Since 1996, the amur leopard has been classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered with less than 70 individuals thought to exist today. It is hunted and killed for its beautiful fur, its habitat is being destroyed for human settlement and agricultural practices.
Cross River Gorillas and Mountain Gorillas are both classified as Critically Endangered and Endangered by the IUCN since 1996 – that is two out of five gorilla subspecies. There are currently only 200-300 Cross River Gorillas left in the wild, and 900 Mountain Gorillas.
Two types of sea turtles are amongst the most endangered species in the world: the Hawksbill Turtle and the Leatherback Turtle
In the past 100 years, the Hawksbill Turtle has lost 90 percent of its population, 80 percent of which has been lost in the past 10 years. As of 1996, the IUCN classified it as a critically endangered species. The Leatherback turtle is listed by the IUCN as Vulnerable, yet many subpopulations are facing extinction.
Since the millennium, the Sumatran Orangutan has been classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangeredwith approximately 80% of the population lost in the past 75 years mainly as a result of mass deforestation. This awful trend continues to put pressure on the remaining population of 6,600 Sumatran Orangutans that are estimated to remain on this earth.
In the past 25 years, the Sumatran Elephant has lost an astounding 70% of its habitat to deforestation for palm oil plantations, agriculture and human settlements. Less than 2000 are estimated to exist and in 2011, the Sumatran Elephant was classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered.
In 1992, the discovery of this mystical creature, sometimes referred to as the Asian Unicorn, in Vietnam was hailed one of the most spectacular zoological discoveries of the 20th century. Yet already, this elusive and beautiful animal been deemed by the IUCN to be Critically Endangered and is one of the rarest large mammals to exist on Planet Earth.
With less than 100 thought to exist, the Vaquita is the rarest marine mammal in the world. Time is running out for these elusive little sea porpoises, with extinction predicted as soon as 2018.
The tiger has long been hunted for its distinctive patterned fur. Of the nine tiger subspecies, three are already extinct, many are endangered but it is the South China Tiger and the Sumatran Tiger that currently face the biggest threat to their survival.
Tragically, the South China Tiger is thought to be extinct in the wild as it hasn’t been spotted since the 1970s. The Sumatran Tiger is the only surviving tiger subspecies indigenous to Indonesia and as of 2008 it has been classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered. Less than 500 of these tigers exist today in comparison with a population estimation of up to 1,000 in 1978.
Three of the five species in the family of Rhinocerotidae, are among the most endangered species in the world: the Black Rhino, the Javan Rhino and the Sumatran Rhino. The Javan Rhino is the most threatened with extinction with the total population of only 60 surviving in one National Park in Java, Indonesia. The Sumatran Rhino is Critically Endangered. It has been estimated that less than 100 exist today in the wild. The Black Rhino is classified by the IUCN as Critically Endangered with three subspecies declared extinct in 2011.
Despite their tough appearance, these small, warrior built mammals are losing the battle against poachers and habitat loss. All eight species of pangolin are under threat, ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered. They are the most trafficked animal in the world, hunted for their scales which can be sold on the black market for up to $3,000/kg.
The Persian cat is a well-known name for anyone who is a cat lover, owner or breeder. The Persian is one of the beautiful cat breeds among cats and is known for its friendly nature. Be it the large eyes, the long silky fur or the playful nature, the Persian scores high in every category on the cuteness index. It is also very easy to maintain and does not require constant attention. This breed adjusts very easily with other animals and children in the house making it one of the cutest animals in the world. Cats are one of the friendliest animals in the world.
The word fox may conjure images of hungry packs of animals in your mind, but the Fennec Fox is far from it. It looks more like a cross between a cat and a dog rather than a fox making it one of the cutest animals. The large ears, small body, and large inquisitive eyes further make this animal very huggable. Though it is not a commonly kept pet, it is allowed to be domesticated in some countries and is a very playful and active animal. Baby Fox is one of the cutest baby animals in the world.
3. RABBIT
Anyone who has seen a rabbit has definitely been won over by the stunning looks of this animal. It has a twitchy snout, long ears, cute front teeth and beautiful eyes making it one of the cutest animals one can have as a pet. Perhaps because of this reason, these animals are one of the most popular pets in the world. These furballs come in a large range of colors and patterns and their babies are a sight to behold.
