Endangered animals

EN · IUCN Red List data, updated August 9, 2026

559 of the 6036 mammal species mapped on Animal World Map are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List — 9% of the dataset. They are recorded across 7 continents, most of them in Africa.

The species faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild — a step below Critically Endangered, but still on a trajectory that ends badly without intervention.

Where Endangered sits on the scale

Endangered species by continent

A species is counted on every continent where its Red List range description places it, so a wide-ranging animal appears more than once. The totals below therefore add up to more than 559.

How many are left

Population estimates are quoted as the assessments word them, hedges included. Most species in this category have no reliable count at all, and the ones that do are usually stated as a bound rather than a figure — which is why they are not turned into a ranking here.

Abbott's Duiker Cephalophus spadix
Estimated at fewer than 2,500 mature individuals, with a continuing declining trend across most of its fragmented range.
African Savanna Elephant Loxodonta africana
Approximately 350,000-400,000 individuals remaining in the wild, with populations declining in many regions though some southern African populations are stable or increasing
African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus
Approximately 6,600 individuals remaining in the wild (roughly 1,400 mature individuals), with a declining population trend across most range states.
Amami Shrew Crocidura orii
No reliable population estimate exists due to the species' rarity and few documented records.
Amazon River Dolphin Inia geoffrensis
Population estimates vary by region but overall trends show significant decline.
Andean Night Monkey Aotus miconax
No precise global population estimate is available.
Ansell's Shrew Crocidura ansellorum
No reliable population estimate exists.
Asian Elephant Elephas maximus
Approximately 45,000-50,000 individuals remain in the wild, with populations declining in most range states.