Endangered Species | Animals

Endangered Species | Animals

Description
Description

Endangered species are groups of organisms facing a high risk of extinction due to factors like habitat loss, pollution, climate change, poaching, and invasive species. Their habitats vary widely, encompassing rainforests, oceans, deserts, and more. These species have evolved over millions of years, adapting to specific ecological niches. However, rapid environmental changes often outpace their ability to adapt. Conservationists categorize them using criteria like population size and rate of decline. Protecting endangered species is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. Efforts include habitat preservation, legal protection, breeding programs, and reintroduction initiatives to restore their populations.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Endangered species exhibit a diverse range of anatomies, adapted to their unique habitats. From the thick fur of polar bears for insulation to the keen eyesight of eagles for hunting, each feature serves a survival purpose. Many possess specialized limbs, like the powerful legs of the snow leopard for leaping, or the flippers of sea turtles for swimming. Vocalizations vary, with some using complex calls for communication or mating. Senses like smell, hearing, and sight are often highly developed to detect predators or prey. Despite this rich variety, common threats like habitat destruction and climate change jeopardize their existence, underscoring the need for conservation efforts.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Humans have a complex relationship with endangered species, historically exploiting many for resources, leading to their decline. As awareness grew, so did efforts to protect them, with laws like the Endangered Species Act and organizations dedicated to conservation. Pop culture often highlights their plight, with films like "The Cove" and "Blackfish" sparking public outcry and change. Zoos and sanctuaries play roles in education and breeding programs. Globally, initiatives like habitat restoration and anti-poaching measures seek to reverse damage. This evolving dynamic reflects a growing recognition of the intrinsic value of these species and the critical need to preserve Earth’s biodiversity.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How can we protect endangered species?

We can protect endangered species by learning more about the endangered species around our surrounding communities, minimizing the use of pesticides, and reducing our consumption of water within the home. Other ways to protect endangered species include recycling, not littering, and not purchasing products that are made from endangered animal species.

What is the most endangered species in the world?

The most endangered species in the world include the southern rockhopper penguin, snow leopard, savanna elephant, polar bear, and olive ridley turtle. Other endangered animal species are the marine iguana, loggerhead turtle, and hippopotamus. The greater one-horned rhino, greater white shark, giant tortoise, giant panda, and dugong are also considered endangered animal species.

Why are species endangered?

Animal species are endangered due to loss of habitat which happens either through human actions or naturally as well as loss of genetic variation. Other reasons for species being endangered include loss of genetic variation, which can sometimes occur naturally or happen due to human activity.