4. POMERANIAN
The Pomeranian is to dogs what the Persian is to cats. Like the Persian cat, this dog breed is one of the most beautiful dog breeds among owners and is also one of the most widely bred dogs. Since they are one of the cutest animals and are very easy going dogs, they are also known as toy dogs. Their thick fur, fluffy tail and teddy bear like face make them very desirable pets. The trend among celebrities to carry around small dogs has further increased the desirability of Pomeranians.
5. RED PANDA
This extremely rare animal is found only on the slopes of the Himalayas and the few who have seen this animal will testify to its cuteness. Though it is called a panda, it is not very closely related to its black and white cousin. The Red Panda has dark reddish to brown fur with white markings, a bushy tail, and short legs. Unlike the Giant Panda, this animal is very small – about the size of a dog – and is a herbivore. The population of the Red Panda is rapidly declining due to habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. It was once very popular to wear clothes made out of Red Panda fur, though that has been banned now. It is also one of the nocturnal animals in the world.
6. ARCTIC FOX
Arctic Fox is an animal that is very well adapted to surviving in one of the most extreme climates on Earth but despite this is one of the cutest animals in the world. It sheds its fur twice a year and one of the color changing animals depending on the season. In winter, the fur is extremely thick and pure white in color while the summer coat is brownish and sparse. The arctic fox has large ears and a thick bushy tail that it uses to shield its body from the cold winds and this ball of fur is the cutest animal you will ever see!
7. KOALA
One of the animals found only in Australia and is one of the few Marsupials left in the world. It looks like a teddy bear, making it one of the cutest animals, though it is not even remotely related to the bear family. The Koala spends most of its time in trees and feeds on leaves of the Eucalyptus plant. Since its diet contains enough moisture, it does not need to drink additional water to survive. In fact, the word ‘Koala’ means ‘no water’. The large nose, round ears, and innocent face have made the Koala one of the most popular attractions in Australia. It is also one of the slowest animals in the world.
8. PYGMY OWL
An owl is not something you would describe as cute, but the Pygmy Owl is sure to turn this conception on its heels. This small bird is found in Europe, North America, and Asia and is one of the smallest species of owls. Like most other owls, this owl too has large eyes and combined with the small body, beautiful patterns on the wings make it one of the cutest animals. These owls are also deadly predators and expertly hunt rabbits, rats and other small animals at night.
9. PENGUIN
A penguin waddling in the ice is perhaps one of the best sights you will ever see and these flightless birds, because of their human-like gait, are one of the cutest animals in the world. Even cuter than average Penguins are little penguins as their small size somehow adds to their cuteness. These little penguins need to be looked after by their parents and will die in the absence of food. In zoos and conservation parks, they are some of the most visited species.
10. HEDGEHOG
This small spiny mammal is one of the cutest animals in the world due to its small size, adorable face and tiny limbs. As is the case with all animals, the babies of hedgehogs are way cuter than the adults and can melt even the hardest hearts. These animals are commonly found in Europe, Asia, and North America and are nocturnal. They are omnivores and do not have many natural predators due to the spines present on their bodies, which deter any animal that dares to eat them.
One of the most beautiful fishes in the world, Clown Fish gains popularity after it appears in the movie animated movie “Finding Nemo”. It is mostly seen in the Indian, Pacific, Red Sea and Australian Great Barrier Reef. Clownfish is one of the most popular small fishes in the world because of its colorful variations.
It can reach up to the size of 2 and 5 inches in length. Also known as anemonefish because it likes to live in the community with sea anemones. The relationship between the two species is known as symbiosis that means they both have benefits mutually. Clownfish used to eat anemonefish leftovers like small pieces of fish and Anemone make use of clownfish in removing f dead tentacles and to increase circulation of water across the body.
12. CHINCHILLA
The cute little creature mostly seen in the South America. The species is adapted mountains and rocky surfaces and prefers at an altitude above 12 000 feet. The nocturnal animal usually active from the dusk to the dawn. One of the cutest animals in the world, Chinchilla usually characterized by its large and round ears with a bushy tail and soft thick fur. Chinchilla are social animals and usually seen in the groups of around 100 members. Also, Chinchillas are vocal animals that produce different sounds like barking, grunting, squealing and chirping sounds while communicating with each other.
