Top 10 Most Endangered Animals in Africa

Africa is rich in fauna. Unfortunately human greed is driving some species of animals in this large continent to the brink of extinction. We can still see some endangered and critically endangered species while on safari in Africa.

Many governments of the African nations where these endangered and critically endangered animals live are taking appropriate steps to save them.

Take a look at the 10 most endangered animals in Africa as of 2015, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

10) Chimpanzee (endangered since 1996)

Chimpanzees are found only in Africa. Currently there are around 150,000 in the wild. They are regionally extinct in Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin and Gambia.

9) African Penguin (endangered since 2012)

The population of African penguins is declining rapidly. Currently there are only around 52,000 mature individuals. The African penguin are only found on the south-western coast of Africa on 24 islands in Namibia and Algoa Bay, east of the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.

8) African Wild Dog (endangered since 1990)

Currently there are around 3,000 to 5,500 African wild dogs. You will find these animals in southern African nations like Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. Infectious diseases, ongoing habitat fragmentation and conflict with humans are threatening their existence.

 

 7) Grevy’s Zebra (endangered since 1986)

Grevy’s zebra is the largest and most endangered zebra species. You will not find more than 2,000 Grevy’s zebras in the world today. They live in southern Ethiopia and northern Kenya. Habitat degradation; reduced water sources; hunting; disease; loss from overgrazing; and competition for natural resources are killing these animals.

6) Rothschild’s Giraffe (endangered since 2010)

Today you will find less than 700 Rothschild’s giraffes in the wild. Population segregation, poaching, habitat loss and human-wildlife clash are the main threats to these wonderful animals.

5) Ethiopian Wolf (endangered since 2004)

Today you will not find more than 500 Ethiopian wolves in the wild. Rabies, loss of habitat, shooting, climate warming and road killings are pushing these animals to the brink of extinction.

4) Black Rhino (critically endangered since 1996)

There are around 4,900 black rhinos in the world today. In Africa, you will find them in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Swaziland, Malawi and Zambia. Poaching and habitat loss are threatening their very existence.

3) Mountain Gorilla (critically endangered since 1996)

Mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the endangered eastern gorilla. Currently there are around 880 mountain gorillas in the wild. Hunting, habitat loss and human diseases have pushed these animals towards the brink of extinction.

2) Northern White Rhino (critically endangered since 1996)

Many wildlife experts believe that this subspecies of white rhinoceros will become extinct by the end of the next decade. Only five northern white rhinos are alive today. The northern white rhino formerly found over parts of northwestern Uganda, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lake Chad, Cameroon, southern South Sudan and eastern part of Central African Republic.

1) Riverine Rabbit (critically endangered since 2003)

Riverine rabbit is the most endangered species in Africa. There are only 250 animals in the world today. You will find them in South Africa. Hunting, habitat loss and accidental deaths are the main threats.

If these animals become extinct, it will be an irretrievable loss to the whole world and a shame on humanity. If you find any suspicious activity, which you think may harm these wonderful animals it will be wise to report to the authorities.
Source: Africa Ranking