World Animal Day: 10 rarest animals on the Earth

Vaquita  This is a small porpoise found in the Gulf of California, which is critically endangered, with fewer than 30 individuals left due to bycatch in fishing nets.

 Amur Leopard Once thought to be extinct, this solitary big cat is native to the Russian Far East and northeastern China, with an estimated population of around 100 individuals.

Javan Rhino  With around 80 remaining, this species is primarily found in Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia, making it one of the rarest large mammals.

Saola Often referred to as the “Asian unicorn,” the saola is a critically endangered species native to the Annamite Range of Vietnam and Laos, with very few sightings reported.

Golden langurs Found mainly in Bhutan and Assam, their numbers have reduced by 60 per cent in Bhutan. With half-metre-long tails, these monkeys are perfectly adapted to life in the trees but roadkill is one of the most common reasons for their demise. 

Kakapo  A flightless parrot from New Zealand, the kakapo has a breeding programme in place, with around 250 remaining, making it 

Sumatran Tiger  Critically endangered due to habitat loss and poaching, the population is estimated at 400 in the wild.

Hawksbill Turtle This sea turtle is critically endangered due to illegal trade and habitat loss, with populations declining rapidly.

Iberian Lynx Once on the brink of extinction, conservation efforts have helped the population recover to around 400 of its kind, but it remains one of the world’s rarest cats.

Northern White Rhinoceros With only two known rhinos left, both females, this subspecies is functionally extinct. Conservation efforts are ongoing to save the northern white rhino.

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