Look around you to spot more cute animals. Have you seen any that are cuter and should be on this list of the 10 cutest animals in the world?
Sharks may star in the bloodiest blockbusters and spiders tend to monopolize the phobia department, but when you get down to the facts, neither of these creatures are even close to being the scariest to stalk the planet. In fact, there are many ferocious beasts, both large and small, that are downright deadly. Here, the ten most dangerous animals in the world—and where to find them.
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10. Cape Buffalo
Cape buffalo, which number around 900,000, are a relatively mild species when left alone, preferring to travel in massive herds to graze in early morning and late afternoon hours or to gather around watering holes to stay hydrated. However, if an individual (or its calf) is threatened or wounded, they become the incarnation of their nickname: Black Death. Reportedly responsible for killing more hunters on the continent than any other creature, these behemoths, which can grow up to nearly six feet tall and weigh close to a ton, circle and stalk their prey before charging at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. They’re even known to continue charging no matter where they’re injured and will not hesitate to attack moving vehicles. You don’t want to mess with those horns.
Where to find them: Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kruger National Park in South Africa
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9. Cone Snail
Found in the warm waters in the tropics, these beautiful creatures—instantly recognizable for their highly prized brown-and-white marbled shells—can be seen in shallow depths closer to shore, near coral reefs and rock formations, and beneath sandy shoals. But do not dare to touch the 4- to 6-inch long gastropods: their concealed, harpoon-like “teeth” contain a complex venom known as a conotoxin, making them one of the most venomous species of snails. If you suffer the unlucky fate of becoming one of the handful of people ever stung, head to the emergency room immediately, as there is no antivenin. The toxin stops nerve cells from communicating with one another; so the creature not only causes paralysis within moments, but, per its nickname of “cigarette snail," affords you about enough time to smoke a stick before you die.
The poison dart is a large, diverse group of brightly colored frogs, of which only a handful of species are particularly dangerous to humans. The most deadly, the golden poison dart, inhabits the small range of rain forests along Colombia’s Pacific coast, and grows to around two inches long (roughly the size of a paper clip). Its poison, called batrachotoxin, is so potent that there’s enough in one frog to kill ten grown men, with only two micrograms—roughly the amount that would fit onto the head of a pin—needed to kill a single individual. But what makes the amphibian especially dangerous is that its poison glands are located beneath its skin, meaning a mere touch will cause trouble. Little wonder the indigenous Emberá people have laced the tips of their blow darts used for hunting with the frog’s toxin for centuries. Sadly, deforestation has landed the frog on several endangered lists, but even if you do have a rare sighting when hiking, don’t go reaching for it.
Often found floating (or moving at speeds close to five miles per hour) in Indo-Pacific waters, these transparent, nearly invisible invertebrates are considered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as the most venomous marine animal in the world. Their namesake cubic frames contain up to 15 tentacles at the corners, with each growing as much as 10 feet long, all lined with thousands of stinging cells—known as nematocysts—that contain toxins that simultaneously attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells. While antivenins do exist, the venom is so potent and overwhelming that many human victims, of the hundreds of reported fatal encounters each year, have been known to go into shock and drown or die of heart failure before reaching shore. Even if you are lucky enough to make it to the hospital and receive the antidote, survivors can sometimes experience considerable pain for weeks afterward and bear nasty scars from the creature’s tentacles.
Where to find them: Off the northern coast of Australia
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6. Pufferfish
Pufferfish, also known as blowfish, are located in tropical seas around the globe. Though they’re the second most poisonous vertebrate on the planet (after the golden arrow dart frog), they’re arguably more dangerous as their neurotoxin (called tetrodotoxin) is found in the fish’s skin, muscle tissue, liver, kidneys, and gonads, all of which must be avoided when preparing the creature for human consumption. Indeed, while wild encounters are certainly dangerous, the risk of death from a pufferfish increases when eating it in countries like Japan, where it is considered a delicacy known as fugu and can only be prepared by trained, licensed chefs—even then, accidental deaths from ingestion occur several times each year. The tetrodotoxin is up to 1,200 times more poisonous than that of cyanide, and can cause deadening of the tongue and lips, dizziness, vomiting, arrhythmia, difficulty breathing, muscle paralysis, and, if left untreated, death.