24”-50” | 61-127 cm
7’-15’ | 2.1-4.6 m
550–2000 lb | 250-907 kg
15-30 years
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
127.000
460.000
907.000
30.00
4300
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
34”-45” | 86-114 cm
5’3”-6’5” | 160-196 cm
220-650 lb | 100-295 kg
8-10 years (wild); 18-25 years (captivity)
Bengal Tiger
114.000
196.000
295.000
25.00
45000
GUIDE
3D
Bengal Tiger
4.9’-6.2’ | 1.5-1.9 m
3’-3.6’ | .9-1.1 m
9.8’-12.3’ | 3-3.75 m
1,764-3,086 lb | 800-1,400 kg
30-50 years
Black Rhinoceros
190.000
110.000
375.000
1400.000
50.00
66000
GUIDE
3D
Black Rhinoceros
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
2.6”-3.5” | 6.5-9 cm
13”-18.1” | 33-46 cm
1.3-3.1 lb | .6-1.4 kg
4-9 years
Black-Footed Ferret
15.000
9.000
46.000
1.400
9.00
24000
GUIDE
3D
Black-Footed Ferret
13’-16’ | 3.96-4.88 m
25.3’-31.8’ | 7.7-9.7 m
82’-105’ | 25-32 m
55-165 tons | 50-150 metric tons
80-90 years
Blue Whale
488.000
970.000
3200.000
150000.000
90.00
182000
GUIDE
3D
Blue Whale
Bonobo
671800
39”-49” | 99-125 cm (Upright)
10.6”-14.2” | 27-36 cm
27.6”-32.7” | 70-83 cm
60-86 lb | 27-39 kg
20-45 years (wild); 50-58 years (captivity)
Bonobo
125.000
36.000
83.000
39.000
58.00
671800
GUIDE
3D
Bonobo
39.4”-59” | 100-150 cm (Upright)
18.9”-28” | 48-71 cm
31.9”-47.6” | 81-121 cm
110-220 lb | 50-100 kg
35-45 years (wild); 50-60 years (captivity)
Bornean Orangutan
150.000
71.000
121.000
100.000
60.00
16800
GUIDE
3D
Bornean Orangutan
63”-72” | 160-183 cm (Upright)
25.2”-28” | 64-71 cm
37.4”-47.2” | 95-120 cm
220-460 lb | 100-210 kg
30-40 (wild); 40-60 (captivity)
Eastern Lowland Gorilla
183.000
71.000
120.000
210.000
60.00
4350
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Lowland Gorilla
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
15.4’-18.4’ | 4.7-5.6 m
75’-90’ | 22.9-27.4 m
74-114 tons | 67-103 metric tons
80-100 years
Fin Whale
350.000
560.000
2740.000
103419.000
100.00
35800
GUIDE
3D
Fin Whale
18”-21” | 46-53 cm
5.5”-6.7” | 14-17 cm
3.5-6 lb | 1.6-2.7 kg
15-20 years
Galápagos Penguin
53.000
17.000
2.700
20.00
16400
GUIDE
3D
Galápagos Penguin
1’6”-3" | .46-.91 m
4’6”-6’ | 1.37-1.83 m
150-250 lb | 68-114 kg
15-25 (wild); 20-30 years (captivity)
Giant Panda Bear
91.000
183.000
114.000
30.00
307000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Panda Bear
14.2”-18.9” | 36-48 cm
27.5”-36.2” | 70-92 cm (Carapace)
36”-48” | 91-122 cm (Carapace)
243-419 lb | 110-190 kg
60-75 years (wild); 80-120 years (captivity)
Green Sea Turtle
48.000
92.000
122.000
190.000
120.00
46700
GUIDE
3D
Green Sea Turtle
9.4”-15” | 24-38 cm
17.7”-27.2” | 45-69 cm (Carapace)
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Carapace)
99-198 lb | 45-90 kg
30-45 years (wild); 30-60 years (captivity)
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
38.000
69.000
91.000
90.000
60.00
15400
GUIDE
3D
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
6.58’-11.42’ | 2-3.5 m
3.28’-6.23’ | 1-1.9 m
8.2’-14.44’ | 2.5-4.4 m
4,409-11,023 lb | 2,000-5,500 kg
50-80 years
Indian Elephant
350.000
190.000
440.000
5500.000
80.00
61700
GUIDE
3D
Indian Elephant
16”-19” | 42-49 cm
19”-22” | 48-56 cm
7’-8.17’ | 2.13-2.49 m
154-243 lb | 70-110 kg
