Hercules. Dragon tree is native to the Canary Islands and also found in Morocco, and Cape Verde. It is considered an endangered species because of its declining number for the reason that it always has a difficulty to regenerate. In some areas of Cape Verde Dragon Trees are already extinct. This is because animals such as goats and rabbits.

2. Bois Dentelle (Elaeocarpus Bojeri). This is probably the most critically endangered plant on the planet. There are only two living Bois Dentelle in the planet and the two can only be found in Mauritius island. The reason for its almost extinction is the fast growth of other alien trees in the area. It’s a good thing the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation has been able to made an intervention before it was too late and they succeeded in making two more offspring from the seeds of the two remaining Bois Dentelle.

3. African Baobab Tree (Adansonia Digitata). This tree might be one of the most iconic trees in Africa and with a good reason. The African Baobab Tree was featured several times in one of Disney’s blockbuster animated films. However, this tree was categorized endangered because of its several domestic and commercial usage.

There are 1,134 mammals that are included in the red list of endangered species of the International Union for Conservation (IUCN). All the continents in the world have an endangered species that are significantly decreasing in numbers according to IUCN.

America

The San Joaquin antelope ground squirrel is an endangered species included in the list. They are significantly decreasing in number due to destruction of habitat. These animals are found in southern California. Another endangered species included in the list are the Peruvian black spider monkeys. They are decreasing in numbers for the last three generations because of habitat destruction due to land development and hunting. In Hawaii, the nihoa millerbird is also dwindling in numbers because of the introduction of predators in the area. The red wolf is also considered and endangered species. Though it was introduced back to its natural habitat in North Carolina, it is still struggling to survive and increase in numbers.

Europe

The European Mink is decreasing in numbers due to diseases, invasive predators, hybridization and habitat loss. The Azorean bat is also an endangered species due to the colony disturbance and pesticide poisoning.

Asia

Walden’s Hornbill of the Philippines is also an endangered species because of the deforestation and hunting in their natural habitat. In the small Salibabu Island, the Talaud bear cuscus is also decreasing in number due to overhunting and habitat destruction.

Africa

The Malagasy giant jumping rat and the long-tailed big-footed mouse are endangered species I Africa. These species are decreasing in numbers due to hunting and deforestation.

Australia

A small marsupial called woylie is now an endangered species in Australia. It is on the brink of extinction due to invasive predation. Other reasons for its decreasing number are competition, and habitat loss. The Christmas Island shrew is also another animal that is already in the brink of extinction.

Antarctic

The northern rockhopper penguin is an animal in the Antarctic that is considered by the IUCN as an endangered species. Also the galapagose petrel is considered by the IUCN as an endangered species. Most of these animals are facing extinction because of the overhunting and destruction of their habitat. Global warming and climate change is also another reason for their decreasing number. With the melting of the polar caps because of climate change and global warming, there is a disruption in their natural habitat that may lead to their extinction.

Reference: Illustrated Encyclopedia of endangered animals.