Where to find them: Around Japan, China, and the Philippines
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5. Black Mamba
Though species like the boomslang or the king cobra are dangerous thanks to their respective poisons, the black mamba is especially deadly due to its speed. The species (which can grow up to 14 feet long) is the fastest of all snakes, slithering at speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour, which makes escaping one in remote areas that much more difficult. Thankfully, black mambas usually only strike when threatened—but when they do, they’ll bite repeatedly, delivering enough venom (a blend of neuro- and cardiotoxins) in a single bite to kill ten people. And if one doesn’t receive the correlative antivenin within 20 minutes, the bites are almost 100 percent fatal.
Where to find them: The savannas and rocky areas of southern and eastern Africa
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4. Saltwater Crocodile
Florida's alligators may be scary, but they have nothing on their cousin, the fearsome crocodile, which is more short-tempered, easily provoked, and aggressive towards anything that crosses its path. Of all the species in the world, the largest—and most dangerous—is the saltwater crocodile. These ferocious killers can grow up to 23 feet in length, weigh more than a ton, and are known to kill hundreds each year, with crocodiles as a whole responsible for more human fatalities annually than sharks. Saltwater crocodiles are especially dangerous as they’re excellent swimmers in both salt and freshwater (yes, their name is confusing), and can strike quickly with a bite delivering 3,700 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure, rivaling that of the T. Rex. If that’s not enough to scare you, put it in perspective: humans chomp into a well-done steak at around 200 psi, a mere five percent of the strength of a saltie's jaw.
Where to find them: The Indo-Pacific region ranging from parts of India and Vietnam all the way to northern Australia
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3. Tsetse Fly
Often regarded as the world’s most dangerous fly, the tsetse fly—a small speck of insect that measures between 8 to 17 mm, or about the same size as the average house fly—is commonly found in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially countries in the center of the continent. While the flies themselves are nasty bloodsucking bugs that usually feed during the peak warm hours, their true terror lies in the protozoan parasites they spread known as Trypanosomes. These microscopic pathogens are the causative agent of African Sleeping Sickness, a disease marked by neurological and meningoencephalitic symptoms including behavioral changes, poor coordination, as well as the disturbances in sleeping cycles that give the illness its name. It can cause death if left untreated. While there are no vaccines or medications available to prevent infection, methods of protection include wearing neutral-colored clothing (the tsetse fly is attracted to bright and dark colors, especially blue), avoiding bushes during the day, and using permethrin-treated gear in more remote areas.
Where to find them: The Sudans, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola
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2. Mosquito
Clocking in at just three millimeters at their smallest, the common mosquito, even tinier than the tsetse fly, ranks as the second most dangerous on our list due to the sheer amount of deaths each year attributed to the various pathogens carried by several of the more than 3,000 species around the world. The irritating insects—primarily those from the genera Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex—are the primary vectors of diseases such as malaria, Chikungunya, encephalitis, elephantiasis, yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile virus, and the Zika virus, which collectively afflict an estimated 700 million and kill roughly 725,000 people each year. As the World Health Organization notes, more than half of the human population is currently at risk from mosquito-borne diseases. Given that the pests are attracted to our body temperatures and the CO2 we exhale, our best tools to prevent infection lie in the usage of insect repellents high in active ingredients like DEET and picaridin. You can also avoid risk by traveling to Zika-free countries and coastal cities, of which there are many.
Where to find them: Every region on the planet except Antarctica
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1. Humans
Surprised? After all, we’re animals too, and since we’ve been killing each other for 10,000 years, with the total deaths from war alone estimated at between 150 million and 1 billion (and that was a decade ago), it’s a no-brainer that we top the list. Though human beings are said to be living in the most peaceful period now than at any other time in our history, we still assault each other with incredibly high rates of senseless brutality, from gun violence to terrorist attacks around the globe. We're dangerous to other animals, too—think global warming, the destruction of forests and coral reefs, and overtourism. Given the threat we pose to countless other creatures—and the fact that we often act irrationally and have the capacity to annihilate our entire planet with a host of horrifying weapons like nuclear devices and genetically-modified superbugs—we are squarely atop the list as the most dangerous animal in the world.
