We’ve gathered a short list of animals going extinct in 2022, but according to the IUCN Red List there’s more than 40,000 species currently threatened with extinction. A species is classified as going extinct if there’s less than 250 mature individuals and the population has declined by 50-70 percent.
Due to human influence from deforestation, industrialisation, global warming, urbanization and the introduction of invasive species, many species have lost much of their natural habitat resulting in huge declines in population.
1. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle
The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle can have a lifespan of 100 years. Due to commercial developments, energy production and increased value of their eggs for consumption, their natural habitat and the quality of their habitat, has been significantly reduced. The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle is one of the critically endangered animals going extinct with so few left in the world.
Extinction Statistics
- Number left in the world: 3
- Native to: Vietnam, China
- Habitat type: Wetlands
2. Mountain Pygmy Possum
The Mountain Pygmy Possum is under threat from commercial developments, road construction and the development of the down hill skiing industry. Their natural habitat has been destroyed or drastically limited causing a decline in population.
Extinction Statistics
- Number left in the world: 2250
- Native to: Australia
- Habitat type: Shrubland
3. Javan Rhinoceros
The Javan Rhinoceros can have a lifespan of 12 years. Due to hunting threats, the remaining Javan Rhinoceros population is limited to the Ujung Kulon National Park in Indonesia. The Javan Rhinoceros is another one of the critically endangered animals going extinct with so few left in the world.
Extinction Statistics
- Number left in the world: 18
- Native to: Indonesia
- Habitat type: Forest
4. Blue Throated Macaw
The Blue Throated Macaw has an average lifespan of 8 years. Due to illegal poaching and over trading in the caged bird industry, population sizes of the macaw have declined significantly. Agriculture has also reduced their natural habit and food source, limiting growth in numbers.
Extinction Statistics
- Number left in the world: 208-303
- Native to: Bolivia
- Habitat type: Forest, Savannah
5. Pygmy Raccoon
The Pygmy Racoon has an unknown lifespan, although other members of the racoon family can typically live up to 16 years. The remaining Pygmy Racoon’s live on Cozumel Island off the coast of Mexico. Due to tourism in the area, their natural habitat has decreased significantly causing causing them to be one of the animals going extinct in 2022.
Extinction Statistics
- Number left in the world: 192
- Native to: Mexico
- Habitat type: Forest
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