Have you ever heard the roar of a lion in the darkness of the night or seen a huge elephant dancing in joy?
What if
these scenes are lost forever?
What if
lions, tigers, and elephants are seen only in old pictures and coins?
What is the
crime of these voiceless creatures?
Only that
they stood in the way of our unlimited desires. Today, I am going to take you
on such a journey where you will meet those 10 amazing creatures who are
rapidly disappearing from this green earth. These are not our animals; they are
the soul of our forests. They are the delicate thread of our earth's ecosystem,
but unfortunately, indiscriminate cutting of trees, hunting done stealthily,
and changing weather have brought them to the brink of death. So buckle up,
because today we are going on such a journey that will shake your heart, and
let's start with that animal whose roar once echoed in the entire forest.
Number 10
Sanda Tiger
The Sanda Tiger, also known as the South China Tiger, is
one of the world’s most endangered big cats, with only a handful surviving in
captivity today. Once roaming freely across China, this majestic tiger has now
vanished from the wild due to deforestation, poaching, and human encroachment.
Known for its striking orange coat marked with bold black stripes, the Sanda
Tiger is slightly smaller compared to Bengal and Siberian tigers. It can leap
up to 10 meters and has incredible night vision, making it a skilled hunter. Conservationists
are working tirelessly to reintroduce this rare predator back into protected
reserves. But this royal beast of Indonesia is now only 400 to 600 in number.
Deforestation, illegal poaching, and human interference have slowly finished
it. Every year, traps are set to hunt them, and their teeth and skin are sold on
the black market. If this situation continues, then the real king of the jungle
will remain only among humans.
Number Nine
Asian Elephant
The Asian
Elephant is the largest land animal in Asia and an endangered species, with
fewer than 50,000 left in the wild. Unlike African elephants, Asian elephants
have smaller ears shaped like India’s map and a more rounded back. They are
highly intelligent, capable of empathy, memory, and even recognizing themselves
in mirrors. These gentle giants play a vital role in forest ecosystems by
dispersing seeds and creating clearings for new growth. Sadly, habitat loss,
poaching for ivory and skin, and human-elephant conflicts threaten their
survival. Conservation projects focus on protecting their habitats and ensuring
peaceful coexistence with local communities.
India's
National Heritage Animal, which we even worship, but still it is in danger.
Only 40,000 to 50,000 Asian Elephants are left in the whole of Asia; their
forests are being snatched away. And they are still being hunted for their
teeth. The saddest thing is that many bi elephants cannot survive without their
mother.
Number Eight
African Lion
The African
Lion is one of the most iconic big cats in the world, yet it is now
classified as a vulnerable and endangered species due to habitat loss,
poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Known as the “King of Beasts,” lions
live in prides, which makes them the only truly social cats. Males are easily
recognized by their majestic manes, which also signal strength and health.
Lions can roar so loudly it can be heard up to five miles away, marking
territory and warning rivals. Once widespread across Africa, their population
has declined by nearly half in the last 25 years, raising urgent conservation
concerns. Seeing that the image of royalty is formed in our hearts, it is now
fighting for its own survival. Today, only 20,000 lions are left in the whole
of Africa. Trophy hunting, in which rich people kill lions by paying money.
Shrinking territory and human-lion conflict have slowly wiped them out.
Number Seven Bony Orangutan
It is called a human-like animal because its DNA matches ours
by 19.7%. But forests are being cut for oil plantations, and orangutans are
becoming homeless. Now only fewer than 50,000 orangutans are left, and this? They
are also continuously decreasing. The Bornean
orangutan (often referred to as “bony orangutan” in local terms) is a
critically endangered great ape found only on the island of Borneo. Known for
their striking reddish-brown hair, these intelligent primates are the largest
tree-dwelling mammals in the world. They spend most of their lives in the
forest canopy, skillfully swinging from branch to branch. Bornean orangutans
share nearly 97% of their DNA with humans, showcasing incredible
problem-solving skills and even tool use. Sadly, deforestation, palm oil plantations,
and illegal hunting have pushed their numbers to dangerous lows. Current
estimates suggest fewer than 105,000 remain, making conservation essential for
their survival.
Number Six
Summer Tree Elephant
The Summer
Tree Elephant is a rare and endangered species, often described as a unique
forest-dwelling elephant that thrives in dense, shaded habitats during the
hotter months. Unlike the more commonly known Asian and African elephants,
Summer Tree Elephants are believed to have adapted to climbing hilly, tree-rich
landscapes, earning their unusual name. They are herbivores, feeding on fresh
leaves, fruits, and bark, and play an important role in seed dispersal, helping
forest regeneration. These elephants are known for their smaller size compared
to African elephants, yet they display extraordinary strength. Sadly,
deforestation, habitat destruction, and poaching threaten their survival,
making global conservation efforts vital.
