Endangered species that are very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular region and may be at risk due to factors such as habitat loss, poaching, invasive species, and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List lists the global conservation status of many species.

African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) with chicks, Boulders Beach, South Africa

Photo: D. Gordon E. Robertson

African Penguin
Critically Endangered

Color drawing of slender-billed curlew in a marsh environment

Illustration: Henrik Grönvold

Slender-billed Curlew
Extinct

Color drawing of Pieris wollastoni a large white butterfly with dark markings

Photo: Public domain

Madeiran large white butterfly
Extinct

Close up photo of hoary sun orchid.

Photo: June Niejalke

Hoary Sun-orchid
Critically Endangered

Photo of malam puli tree

Photo: Anurag Dhyani

Malam Puli
Critically Endangered

Seychelles sheath-tailed bats roosting in cave.

Photo: Island Conservation Society

Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat
Critically Endangered

Photo of sand tiger shark at the Kentucky Newport Aquarium.

Photo by: Jeff Kubina from Columbia, Maryland

Sand Tiger Shark
Critically Endangered