18-26 years
Indus River Dolphin
49.000
56.000
249.000
110.000
26.00
4500
GUIDE
3D
Indus River Dolphin
14”-21” | 36-54 cm
15”-23” | 39-59 cm
5.92’-9’ | 1.8-2.74 m
198-441 lb | 90-200 kg
15-30 years
Irrawaddy Dolphin
54.000
59.000
274.000
200.000
30.00
23400
GUIDE
3D
Irrawaddy Dolphin
4.9’-5.6’ | 1.5-1.7 m
3’-3.3’ | .9-1 m
9.8’-11.2’ | 3-3.4 m
3,307-4,409 lb | 1,500-2,000 kg
30-45 years
Javan Rhinoceros
170.000
100.000
340.000
2000.000
45.00
29700
GUIDE
3D
Javan Rhinoceros
55”-67” | 140-170 cm (Upright)
24”-29.1” | 61-74 cm
37.4”-45.3” | 95-115 cm
154-419 lb | 70-190 kg
35-40 years (wild); 40-50 years (captivity)
Mountain Gorilla
170.000
74.000
115.000
190.000
50.00
27250
GUIDE
3D
Mountain Gorilla
9.2’-11.1’ | 2.8-3.4 m
14.8’-18’ | 4.5-5.5 m
43’-52’ | 13.1-15.8 m
44-75 tons | 40-68 metric tons
50-70 years
North Atlantic Right Whale
340.000
550.000
1580.000
68039.000
70.00
11000
GUIDE
3D
North Atlantic Right Whale
3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm
30”-60” | 76-152 cm
80-100 lb | 36-45 kg
40-70 years
Pallid Sturgeon
18.000
152.000
45.000
70.00
1620
GUIDE
3D
Pallid Sturgeon
Red Panda
1100000
11”-13.4” | 28-34 cm
5.5”-7.1” | 14-18 cm
20”-25.2” | 51-64 cm
8-17 lb | 3.6-7.7 kg
8-22 years
Red Panda
34.000
18.000
64.000
7.700
22.00
1100000
GUIDE
3D
Red Panda
Saola
45600
40.2”-45.7” | 102-116 cm
11”-13” | 28-33 cm
46”-52.75” | 117-134 cm
175-220 lb | 80-100 kg
8-11 years (wild); 12-15 years (captivity)
Saola
116.000
33.000
134.000
100.000
15.00
45600
GUIDE
3D
Saola
Sea Otter
117000
12.2”-18.5” | 31-47 cm
10.2”-15.75” | 26-40 cm
29.5”-45.3” | 75-115 cm
31-99 lb | 14-45 kg
10-23 years
Sea Otter
47.000
40.000
115.000
45.000
23.00
117000
GUIDE
3D
Sea Otter
5.9’-8.9’ | 1.8-2.7 m
11.2’-16.1’ | 3.4-4.9 m
45’-65’ | 13.7-19.8 m
18-30 tons | 16-27 metric tons
50-75 years
Sei Whale
270.000
490.000
1980.000
27215.000
75.00
14700
GUIDE
3D
Sei Whale
22”-26” | 56-66 cm
36”-51” | 91-130 cm
75-120 lb | 34-54 kg
8-15 years (wild); 18-22 years (captivity)
Snow Leopard
66.000
130.000
54.000
22.00
121000
GUIDE
3D
Snow Leopard
4.4’-5.4’ | 1.35-1.65 m
2.5’-3.1’ | .75-.95 m
7.9’-9.8’ | 2.4-3 m
1,102-2,094 lb | 500-950 kg
30-35 years
Sumatran Rhinoceros
165.000
95.000
300.000
950.000
35.00
18300
GUIDE
3D
Sumatran Rhinoceros
13.5”-17” | 34-43 cm
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
13-18 lb | 6-8 kg
4-6 years (wild); up to 8 years (captivity)
Tasmanian Devil
43.000
71.000
8.000
8.00
127000
GUIDE
3D
Tasmanian Devil
Vaquita
186000
12”-14” | 30-36 cm
12”-15” | 30-37 cm
4’-5’ | 1.2-1.5 m
100-110 lb | 45-50 kg
20 years (average)
Vaquita
36.000
37.000
150.000
50.000
20.00
186000
GUIDE
3D
Vaquita
39”-59” | 99-150 cm (Upright)
13”-18.1” | 33-46 cm
27.2”-37.8” | 69-96 cm
88-104 lb | 40-47 kg
15-25 years (wild); 30-50 years (captivity)
Western Chimpanzee
150.000
46.000
96.000
47.000
50.00
900
GUIDE
3D
Western Chimpanzee
30’-62’ | 9.1-18.9 m
41000-50000 (20.6-25 tons) | 18600-22675 kg
70-130 years
Whale Shark
1890.000
22675.000
130.00
110000
GUIDE
3D
Whale Shark
Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)
Scale illustration of an average Indian Elephant with dimensions length compared to a human and other elephants

