The top ten endangered mammals based on population size and the reasons for their potential extinction:
1. Baiji or Yangtze River Dolphin (Lipotes vexillifer) : With only a few 10s of animals left and the Three Gorges project completing the destruction of their Yangtze habitat, this freshwater dolphin is not expected to survive.
2. Vancouver Island Marmot (Marmota vancouverensis): Ranking in as the most endangered mammal in North America, this endangered species survives in small numbers on Vancouver Island. Captive breeding may save them, if enough habitat is maintained.
3. Seychelles Sheath-tailed Bat (Coleura seychellensis): With a population estimated between 50-100 and decreasing, the cause of decline is unkown. Barn owls, introduced in 1949 are strong suspects in this potential extinction.
4. Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus): Capping out at 60 animals, this species, once widespread in Southeast Asia, is now confined to Java and Vietnam. Habitat destruction and poaching continue, meaning extinction is likely.
5. Hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus): Approximately 110 survivors are threatened by habitat loss and destruction as well has hunting by man and domestic dogs. In northern India and Nepal where they are found, current forestry practice has negatively changed both habitat and seasonal flooding patterns.
6. Northern hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus kreffti): At 113 animals, this wombat is found in New South Wales and Queensland where competition from introduced rabbits, cattle and sheep has caused its decline. Creation of protected areas may prevent extinction but with one small population, a prolonged drought could be the end.
7. Tamaraw or Dwarf Water Buffalo (Bubalus mindorensis):Found only in the Phillipines, the estimated population is somewhere between 30 and 200 animals. Hunting, habitat loss and disease (rinderpest from introduced cattle) are the biggest continuing threats.
8. Iberian Lynx (Lynx pardinus): Ranked the most endangered European mammal species with an estimated population of 120 in Portugal and Spain. Illegal hunting, decline in prey (rabbits), accidental killing by snares and poisons intended for other species and road kills all work against this critically endangered lynx.
9. Red Wolf (Canis rufus): Reintroduced in the US. There are about 150 animals in the wild right now, including a remnant population in Canada. Hunting, poisoning and trapping as well as habitat destruction resulted in present status. Hybridization with coyotes is the present concern.
10. Dwarf blue sheep (Pseudois shaeferi): Rounding out the list with 200 animals, this little mammal is found in China, where overhunting and habitat loss continue to contribute to its slide toward extinction
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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