This calm animal found in the dense forests of Indonesia is now on the Critically Endangered list. Oil farming, logging, and conflict with humans have brought them to their knees. Today, their remaining numbers are between 2400 to 2800. Every year, hundreds of elephants are killed due to habitat loss.
Number Five
Leopard
The leopard
is an endangered big cat known for its incredible adaptability, stealth, and
striking spotted coat that provides perfect camouflage in forests, grasslands,
and rocky terrain. Unlike many large cats, leopards are excellent climbers and
often drag their prey high into trees to protect it from scavengers like
hyenas. They are also strong swimmers and skilled hunters, capable of taking
down prey much larger than themselves. Leopards are solitary and mostly
nocturnal, relying on their keen vision and silent movements to stalk prey.
Sadly, habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal poaching for their
beautiful skins have drastically reduced their populations.
This
extremely beautiful leopard found in the snowy mountains of Russia and China is
now becoming just a legend. There are fewer than 100 Amar leopards left in the
whole world. They are shy and solitary, and habitat loss has made their lives
lonely and endangered.
Number Four
Red Wolf
The native wolf of America is virtually extinct. Today, only nine red wolves
are left in the wild. Yes, only nine. Habitat destruction, interbreeding, and
hunting have almost wiped them out. Conservationists are trying to reintroduce
them to the forests, but time is very short. The red wolf is one of the
rarest and most endangered canids in the world, found only in a small region of
North Carolina, USA. Smaller than gray wolves but larger than coyotes, red
wolves are known for their reddish-brown fur and striking golden eyes. They are
highly social animals, living in family packs and communicating through
distinctive howls. Red wolves play an important ecological role by controlling
populations of small mammals and helping maintain balance in their habitat.
Unfortunately, due to habitat loss, hunting, and interbreeding with coyotes,
their numbers have dwindled to fewer than 300 individuals worldwide.
Number Three
Eastern Gorilla
The
Eastern Gorilla is the largest living primate and one of the
most endangered animals on Earth, found in the forests of the Democratic
Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Divided into two subspecies—the Grauer’s
gorilla and the mountain gorilla—these majestic creatures can weigh up to 200
kilograms and live in close-knit family groups led by a dominant silverback
male. Eastern gorillas are intelligent, displaying emotions, problem-solving,
and even using tools. They play a vital role in forest ecosystems by dispersing
seeds and shaping vegetation growth. Sadly, threats like poaching, habitat
destruction, and disease have reduced their population to fewer than 5,000
individuals.
These are
the largest gorillas and are found in the forests of Congo. Due to mining,
civil unrest, and illegal hunting, only 3800 eastern gorillas are left. The
death of a gorilla is not just the death of an animal; it is the loss of the
memory of an intelligent species.
Number two
African dog
The
African wild dog, also known as the painted wolf, is one of
the most endangered carnivores in Africa, with fewer than 6,000 individuals
left in the wild. Recognized for their striking patchwork coats of black,
brown, and white, each dog’s pattern is unique, much like a fingerprint. They
are highly social animals, living in packs led by a dominant breeding pair, and
are known for their extraordinary teamwork while hunting. African wild dogs
have one of the highest hunting success rates among predators, reaching nearly
80%. Sadly, habitat loss, human conflict, and diseases like rabies and
distemper threaten their survival.
A highly
social and smart hunter that lives in packs and whose survival strategy is
considered to be the best in nature. But habitat loss?
Due to
diseases and human conflict, now only around 6000 African wild dogs are left.
Their painted face is their identity, but that identity is now vanishing.
Number one
Arabian leopard
The Arabian
leopard is one of the rarest big cats in the world and is critically
endangered, with fewer than 200 individuals believed to remain in the wild.
Native to the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Oman, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia,
this elusive predator is the smallest subspecies of leopard, perfectly adapted
to survive in harsh desert and mountain environments. Arabian leopards are
solitary and nocturnal, relying on stealth to hunt prey such as gazelles,
hares, and birds. Their survival is severely threatened by habitat destruction,
human encroachment, and poaching. Conservation programs are now working to
protect their dwindling numbers through sanctuaries and breeding efforts.
The Arabian leopard, which lives in the rocky deserts of the Middle East, is now on the
final list of endangered species. Only approximately 200 Arabian are left in
the whole world. Hunting habits at destruction and lack of food have made their
survival very difficult. This animal is not just the voice of the jungle; it is
the last call of nature.
If we don't
wake up now, the next generation will see them only in photos, emojis, and
books. Their story is ending, but we can change its ending if we want. If you
are touched by the story of these animals, share it and raise
your voice because what you can save today should not become a regret tomorrow.
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