THE world is filled with a rich array of biodiversity, but in recent decades, there has been a distinct rise in the number of species that have come under risk due to human activities. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has compiled an annual red list, which indicates that more than 41,000 species are under the threat of extinction.
Here, we decided to focus on 10 of the most unique or familiar species. While most of the creatures mentioned here are larger, mostly land-based species, there are also numerous smaller creatures, including bird or insect species, that are equally as important to their respective ecosystems.
Hopefully this list will serve as a stepping stone for you to discover more about the various creatures who share our planet, and why they all deserve to thrive.
