14 rare species of animals, of which there are less than 100 individuals left on the planet (15 photos)

Below are photos of animals, the number of which, unfortunately, has decreased to several dozen individuals.





Currently, there are many species of animals on our planet, the population of which is rapidly declining. Sometimes it decreases to such critical values that these numbers are simply painful to look at. Sometimes it seems like it's someone's bad joke. However, alas, this is not the case. This sad trend is observed for a number of reasons. These include loss of animal habitats due to deforestation, poaching, climate change and many other human impacts. The conservation of these vulnerable species becomes an issue of critical importance, as the Earth's biodiversity depends on it.

California porpoise



Number of individuals: 30

Red-backed tree rat





Number of individuals: unknown

This animal was considered extinct back in the 19th century. In May 2011, the tree rat was spotted for the first time in 113 years by two biologists conducting research. From this single observation it is impossible to say exactly how many of these rats exist, but there are likely to be at least several dozen individuals. Thanks to this discovery, the rat was able to be listed as "endangered" rather than extinct.

Soft-bodied turtle Rafetus Svaino



Number of individuals: 3

White rhinoceros



Number of individuals: 2

Hainan gibbon



Number of individuals: less than 25

Madagascar Pochard



Number of individuals: 25

Far Eastern or Amur leopard



Number of individuals: 57

Javan rhinoceros



Number of individuals: 58-68

Pygmy sloth



Number of individuals: 79

Saola



Number of individuals: 30-60

Some scientists think that the number of these unusual artiodactyls is not several dozen, but several hundred, which gives a chance for the population to renew. Let's hope their assumptions are correct.

Broad-nosed lemur



Number of individuals: 60

Cuban greater funnel-eared bat



Number of individuals: less than 100

Forest ibis



Number of individuals: 30

Irrawaddy dolphin



Number of individuals: 59-72

Conservation of these and other endangered animals is an important task. Fortunately, today animal protection organizations are actively taking control of the situation. They make enormous efforts to preserve various species, creating sanctuaries and captive breeding programs. Thanks to them, humpback whales, bison, white oryx, bald eagles and many other animals were saved from extinction. Let's hope that this list will soon expand significantly.