The Indian elephant (Elephas Maximus Indicus) is one of three known recognized Asian elephant subspecies native to mainland Asia. In general, Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have the highest body point on their heads. The tip of their trunk has a finger-like hump and their back is leveled. Indian Elephants are between 2 and 3.5 m tall and weigh between 2,000 and 5,000 kg and have 19 pairs of ribs. The color of their skin is lighter than that of Sumatran Elephant with smaller spots of depigmentation but darker than Sumatran Elephant. Females are typically smaller than males and have short tusks or no tusks.

Indian Elephants have a typical shoulder height between 6.58’-11.42’ (2-3.5 m), body length of 8.2’-14.44’ (2.5-4.4 m), and width of 3.28’-6.23’ (1-1.9 m). The typical weight of the Indian Elephant is in the range of 4,409-11,023 lb (2,000-5,500 kg). Indian Elephants have lifespans between 50-80 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Indian Elephant seen from the side and front
The Indian elephant (Elephas Maximus Indicus) is one of three known recognized Asian elephant subspecies native to mainland Asia. In general, Asian elephants are smaller than African elephants and have the highest body point on their heads. The tip of their trunk has a finger-like hump.

Indian Elephants have a typical shoulder height between 6.58’-11.42’ (2-3.5 m), body length of 8.2’-14.44’ (2.5-4.4 m), and width of 3.28’-6.23’ (1-1.9 m). The typical weight of the Indian Elephant is in the range of 4,409-11,023 lb (2,000-5,500 kg). Indian Elephants have lifespans between 50-80 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Indian Elephant seen from the side and front
Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus)
Height:
6.58’-11.42’ | 2-3.5 m
Width:
3.28’-6.23’ | 1-1.9 m
Length:
8.2’-14.44’ | 2.5-4.4 m
Depth:
Weight:
4,409-11,023 lb | 2,000-5,500 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Elephas maximus indicus
Lifespan
50-80 years

Drawings include:

Indian Elephant side elevation, front, back, lying down

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Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Scale illustration of an average Hawksbill Sea Turtle compared to other turtle species and a person

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) can be found throughout tropical ocean coastlines around the world, prominently inhabiting coral reefs where its diet consists mainly of sponges. It has a tapered head that comes to a sharp, narrow point resembling that of a beak, making it easily distinguishable from other kinds of sea turtles. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle also has a pattern of overlapping plates on its amber-colored, serrated shell as well as a set of claws on its flippers. The color of its shell has been noted to change as a result of water temperature.

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 24”-36” (61-91 cm), carapace width of 17.7”-27.2” (45-69 cm), body height of 9.4”-15” (24-38 cm), and weight in the range of 99-198 lb (45-90 kg). The typical lifespan of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is between 30-45 years in the wild and 30-60 years in captivity.

Series of measured illustrations of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle
The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) can be found throughout tropical ocean coastlines around the world, prominently inhabiting coral reefs where its diet consists mainly of sponges. It has a tapered head that comes to a sharp, narrow point resembling that of a beak.

The Hawksbill Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 24”-36” (61-91 cm), carapace width of 17.7”-27.2” (45-69 cm), body height of 9.4”-15” (24-38 cm), and weight in the range of 99-198 lb (45-90 kg). The typical lifespan of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle is between 30-45 years in the wild and 30-60 years in captivity.

Series of measured illustrations of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Height:
9.4”-15” | 24-38 cm
Width:
17.7”-27.2” | 45-69 cm (Carapace)
Length:
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
99-198 lb | 45-90 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Eretmochelys imbricata
Lifespan
30-45 years (wild); 30-60 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Hawksbill Sea Turtle top view, side

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Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a heavyset marsupial carnivore named after Tasmania, the island state located off the south coast of Australia— which happens to be this marsupial’s only native habitat. The ‘devil’ part of its name comes from its bad temper and growl, resulting in a menacing expression. Sharing resemblance to that of a bear, the Tasmanian Devil has a large head, bushy tail, and set of strong teeth like that of a hyena. The Tasmanian Devil’s coat is black with white markings on its chest mainly, but sometimes can be found on its sides.

Tasmanian Devils have a shoulder height of 13.5”-17” (34-43 cm), body length between 22”-28” (56-71 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 13-18 lb (6-8 kg). The tail of the Tasmanian Devil is 9.5”-10.5” (24-27 cm) in length. Tasmanian Devils have a typical lifespan of 4-6 years in the wild and up to 8 years in captivity.

Series of measured side elevation illustrations of the Tasmanian Devil
The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) is a heavyset marsupial carnivore named after Tasmania, the island state located off the south coast of Australia— which happens to be this marsupial’s only native habitat. The ‘devil’ part of its name comes from its well known bad temper and growl.

Tasmanian Devils have a shoulder height of 13.5”-17” (34-43 cm), body length between 22”-28” (56-71 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 13-18 lb (6-8 kg). The tail of the Tasmanian Devil is 9.5”-10.5” (24-27 cm) in length. Tasmanian Devils have a typical lifespan of 4-6 years in the wild and up to 8 years in captivity.

