Most endangered animals, SSome of the planet's wildlife species are on the brink of extinction for a myriad of reasons, such as global warming, overhunting, degradation of water and air pollution. Many of these animals are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, Red List. This organization raises awareness for these endangered specimen. In the United States, endangered animals are protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Hawaiian Monk Seal
The Hawaiian monk seal is only found in the Hawaiian Islands. This marine mammal is classified as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Hawaiian monk seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The primary causes of this seal's population decrease is overhunting, degradation of water and global climate changes. Adult males grow up to 7 feet in length, while females are approximately 7 1/2 feet.
Mountain Gorilla
One of the largest primates, the mountain gorilla, is also one of the most endangered species in the world. Scientists estimate that approximately 600 mountain gorillas exist in the wild as of 2011. Overhunting and human encroachment are the major reasons for this animal's endangerment. The mountain gorilla is critically endangered, according to the IUCN. These gorillas live in the mountains of central African countries, such as Zaire, Uganda and Rwanda.
Alabama Cavefish
The Alabama cavefish lives in the state of Alabama and is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. This fish is also considered endangered and protected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The only place to find this fish is Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama's Lauderdale County, located in the northwest corner of the state. This fish is troglobitic, which means it dwells in a cave environment; this fish has no eyes or color pigment in its scales. When mature, Alabama cavefish are approximately 3 inches long.
Philippine Eagle
Found only in the Philippines, the Philippine eagle is a critically endangered species, according to IUCN. The punishment for killing one of these birds in the Philippines is up to 12 years in prison. This eagle faces extinction due to deforestation. The only Philippine Islands where these birds live are Leyte, Samar, Luzon and Mindanao. As of March 2011, the population of Philippine eagles is approximately 350 to 670.
Panamanian Golden Frog
The Panamanian golden frog is a gold-skinned frog and its habitat is the lowland rainforests in South American countries, including Venezuela and Colombia. According to the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo, this animal is already extinct in some of its native habitats. The IUCN Red List has this frog listed as critically endangered. When it is an adult, this frog has enough toxins in its skin to kill approximately 1,200 mice.
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