Series of measured side elevation illustrations of the Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)
Height:
13.5”-17” | 34-43 cm
Width:
Length:
22”-28” | 56-71 cm
Depth:
Weight:
13-18 lb | 6-8 kg
Area:
Tail Length
9.5”-10.5” | 24-27 cm
Scientific Name
Sarcophilus harrisii
Lifespan
4-6 years (wild); up to 8 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Tasmanian Devil side elevation (standing), front (standing), side (sitting), side (lying down)

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Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Size comparison drawing of the Green Sea Turtle compared to other turtles and a person

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the largest species of sea turtle in the world with a habitat range in both tropical and subtropical waters, distinct in both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its common name is derived from the color of its skin rather than its shell, which is olive-brown. Aside from its color, the Green Sea Turtle is distinguished by its heart-shaped shell and its paddle-like flippers that make for smooth swimming. Much like other sea turtles, it will travel lengthy distances to find sites to feed as well as to lay eggs.

The Green Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 36”-48” (91-122 cm), carapace width of 27.5”-36.2” (70-92 cm), body height of 14.2”-18.9” (36-48 cm), and weight in the range of 243-419 lb (110-190 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Sea Turtle is between 60-75 years in the wild and 80-120 years in captivity.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Green Sea Turtle
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the largest species of sea turtle in the world with a habitat range in both tropical and subtropical waters, distinct in both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its common name is derived from the color of its skin rather than its shell.

The Green Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 36”-48” (91-122 cm), carapace width of 27.5”-36.2” (70-92 cm), body height of 14.2”-18.9” (36-48 cm), and weight in the range of 243-419 lb (110-190 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Sea Turtle is between 60-75 years in the wild and 80-120 years in captivity.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Green Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Height:
14.2”-18.9” | 36-48 cm
Width:
27.5”-36.2” | 70-92 cm (Carapace)
Length:
36”-48” | 91-122 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
243-419 lb | 110-190 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Chelonia mydas
Lifespan
60-75 years (wild); 80-120 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Green Sea Turtle top view, side

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Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
Scale illustration of an average Sea Otter compared to other species of Mustelids

The Sea Otter, Enhydra lutris, is a marine mammal that resides on the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean; while the sea otter can walk on land, it is able to live exclusively in the ocean. Its thick coat of fur aids in insulation, and it is the densest in the animal kingdom. It is one of the few mammal species to use tools to forage and eat; its prey include sea urchins, mollusks, crustaceans, and some types of fish. Some of these species of fish are also valued by humans as food, and this can lead to conflicts between sea otters and fisheries.

The Sea Otter has a body length in the range of 29.5”-45.3” (75-115 cm) and total weight of 31-99 lb (14-45 kg). Sea Otters have a shoulder height between 12.2”-18.5” (31-47 cm), body width of 10.2”-15.75” (26-40 cm), and tail length of 9.8”-13.8” (25-35 cm). The typical lifespan of the Sea Otter is between 10-23 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Sea Otter seen from the side and front
The Sea Otter, Enhydra lutris, is a marine mammal that resides on the coasts of the northern and eastern North Pacific Ocean; while the sea otter can walk on land, it is able to live exclusively in the ocean. Its thick coat of fur aids in insulation, and it is the densest in the animal kingdom.

The Sea Otter has a body length in the range of 29.5”-45.3” (75-115 cm) and total weight of 31-99 lb (14-45 kg). Sea Otters have a shoulder height between 12.2”-18.5” (31-47 cm), body width of 10.2”-15.75” (26-40 cm), and tail length of 9.8”-13.8” (25-35 cm). The typical lifespan of the Sea Otter is between 10-23 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Sea Otter seen from the side and front
Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris)
Height:
12.2”-18.5” | 31-47 cm
Width:
10.2”-15.75” | 26-40 cm
Length:
29.5”-45.3” | 75-115 cm
Depth:
Weight:
31-99 lb | 14-45 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 9.8”-13.8” | 25-35 cm

Scientific Name
Enhydra lutris
Lifespan
10-23 years

Drawings include:

Sea Otter side elevation (assorted), front

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